Premier hospitality chain, Aitken Spence Hotel Managements’ Heritance brand of properties has been endorsed for its sustainable tourism efforts by the prestigious international recognition – Travelife Gold.

Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Negombo, Heritance Tea Factory and Heritance Ayurveda have been recognized and certified for their continued efforts in enhancing their sustainability footprint in operations, services, awareness creation and guest satisfaction.

Travelife – the international sustainability certification scheme – assesses a hotel’s performance in managing its social, environmental and economic impacts, and in supporting sustainability as part of its hotel marketing and operational strategies. Travelife sustainability certification is a non-profit flagship program that supports tourism destinations, businesses and travelers in implementing innovative solutions for the continuous development of sustainable tourism.

To gain Travelife Gold Certification, the resorts met all criteria with an independent auditor inspection which includes sustainability management systems – the likes of business policies, legislation, community programs, human and financial resources as well as environment management across energy, water, solid waste, pollution, erosion and wildlife. The resorts are also assessed on labor and human resources, community integration, suppliers, and guests.

“As an advocate of responsible tourism, we are proud to announce that Heritance Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka are Travelife Gold certified,” said Stasshani Jayawardena Executive Director Aitken Spence PLC, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements. “This is a reiteration of our longstanding commitment to curate a memorable holiday experience for our guests while ensuring that the impact of our property on the community and planet is a positive one.” Heritance Hotels and Resorts originally received the certification in 2017 and has continued to be recertified over the years. “The recertification confirms our collective dedication to minimizing environmental impact, improving economic and social impacts for people in our community, respecting and protecting human rights and fair labour practices and safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity.”

She further noted that this reflects the ethos behind sustainability that is ingrained into the management and operations of the Aitken Spence Hotels which is driven by a value creation model revolving around strategic pillars, identified by the Company based on long-term aspirations.

Aitken Spence Hotels is part of the Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC and operates 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman, and India. The Company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for their exceptional service and curated lifestyle experiences. The Company’s portfolio includes nine hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, five in the Maldives, four in Oman, and one in India.

Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_23A/Mar19_1679207998CH.php

Given the increase in tourists recorded in July, the Government is growing confident that the tourism industry will see better times in the coming months.

However, the industry itself is not so optimistic; pointing out that recent numbers do not depict the real demography of arrivals and that shortages, especially of fuel and the linked reduction in mobility, remain a major challenge.

From 1-26 July, 39,895 tourists visited the island. The numbers indicate an increase of 7,039 from June and a near 10,000 increase compared to May, which recorded the lowest arrivals, with 30,207 foreign visitors. 

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the top five markets for July in order were the UK (6,557), India (4,510), Germany (2,846), Canada (2,801), and France (2,667). 

SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando said that their immediate concern was ensuring a steady fuel supply to the industry for the coming perahera season. 

“The fuel issued for transportation of tourists has improved in the last two or three days; fuel has been made available through the Army camps and the Sri Lanka Transport Board depots in limited quantities. What we are concerned about is the upcoming perahera season, which has already had around 40,000 bookings made with travel agents. We need to make sure there are no shortcomings during their stay. This is the immediate focus.”

One million expected by end 2022: SLTDA

Fernando said that they expected to see an increase in the number of arrivals to at least 60,000 in August.

“During August we hope that we can get our figures up to about 60,000-65,000 arrivals. This is nothing much when compared with previous years, but under the current circumstances, it is a major improvement. Last month’s arrivals were around 32,000, while we have recorded about 37,000 so far this month. We expect to end July with about 42,000-45,000, so we are hoping to get more than 60,000 in August.”

He said the Government had postponed plans to hold promotion roadshows next month in India as the travel trade was busy with incoming tourists and noted that promotional activities at the end of August would help distance the country from any negative publicity due to the recent political turmoil. 

“We postponed five road shows which were to be held in August in India. We had to postpone these at least till the end of August because the travel agencies and tour operators who want to take part have some other events with the perahera that they are busy with. The end of August will also be a better climate to carry out promotions, especially with the ongoing issues which are receiving wide publicity even in India. Conducting promotions right now can have a negative impact and even nullify what we are planning to achieve.” 

Nevertheless, Fernando was confident of closing the year with an optimistic one million in total arrivals – an increase from the initially expected 800,000 visitors.

