The SLAITO, formally known as the Association of Group Tour Agents (AGTA), established in 1975, is an approved association of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The SLAITO consists of over 200 DMCs in the formal tourism sector and destination management companies. 

The SLAITO plays an integral role in all important private sector decision-making forums and has representations on the governing boards of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourist Hotel Management (SLITHM) and Tourism Industry Skills Council.

The event was attended by SLTDA and SLTB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and SLCB and SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, presidents of tourism associations: THASL, SLAPCEO, ASMET, tourism authorities and members of the SLAITO.    

The following office bearers were elected at the SLAITO AGM for the year 2024/2025: Nalin Jayasundera of Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt.) Ltd, – President, Nishad Wijetunga of Wayfarers Ltd – Immediate Past President, Bobby Jordan Hansen of Columbus Tours (Pvt.) Ltd – Vice President, Gayangi Wirasinha of Abercrombie & Kent (Pvt.) Ltd – Vice President, Charith de Alwis of Tangerine Tours (Pvt.) Ltd and Nalaka Amaratunga of Walkers Tours Ltd – Hony. Secretary. 

In his inaugural speech, Jayasundera stated that the SLAITO members are responsible for generating more than 70 percent of tourist arrivals in the formal tourism sector and spend over Rs.2 billion per annum for global destination promotions in addition to the TDL contribution. He welcomed the government’s decision to recognise the private sector-driven tourism industry as a priority industry and pledged the support of the SLAITO to achieve the government’s target of four million tourist arrivals with a revenue of US $ 9 billion by year 2030. 

He insisted on the immediate launch of the global tourism marketing campaign and the completion of important infrastructure development projects such as the airport expansion and the Colombo-Kandy highway. 

He highlighted the importance of creating a level playing field for all tourism stakeholders by regulating and facilitating the activities of all enterprises involved in tourism, all the line ministries working together with cohesion and better understating, introducing sustainable best practices and formulating strategies to address the human resource issue related to tourism to ensure benefits from tourism for the national economy. 

He stated the need to get the marketing right; if not, Sri Lanka would be the best kept secret in world tourism. To create the demand, the importance of working together with the foreign tour operators, national carrier and other airlines and the major role to be played by the diplomatic missions were emphasised. The SLAITO is confident of working together with all the stakeholders to achieve the arrival and revenue targets prior to 2030 and make tourism the number one foreign exchange earner for the country.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/SLAITO-elects-Nalin-Jayasundera-as-new-President/273-293844

Aitken Spence Travels, the leading destination management company in Sri Lanka, once again showcased its commitment to excellence by securing two prestigious awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024. 

This is the second consecutive year the company has been recognised as the Leading Travel Agent – Inbound and Leading Cruising Travel Agent, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the region’s travel and tourism sector.

The SATA Awards are renowned for recognising exceptional achievements and contributions in the travel and hospitality industry throughout South Asia. This year’s event featured intense competition; however, Aitken Spence Travels emerged victorious due to its steadfast commitment to delivering outstanding services and crafting unforgettable experiences for travellers.

Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera expressed his gratitude for these esteemed accolades, stating, “This recognition is evidence to the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go the extra mile to deliver outstanding travel experiences. It motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry.”

“Our team’s dedication to creating exceptional travel experiences, commitment to excellence and innovation in the travel industry continues to set us apart and we are excited to build on this success as we look to the future,” commented Aitken Spence PLC Head of Tourism Sector Stasshani Jayawardena. 

Supported by a vast network of partners and a team of dedicated professionals, Aitken Spence Travels transforms every journey into an unforgettable adventure. As the company looks ahead, it remains steady in its pursuit of excellence and is committed to continuous innovation to cater to the evolving needs of travellers around the globe.

Press Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Aitken-Spence-Travels-wins-double-awards-at-SATA-2024/273-293673

Aitken Spence Travels, the foremost destination management company in Sri Lanka, welcomed the inaugural special flight from Uzbekistan for the Winter 2023/24 season to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) recently. Operated by ‘Uzbekistan Airways’, the national career of Uzbekistan, the flight brought nearly 200 Uzbek holidaymakers to Sri Lanka.

