Source: https://www.dailynews.lk/2024/06/13/sports/568523/travel-trade-cricket-sixes-on-july-7/

July in many parts of Asia can be incredibly hot and humid, but there are several destinations across the continent where you can escape the intense heat and enjoy a more temperate climate. From the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas to the lush highlands of Southeast Asia, these destinations offer a perfect escape from the intense summer heat. Here are some of the best July destinations in Asia for a cooler summer.

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as Little England, is a charming hill station located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Known for its tea plantations, colonial-era bungalows, and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya offers a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat. In July, temperatures here range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).

Photo courtesy: Canva

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a cultural and historical hub known for its cooler climate, lush greenery, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. In July, temperatures in Kandy typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The city’s vibrant festivals, including the Esala Perahera, which often takes place in July or August, add to its allure.

Connect with Aitken Spence Travels at https://www.aitkenspencetravels.com/ to book your next summer vacation

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/best-july-destinations-in-asia-for-a-cooler-summer/photostory/111024561.cms?picid=111024571

The event commenced on May 22 at the Hotel Ramada Colombo.

The delegation’s visit began with a comprehensive networking session to foster collaboration and enhance the network between Sri Lankan travel agencies and their counterparts. This initiative was a move to promote pilgrim tours, highlighting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Buddhist travellers.

On May 23, the delegation participated at the lighting ceremony at the Gangaramaya Temple. The lighting ceremony symbolises enlightenment and peace, providing the guests with a firsthand experience of the island’s vibrant Vesak festivities.

Following the Vesak celebration, the delegation embarked on a Familiarisation Tour starting from May 24. This tour covered the significant Buddhist temples across the country, permitting the guests to explore and appreciate the historical and spiritual significance of these sacred sites. Key stops on the tour included the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

The primary objective of this program was to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual ambiance, thereby encouraging an increase in the number of pilgrim tourist arrivals.

Source: https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2024/06/16/business/25401/sri-lanka-tourism-hosts-indian-travel-agents-and-influencers/

Sri Lanka has seen an influx of tourists, with over 43,000 visitors arriving in the first 13 days of June, pushing the cumulative number of arrivals this year to over 940,000. 

According to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 43,227 visitors arrived between 1 to 13 June, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to 940,006 travellers. The top tourist-generating markets for June so far include India, UK, and China.  Although SLTDA forecasts an influx of 148,695 tourists for the month, industry analysts said observing the average arrival trends it was unlikely.  They also pointed out that the industry has not surpassed 150,000 monthly arrivals or met its monthly targets since March.

India remains the largest single source market YTD, contributing 167,981 visitors. Russia follows with 112,043 arrivals, the UK with 83,561, Germany with 67,162 and China with 58,336 visitors.

Sri Lanka Tourism aims to attract 2.3 million visitors and generate over $ 4 billion in income for 2024. 

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/First-13-days-of-June-see-over-43-000-tourist-arrivals/44-763165

The accomplishment marks a striking growth, a milestone previously reached only in August of the preceding year. This landmark was achieved with the arrival of 3,374 tourists on 1 June, which pushed the cumulative figure to 900,153. It underscores the substantial progress made in the tourism sector, reflecting high interest and engagement with Sri Lanka as a favoured destination for travellers.

During the first five days of June alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 15,666 tourists, pushing the year-to-date (YTD) figure to 912,445 visitors. 

For 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) forecasts 2.3 million arrivals and an income of $ 4 billion. 

From 1 to 5 June, India, the UK and China emerged as the leading source markets. In addition, tourists were welcomed from Bangladesh, Australia, Germany, the US, Russia, Maldives and France.

The SLTDA is anticipating an influx of 148,695 tourists for June 2024. 

Despite these promising numbers, the industry has not met its monthly targets in 2024 and not crossed 150,000 arrivals since March. 

India continues to maintain its position as the single biggest source market year-to-date (YTD) and has now contributed over 160,000 visitors. The top three YTD markets include India (160,184), Russia (111,170) and the UK (81,446). 

However, the industry analysts acknowledged that the uptick in tourist numbers compared to 2023 is a positive sign for tourism sector, which is crucial for the country’s economic recovery and growth. “Despite the seasonal trend of low arrivals, boost in numbers will spark optimism within industry stakeholders,” they added. 

Sri Lanka Tourism has also stepped up its efforts during this lean season, launching a global PR and digital campaign in 15 markets to woo more visitors.

During the first four months of 2024, earnings from tourism rose by 92% to over $ 1.25 billion. The strong performance highlights the resilience and appeal of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Tourist-arrivals-exceed-900-000/44-762825

The delegation comprises of Destination Management Companies, (Leisure and MICE) leading hotels & resorts, homestays, tour operators and other service providers from Sri Lanka. The industry stakeholders will engage in B2B interactions with their industry peers in each city.

Further, this series of B2B Roadshows will provide an opportunity to highlight the country’s vision, new tagline and the future tourism development plans. Furthermore, this event will provide a platform to the local delegates to interact with Key Influencers, Corporates, MICE Agents, Trade Associations, and others Service Providers.

Source: https://www.traveldailynews.asia/meetings-events/sri-lanka-tourism-hosts-b2b-roadshows-in-india/

This was down from US$ 225.7 million in April but up from US$ 100.0 million a year ago when the trade was recovering from repeated crises.

This was an 86.9 percent increase from US$ 752.1 million earned in the same period last year from 524,486 travellers.

Arrivals total 15,666 from June 1 – 5 

The reduced rate of tourist arrivals continued into June due to the off season, leading Sri Lanka to welcome 15,666 international visitors in the first five days of the month.
Provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that stakeholders expected the 900,000 tourist mark to be crossed by end May, the milestone was reached on June 1. 
The daily arrival average has dropped to the levels of 3,100. 