“We are planning to end the year with close to one million. Earlier we had set a target of 800,000-850,000 but as things are, we feel that we should be able to get closer to one million. In spite of the travel warnings, the UK tops the list right now for this month’s arrivals. Considering other developed countries like Canada and the US, the flow has been good. We are confident that we will be able to counter most of the negative publicity and get the tourists back for the season starting in November.”

Don’t count expats on holiday: SLAITO

However, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) showed less optimism, pointing out that the increased number of arrivals in July were mostly Sri Lankan diaspora and expats coming for the summer holidays.

“What needs to be understood is that these are the summer holidays for Sri Lankans living in Canada, England, Germany, France, Italy, and Australia. These are all members of the diaspora that have come into Sri Lanka and we haven’t had that many tourists,” SLAITO Executive Member Devindre Senaratne told The Sunday Morning. 

He said the unavailability of basic necessities such as fuel and electricity were the main factors discouraging tourists from visiting. “We are simply not having tourists, because of the power cuts, gas issues, and fuel shortage; it is with great difficulty that we provide transport to our clients. The number that shows about 39,000 is mostly Sri Lankans in those countries who have foreign passports.”  

He said that even August, which usually recorded large numbers, may not be as successful this year. “August is a very popular month for Sri Lanka, especially for family holidays. However, we will be restricted to handling the minimum because we are not promoting. Tour operators abroad don’t aggressively promote us but they serve clients who really want to come to Sri Lanka. Obviously we will have a decline compared to previous years.”

He asserted that tour operators were reluctant to promote Sri Lanka as they were unable to provide full service due to the shortages in the country. 

“We cannot promote at the moment because Sri Lanka has no power, no gas, and limited stocks of fuel. It is with the greatest difficulty that we provide the full service to the client. We somehow manage the issues internally and provide uninterrupted services. But by any chance if we have a larger number, we won’t be able to serve them. 

“It is not that we don’t want tourists to come but the tour operators don’t want to take the risk of aggressively selling and bringing big numbers if we can’t provide proper service in the country. There is also the issue of travel warnings against Sri Lanka in the major tourism generating markets like England, Germany, and so on.”

However, he opined that the industry would remain persistent in uplifting tourism in the coming months.  

Govt. to blame: THASL

Hoteliers too are not organising promotional activities due to the current economic and political instability.  

“We are not doing promotions right now, but if the country’s situation stabilises both economically and politically, the people who have made bookings for the coming weeks and months will start to arrive. We expect that there won’t be any cancellations, but this depends on how the country behaves in the next couple of days,” The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President M. Shanthikumar said. 

Contradicting the SLTDA Chairman, Shanthikumar alleged that authorities had failed to provide fuel to the hotels, causing significant hardships in their tourism activities. 

“The hotels are facing a major issue of procuring fuel. Whatever the promises given by the Government and the authorities have not worked. The Government said that its depots and the military camps were to provide us with fuel, but it has not happened; we have not been able to get fuel this way. The hotel owners have to find ways to get diesel to run their generators and fuel for transport. We keep on asking the Government to assist us in getting fuel, but up to now help has not come.”

Source: https://www.themorning.lk/tourism-industry-gradual-increase-amid-challenges/

Aitken Spence Travels proved their commitment to uphold exemplary benchmarks in occupational health and safety by becoming the first destination management company in Sri Lanka to receive the ISO 45001: 2018 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management certification. 

Certified by the SGS United Kingdom Ltd., the scope covered in the assessment includes destination management services, inbound tourism and activities including support services carried out at Aitken Spence Travels. 

This is just one of the ways Aitken Spence Travels adds greater value to its stakeholders and sets benchmarks in the industry. An OHS management system focuses on establishing ongoing, systemic measures to identify and control OHS hazards and risks (including system deficiencies) in the working environment to safeguard the wellbeing of all stakeholders.

“This is yet another important step towards affirming to our employees, customers, partners and other key stakeholders on the value we place on occupational health and safety and our continuous efforts to improve and offer the best services in the industry. I thank the management team for their continuous support and dedication towards achieving this certification which is commendable” commented Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera.

This is one of the many certifications obtained by Aitken Spence Travels. The company maintains the Travelife Partnership Certification for the operations keeping in line with global sustainable tourism practices and has a longstanding partnership with TUI. Aitken Spence Travels was also the first destination management company to obtain ISO 9001:2008. Furthermore, the company’s operations are ISO 14001:2015 certified for their efforts towards environmental impact control.