Throughout their stay, the visitors could enjoy the golden sandy beaches of the southern belt and explore the country via different excursions. From luxurious 4 and 5 star accommodation options to charming boutique properties along the coastal area, guests are expected to experience the true essence of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, stated that “The operation was made possible through our strategic partnership with the leading Uzbekistan tour operator after conducting several meetings. During these visits we held comprehensive destination presentations to educate and enhance agents’ product knowledge. Further familiarisation tours to the agents to experience and enjoy the exotic diversity of Sri Lanka as a true holiday destination has been provided to help promote the country”.

Commenting on this significant flight arrival to MRIA, Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Deputy Managing Director of Aitken Spence and Head of Tourism & Leisure for the Group, Stasshani Jayawardena said, “We are delighted to tap into this emerging source markets and be able to operate charters to grow visitor numbers. This shows our partner’s confidence in our ability to deliver a quality service and our ability to manage all logistics towards this special flight operation commencing in December 2023”.

Uzbekistan is an emerging market for Sri Lanka and as we step into the third season of this venture, the flights are anticipated to continue operations until end of April 2024. With over forty-five years of crafting unforgettable memories in inbound tourism, Aitken Spence Travels remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding horizons and earning the trust of agents in new territories. We will continue to contribute to the growth and sustenance of tourism and build a positive impact in our operators and stakeholders’ mindset for the progress of the destination.

Source: ASTL Team

Throughout their stay, the visitors will embark on round tours, immersing themselves in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes that Sri Lanka has to offer. The itinerary includes visits to Kandy city, the cultural triangle, Pinnawela, the hill country, and concludes with guests enjoying the golden sandy beaches of the southern coast. Guest accommodation range from luxurious 4 and 5 star properties to charming boutique establishments on the southern belt.

Aitken Spence Travels established a strategic partnership with one of Bulgaria’s leading tour operators to ensure the successful execution of this charter operation. The collaboration involved extensive efforts, including sales calls, and comprehensive education initiatives for tour operators, aimed at promoting destination Sri Lanka as an exotic diversified holiday location. The confidence gained from a previous charter operated earlier in the year reinforced the commitment of all parties involved.

Expressing confidence in Aitken Spence Travels, the Bulgarian tour operator said: “We witnessed the seamless handling of the first charter in March 2023, and we were eager to enhance our promotion of Sri Lanka. We are certain that our guests will experience the beauty of your country, and we trust that everything will be expertly managed. We wish to thank Aitken Spence Travels for conducting the sales calls and educational sessions to educate our agents and the market on your beautiful island.”

Aitken Spence Plc Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Deputy Managing Director Stasshani Jayawardena said: “We are delighted to tap into this emerging source markets and be able to operate charters to grow visitor numbers. This shows our partner’s confidence in our quality of service and the destination to commit towards this charter operation commencing in December.”

Aitken Spence Travels, Managing Director, Nalin Jayasundera said: “Bulgaria is not a traditional source market for Sri Lanka and have generated around 1400 tourist in total (November SLTDA report). It is good to have visitors from an emerging market enjoying the diversity of Sri Lanka.”

“According to the SLTDA November 2023 report 32% of tourists that arrived in Sri Lanka journeyed thorough a transit airport. However, if the number of direct flights or charter flights grow visitors can reach the destination with ease and have pleasant memories. This emphasises the significance of air transportation and connectivity facilitating tourism numbers to the country. Air connectivity plays a significant role in catering to a substantial portion of visitor arrivals and charter flights helps builds visitor confidence to the country,” Jayasundera added.

With a legacy of over forty-five years in inbound tourism, Aitken Spence Travels remains committed to expanding its reach and winning the trust of agents in new territories. The company will continue to focus on agent education and promotions, creating the desired visibility to attract tourist to Sri Lanka.