India continues to dominate as the largest tourist traffic generator for Sri Lanka. In June, so far, the neighbouring giant accounted for 27.7 percent of total arrivals.
Ranking second is the United Kingdom, contributing to 8.7 percent of the total arrivals.
In third place is China, accounting for 6.8 percent, while Bangladesh is in fourth place bringing in 5.5 percent of the total arrivals.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business/Tourism-trade-remains-robust-despite-seasonal-softening-in-May/215-284463

I thought he was mad. Admittedly they look a bit strange, with their long, hairless white snouts, but my main reference for them was Baloo, the easy-going bear who brings up Mowgli in The Jungle Book. Then I googled. Immediately a series of alarming reports popped up from India — the only country apart from Sri Lanka where sloth bears are native. In November 2022 a sloth bear in Tamil Nadu had attacked three men including a vegetable seller, “furiously trying to bite off his face”. Another report described a couple “mauled to death” on their way home from a temple. Then there was the notorious sloth bear of Mysore, which killed 12 people. Under the video someone had posted the comment: “Happy New Year everyone! What is your New Year’s resolution? Mine is to stay away from sloth bears.”

So I was rather relieved when I arrived at the Hilton Yala Resort and Sajith (Saj) Withanage, the head ranger, told me it was the wrong time of year for sloth bears. The best months to see them are May and June, when the palu berries fruit and the bears get high on sugar.

This park’s main claim to fame is leopards. Yala has the world’s highest density of leopards, the most elegant of big cats and a species I had never seen in the wild. There are also quite a few elephants, creatures that never fail to make me smile. I had already spent a week in Sri Lanka and was smitten. I don’t think I have ever been to a friendlier country or one of such lush greenery and mouthwatering food.

Read more: https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/sri-lanka/wildlife-safari-yala-national-park-sri-lanka-gqtzpnlc6

Sri Lanka is too often described as “little India”. But on arrival in Colombo, I had to disagree. I have spent a lot of time in India’s capital, Delhi, and the chaotic cities of Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai. In comparison, Colombo feels dreamlike, an oasis of candyfloss-pink skies, intimate establishments and abundant nature. These elements, along with the city’s ancient trees and myriad sounds, are what you notice first: the constant swish-swish of sweeping, the honks echoing from brightly coloured tuk-tuks and the unmistakable whooping of the ruby red-eyed koel birds. Colombo lacks the crowds and crush of Indian cities and is a wonderful, relaxed place to wander and explore.

Each district has a distinct feel. There’s Kompagngna Veediya (a suburb previously known as Slave Island), sandwiched between Beira Lake and the ocean, which has mildewed pastel façades, retro signage, abandoned cinemas and cafés celebrating Jaffna cuisine. Or there’s Colombo 7, further inland, with wide boulevards where winding roots anchor colossal ancient trees into the ground, upending pavements with the sheer power of nature. Too many visitors land at Colombo airport and move on immediately. Here’s why you should linger in the city.

Where to walk

Due to regeneration projects, Galle Face Green, Colombo’s oceanside promenade, was off-limits for some time last year, but it is fully open for seaside strolls and shopping once again. You can expect hawkers and after-dusk weekend stalls selling kites, balloons and isso vade, a popular Sri Lankan street food of spicy lentil patties and fresh prawns. Colombo residents speak of this snack with much fondness.

Away from the crowds, my favourite neighbourhood to get lost in is the leafy area known as Colombo 7. It stretches from the bright white dome of Colombo Town Hall to the peaceful Jawatte Jummah Masjid mosque. With a high concentration of perfectly manicured cricket grounds and hundreds of immense banyan and ficus trees, this part of the city is one of the greenest. Put your phone away and follow your instincts.

What to see

Since hailing a tuk-tuk during one of Colombo’s downpours is near impossible, I chanced upon the uplifting art of Minal Wickrematunge during a rain-soaked walk from Independence Square to Horton Placewhen I passed a street emblazoned with her art. After finding her Instagram account, I soon learnt that her bold creations were on display around the city, often splashed across walls, café interiors and art spaces. Her works showcase misrepresented Sri Lankan women with the aim of “reclaiming and decolonising the way women are depicted”, she says. She is part of the Fearless Collective, a growing art movement of female artists from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and her newest piece, designed and executed in conjunction with the activist Vicky Shahjahan, can be viewed in Kompagngna Veediya (fearlesscollective.org).

Read more: https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/what-to-see-in-colombo-city-sri-lanka-tvpjq7hsz

Holding Fort: The Galle Fort was star-shaped as the strategy of the times demanded it. A star fort, or trace italienne, is a fortification designed to withstand cannon fire, when gunpowder became the decisive factor in a battle. The Moon Bastion, designed in arrow shapes, ensures comprehensive defence from all angles, equipped with crenelations for large cannons.

Now, in peacetime, the fort’s 14 bastions offer a panoramic vista of the sea from its coastal power position. The 130-acre, 3,490-year-old fort is a mini-town in itself; its ramparts lined with ancient houses, basilicas, boutiques and restaurants protected by the tropical sun by terracotta-tiled roofs. Descending from the ramparts, a leisurely stroll along the fort’s well-organised streets will take you by gabled houses with tiled gambrel roofs which reflect hybrid colonial building style. Venture towards Flag rock Bastion, situated at the fort’s southernmost edge. En route, pass an array of enchanting boutiques, cafes, and gelaterias, where your inner shopaholic comes to life

Read more: https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/travel/2024/Jun/08/exploring-galle-from-forts-to-culinary-delights-in-sri-lankas-coastal-town