Aitken Spence Travels, part of the diversified blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC, is a joint venture with TUI Travel PLC, the world’s largest integrated tourism company. The Group’s destination management arm handles inbound and outbound tour packages for groups, FIT (Free Independent Travellers) and the MICE segments (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) which operates in a highly competitive and tumultuous business environment.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Aitken-Spence-Travels-first-to-be-certified-for-Occupational-Health-and-Safety/27-733660

1. Entering into the country via airports and seaports

a. Fully vaccinated persons who have obtained recommended doses of COVID- 19 vaccine and depart two weeks after obtaining the vaccine are exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

b.  Children of twelve years to eighteen years, if depart two weeks after obtaining at least a single dose of Pfizer/Modern a  Vaccine,  will be considered  as  Fully  Vaccinated  and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

c. Persons who have taken at least a single dose of a two-dose vaccine and after vaccination had COVID- 19 infection during the past six months will be considered as fully vaccinated and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

d. Persons who had COVID -19 infection within past six months and after the infection taken a single dose of a two-dose vaccine will be considered as fully vaccinated and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

e. Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated persons of 12 years and above should mandatorily carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report done within 72 hours prior to embarkation OR Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) report done within 48 hours prior to embarkation. Self-swabs are not allowed. They will be exempted from on arrival (Day One test).

f. Persons with a history of COVID-19 infection more than 6 months before date of departure with a single dose of a two-dose vaccine are NOT considered as fully vaccinated and should arrive with a negative pre-boarding COVID-19 test. They will be exempted from on arrival (Day One test).

g. Children below 12 years are exempted from pre-boarding COVID-19 testing.

h. Submission of Health Declaration Form is not required

i. The compliance to the entry requirements should be ensured by the operating airline prior to boarding of passengers. The vaccination certificate/PCR or RAT test report should be checked for above entry requirements.

2. On arrival PCR/RAT

a. On arrival PCR or Rapid Antigen Test is NOT required for persons arriving by air who are considered as fully vaccinated or arriving with a negative Covid-19 test (PCR/RAT) report as stipulated in section 1.                                     .

3. Quarantine requirement

a. No quarantine requirement for persons arriving by air who are considered as fully vaccinated or arriving with a negative Covid-19 test (PCR/RAT) as stipulated in section 1.

4. Seafarers/sea marshals/passengers arriving via seaports

a. Vaccination and COVID-19 test requirement in Section 1 is applicable to Seafarers/sea marshals/passengers arriving via seaports.

b. However, considering the practical situation, pre-boarding COVID-19 testing is exempted for persons who are not fully vaccinated. They should undergo mandatory on arrival COVID 19 rest (PCR or RAT).

c. If the CT value of the on arrival COVID-19 PCR test is 30 or below, should isolate for 7 days.

If the CT value is >30, can be released without isolation. Sri Lankan nationals can isolate in their residence. Foreign nationals should isolate at an Intermediate Care Centre managed by private hospital/ Safe and Secure Certified Hotel/at their residence if available.

d. No quarantine required for T2 years and above if fully vaccinated OR if on arrival COVID- 19  test is negative.

e. Children below 12 years are exempted from COVID-19 testing (pre-boarding & on arrival) and quarantine.

5. General measures

a. The original vaccination certificate / vaccination card /verifiable evidence of vaccination, PCR test report/ RAT test report should be produced. If the above documents are not in English language, should produce an English Translation together with the original certificate/card/test report.

b.  Persons with COVID-19 infection should depart from their country to travel to Sri Lanka after 7  days of onset of COVID 19 infection.  They should carry a diagnosis card or verifiable evidence or  positive COVID 19 rest report (PCR/RAT) as a oroof of past history of illness.

c.  Full y vaccinated status – IN taken a two-dose  vaccine  (Pfizer, Sinopharm,  Moderna, AstraZeneca  etc.)  or  recommended  combination  of  vaccine  (e. p.  Pfizer,  Moderna, AstraZeneca) or if taken a single dose vaccine (e. g. Janssen etc.) and depart two weeks after obtaining the vaccine.

d. Foreign National passport holders must have an insurance cover for at least USD 50,000 including cover for hospitalized treatment for COVID-19 infection. The intended period of stay in Sri Lanka and additional 14 days should be covered by the insurance.

e. If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-1 9 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in an approved Private hospital/Intermediate Care Centre managed by the private hospital/safe and secure certified hotel where they are staying/if available, in their residence. Sri Lankan nationals can isolate at home.

This guideline is effective for the persons arriving in Sri Lanka via airports or seaports from 00:00 Hrs on 18^th of April 2022 and persons who have already arrived.

Source: https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/coporate/emergency-news-detail/525

CBi in Sri Lanka together with its partners handed over equipment recently targeting 126 participants representing 100 MSMEs

UNDP SL Sureka Perera at the handover ceremony held in the Hambantota district

• Over 100 MSMEs in the Southern Province receive support to strengthen resilience against disasters

Tourism is a vital economic sector for Sri Lanka, employing 250,000 persons directly and up to two million persons indirectly, and accounting for 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, over the past three years, the sector has suffered multiple crises from the 2019 Easter attacks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Realising the need to build the resilience of the industry to face shocks, the Connecting Business Initiative (CBi), a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), supported by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) has launched the ‘Building Disaster Resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Tourism Sector of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka’ project. 

The project works with key stakeholders and institutions such as the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Ruhunu Tourism Bureau, Galle, Matara and Hambantota District Chambers, and the National Craft Council of the Southern Provincial office. 

With the aim of developing institutional mechanisms and to forge partnerships with the private sector to promote MSMEs of the Southern Coastal Belt to diversify livelihoods and prepare for disasters, the project allows these businesses to continue operations even in the face of emergencies. 

Working together with private sector organisations in the tourism industry such as Aitken Spence Hotel and Travels, Booking.com, Pantala Ltd., among others, a series of capacity building and training programs have been completed within the Southern Province. 

As such, a key outcome of this project is to distribute equipment and tools to support MSMEs, improve and optimise the tourism value chain and thus, diversify businesses and increase incomes. To this end, the Connecting Business Initiative in Sri Lanka together with its partners recently handed over equipment targeting 126 participants representing 100 MSMEs of which 50% of beneficiaries are women.  

Accordingly, three handover ceremonies took place last week in the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota at the Hall de Galle, Matara District Chambers of Commerce, and the Hambantota District Chambers of Commerce respectively. Present at the event were 13 National Craft Councils (NCCs) and 39 organisations from the Hambantota District Chambers of Commerce, including representatives from APAD and UNDP in Sri Lanka.  

Speaking at the ceremony in Hambantota, Shihana Maas of Duncan Murray guesthouse stated: “I was struggling to continue running my guesthouse due to fewer visitors because of COVID-19, but this project has given invaluable support, providing trainings and equipment to help me continue operating and face any challenges in the future.” 

Highlighting UNDP’s overall support to the project, UNDP Sri Lanka Programme Quality and Design Analyst, Climate and Environment Team Sureka Perera stated: “UNDP is keen to build back tourism as a resilient and sustainable industry, which is a key foreign exchange contributor and critical to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Capacity development is vital to the resuscitation of the sector and is a core area of UNDP’s support while ensuring the sector is gender and youth inclusive, to ensure we leave no one behind.”

Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce Operations Manager Ajith Liyanage noted: “this initiative was a collaborative effort. The smooth project coordination enabled support to communities in a timely manner and which has greatly benefited the targeted MSMEs.” 

The partnership between the global Connecting Business Initiative, with UNDP and A-PAD Sri Lanka signifies the critical importance of the tourism sector to Sri Lanka’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery, building disaster resilience, providing assets to add value to businesses and encouraging MSMEs to continue operations, even amidst challenging times.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Strengthening-resilience-of-MSMEs-in-the-tourism-sector/27-733351

The first and second days of the second stage of the event were reserved for Medical and Equipment checking, where the participants signed themselves up for registration, and check their gear and equipment prior to the event, such as canoeing and archery. They were also mesmerized by the beautiful surroundings of Sigiriya and the interesting geographical backdrop. The second stage  of the Adventure challenge included Trail running, canoeing, Bike & Run, the escape game, where they  searched for clues and answered  questions in specific locations. 214 participants took part in the second edition where they had an exclusive and mesmerizing experience.

Overall, 600 participants took part in this adventure tournament which was held in two stages, where the first stage took place from 13 – 23, March 2022 while the second stage took place from 28 March – 6 April 2022.  An international media crew joined the Raid Amazones team especially for this purpose to give a full coverage of the events taking place. Raid Amazones was the largest sports Tourism event to be held in Sri Lanka after the Covid 19 Pandemic. It is anticipated through events such as these, the positive message that ‘’Sri Lanka is a safe destination to travel ‘’ will be spread across the world. The Raid Amazones originates from France where it is an all-female challenge who compete their way through a range of challenges such as orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, riding, running and archery typically against the backdrop of an exotic tourist destination. Therefore, the contest not only allows participants to put their skills to test but discover the unique landscape, people and culture of a given host country.

Raid Amazones is also the World’s Largest Female only adventure challenge with events held around the world.

This year’s event paid homage to Sri Lanka and its iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, the surrounding areas of which played backdrop to the event. Raid Amazones 2022 was a collaborative effort of several local partners including Sri Lankan Airlines, Connaissance De Ceylan , Theme Resorts , and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. 

Source: https://srilanka.travel/travel-news&news=869&section=travel

Being welcomed by the Tourist Information Centre officers, SLTPB

They also admired the artwork and murals in Sri Lankan temples and also had an exclusive view way and beyond the city of Colombo from the Lotus Tower. They found the perfect opportunity to do a tour around Colombo and capture the images of the best locations in the dynamic and busy surroundings. They also had a visit to the museum, where they admired the cultural heritage which had been preserved from the ancient times. This was a great opportunity for them to promote Sri Lanka’s best locations in their respective publications. 

South Korea Media Jornalists with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Assistant Director Marketing (South Korea ) Thanuja Muniweera and Tourism Information Center officers.

Visitors with the Souvenirs handed over to them

During their outstation visit, they also had the opportunity of visiting the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, where they worshipped the place as well as managing to capture a few good shots of the location. Afterwards they visited Sigiriya , and witnessed the talent of the local artists of  the ancient times . They were mesmerized by the brilliant artwork, innovation and creativity expressed by the ancient Sri Lankan architecture, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings nearby, inclusive of the beautiful greenery, lakes and endless landscapes creating a beautiful picture to behold. They also paid a visit to the Dambulla cave temple on their way and also experienced the traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Regarding these two publications, The Korea Herald is the most popular daily English newspaper in the republic of Korea and the country’s sole member of the Asia News Network (ANN). The publication has a large viewership and is available in both online and offline, distributing the content to over 80 countries around the world including Japan, China and the USA. The primary audience of the Korea Herald includes government officials and executives, office workers, students and foreign residents in the Republic of Korea. 

Elle Korea is a premium international fashion magazine in the ROK, with a focus on number of areas such as entertainment, fashion, runway, beauty, love and life, diet, events, shopping and interiors. Elle Korea magazine is the monthly publication with a viewership of over 2million in the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. Considering these facts this FAM Tour will be the ideal opportunity to promote Sri Lanka as an exclusive holiday destination in Korea as well as across the world. 

Sigiriya

Anuradhapura

Capturing the exotic wildlife

Wildlife Safari

Turtle Hatchery

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Source: https://srilanka.travel/travel-news&news=868&section=travel

600 participants are taking part in this adventure challenge which is held in two stages, where the first stage took place from 16 – 22 March 2022 while the second stage is scheduled to be held from 27 March – 6 April 2022.  The participants were able to get a unique experience getting a breath-taking view of the surroundings and engaging with the local community while they were on their adventure mission. The athletes were equally stunned by the unique hospitality and warm smile of the Sri Lankans and the simplicity of the simple rural life, and were more than happy to take part in the local activities which were organised specially for them, such as spending time with students of a local school, participating in a cooking demonstration and enjoying a game of cricket.  An international media crew has joined the Raid Amazones team specially to give a full coverage of the events taking place till the 6^th of April 2022. The first stage featured 253 contestants and 63 staff, while the second round will feature 216 contestants, also including 63 staff members, and will include six doctors, a rescue crew, rescue swimmers, photographers and videographers.

canoeing

bike and run

An ideal backdrop

The inauguration and the opening of the Raid Amazones 2022 started off under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Tourism, Prasanna Ranatunga, in Sigiriya . The first day of the event included trail running where they were able to explore the nature and the greenery around enjoying every moment of it as they participated in the event. On their arrival in Sigiriya , they were given a warm welcome at the Aliya resort, Sigiriya where they had the chance of enjoying a few cultural performances as well as the local hospitality. The 2^nd day included canoeing in the lake, whereas the 3^rd day consisted of the bike run, enjoying and admiring the picturesque scenery as they rode along, encouraged by the locals. On the 4^th day the participants climbed up the ancient Sigiriya rock and were able to view the breath-taking surroundings far beyond and going on a safari, and exploring the exotic wildlife. This also included the activities looking for clues and answering questions in specific locations.  The 5^th and final day included mountain biking and engaging with the local community at the same time. On the final day the participants were involved in a variety of adventure activities, and were given a medal each at the end of the tournament as a token of appreciation for their courageous participation. As it was the final day of the 1^st stage, the female athletes posed for a group photo and as it was their final day and had to take the departure to the BIA the participants were rather emotional which showed how much they had enjoyed their stay in Sri Lanka. This once again confirms the definition of Sri Lanka as a paradise island, with its myriad of travel opportunities, easy accessibility of locations and the heart-warming smile of its people. The positive note which the first batch of participants in the Raid Amazones 2022 is of course bound to encourage interested travellers to select their ideal holiday destination. 

waiting to start

The final point

Having an enjoyable time

Raid Amazones is a popular annual adventure trail originating from France, where the event features French female athletes who compete their way through a range of challenges such as orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, riding, running and archery typically against the backdrop of an exotic tourist destination. Therefore, the contest not only allows participants to put their skills to test but discover the unique landscape, people and culture of a given host country. This year’s event pays homage to Sri Lanka and its iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, the surrounding areas of which will play backdrop to the event. Sri Lankan Airlines emerges as the official Airline partner for Raid Amazones 2022, and have also decorated a special aircraft with artwork highlighting Sigirya, the thematic icon of this year’s edition. Raid Amazones 2022 comes up as a collaborative effort of several local partners, including Sri Lankan Airlines and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Expressions of unity and friendship

Source: https://srilanka.travel/travel-news&news=863&section=travel

Aitken Spence Travels, the leading destination management company (DMC) in Sri Lanka working in partnership with TUI Kazakhstan, welcomed its first flight for the winter season from Kazakhstan yesterday. 

Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, will be operating three flights per week every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and has a capacity of 160 passengers. The flights will continue until April 2022. All travellers booked through Aitken Spence Travels are fully-vaccinated travellers, travelling for the purpose of leisure holidays.

Accommodation has been booked mainly in four-to-five-star hotels, with several selected luxury hotel properties also being purchased. Aitken Spence Travels has secured bookings for over 30 properties so far, and the number is likely to increase to 50 by the peak of the season. The clients have booked excursions to the cultural triangle, Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Yala and whale watching.

Commenting on this flight operation from Kazakhstan, Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera said: “On 17 November in Almaty – Kazakhstan a workshop was held which was followed by a grand launch ceremony promoting ‘Destination Sri Lanka’. The event was patronised by over 250 travel agents and dignitaries in the tourism industry who were privy to the Destination Sri Lanka presentation. We are currently in discussion with the authorities to increase the number of flights per week by the end of December enabling more tourists to visit Sri Lanka.”

“Our longstanding relationship with TUI, the largest integrated tourism management company in the world, has provided a plethora of opportunities for the tourism industry in Sri Lanka by positioning Sri Lanka as a destination in their network,” further commented Jayasundera.

Once again, tour operators and DMCs have aided the tourism industry’s recovery by intervening to secure flights to Sri Lanka; working relentlessly to present a favourable image of Destination Sri Lanka in the eyes of travel agents and potential markets interested in visiting Sri Lanka.

Aitken Spence Travels, as a leading tour operator, is delivering a steady stream of tourists to Sri Lanka at a critical juncture in the country’s and tourism industry’s efforts to promote the destination as a safe holiday destination. All required precautions are taken to ensure that all health and safety protocols are followed, assuring the safety of the guides, chauffeurs, and guests throughout the tours.

“This airline operation is a step in the road to recovery of the tourism industry. We are hopeful that the numerous stakeholders, such as accommodation providers, guides, excursion providers, chauffeurs, etc. will gain and contribute to the country’s economic recovery,” said Aitken Spence Travels.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Aitken-Spence-Travels-welcomes-travellers-from-Kazakhstan/44-726844