As the leading destination management company, Aitken Spence Travels said it will continue to spearhead marketing strategies to grow agent confidence resulting in bringing pure leisure travellers to the country.

https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Aitken-Spence-Travels-welcomes-first-Bulgarian-charter-flight-with-over-200-tourists-for-Winter-2023-24-season/44-756756

https://island.lk/aitken-spence-travels-welcomes-first-bulgarian-charter-flight-for-winter-2023-24-season/

Aitken Spence Travels Welcomes First Bulgarian Charter Flight for Winter 2023/24 Season

Vasco Da Gama and Mein Schiff 5 arrived at the Colombo port at 7.00 a.m. and MS Seven Seas Navigator docked at 1.30 p.m. with approximately 4,000 passengers from all three vessels on a single day.

The cruise season began last month with the arrival of ‘Resilient Lady’ from Virgin Voyages, a part of Sir Richard Branson’s renowned group. The visit of Marella Discovery 2 that arrived early had special significance, marking its first return to Sri Lanka post-COVID and the first turnaround operation in the country. Operated by TUI, this cruise brought three flights to Colombo for disembarking cruise passengers.

Notably, the Vasco Da Gama cruise marked its maiden call to Sri Lankan shores allowing its passengers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant city of Colombo before continuing their voyage to the Trincomalee port. They will explore the wonders of Minneriya, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and the enchanting sights of the East Coast. Further, this cruise will have turnaround operations in Male, Maldives.

The seamless arrangement of hosting three cruise ships at the same time all in one day is a testament to Aitken Spence Travels’ exceptional ability to cater to the diverse desires of large groups of concurrent visitors.

As the month progresses, the company looks forward to the arrival of MS Nautica on 17 December. This vessel is set to navigate the waters of Sri Lanka for three days, making stops at the ports of Colombo and Hambantota.

Aitken Spence Travels is committed to providing an extensive array of curated excursions, inviting all visitors to indulge in the diverse landscapes and rich culture of Sri Lanka. The line-up of 14 cruise calls to the ports of Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee with the various cruise agents will continue till the end of December 2023 bringing in seas of tourists to the country.

Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera said: “We are hoping to serve over 10,000 cruise passengers throughout these two months. We are delighted that all these cruise operators are selecting Sri Lanka as part of their cruise itineraries. We have been aggressively promoting the destination and continuously working with the operators to build confidence on the destination for them to pick Sri Lanka. This is not an easy task as we need to be competitive, offering our prices almost 12 months ahead. Once this happens, we cannot revise our rates for any reason despite our operating environmental changes such as taxes, increased entrance fees etc. Our focus is to popularise the destination to attract more cruises.”

Aitken Spence Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director Stasshani Jayawardena said: “We are hopeful that the Government would develop infrastructure of the Colombo port to be a cruise hub enabling us to compete with international ports in the region and attract a greater number of cruises contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. We are confident and grateful to the Government, Dept. of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Tri forces and the Port Agency Services along with all other stakeholders that were supportive and instrumental to help our clients get the best guest experience in Sri Lanka.”

The company’s commitment towards cruise calls will continue until the end of April 2024. The positive impacts of these cruise calls are benefiting a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including transporters, hoteliers, wildlife parks, jeep drivers, excursion providers, cultural show artists, guides, and much more contributing to the industry positively.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Aitken-Spence-Travels-welcomes-three-cruise-ships-in-a-single-day-at-Colombo-Port/44-756173

Source: https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/12/11/business/283949/aitken-spence-travels-welcomes-3-cruises-in-a-single-day-to-colombo-port/

The SATA Awards, renowned for recognising outstanding achievements and contributions in the travel and hospitality industry across South Asia, witnessed fierce competition this year. Aitken Spence Travels emerged victorious, thanks to its unwavering dedication to providing exceptional services and unforgettable experiences to travellers.

Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, the Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, expressed his gratitude and pleasure in receiving these esteemed accolades. He said, “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive these awards. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go the extra mile to deliver outstanding travel experiences. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the industry”.

“Aitken Spence Travels has consistently been at the forefront of exploring new markets to expand its business footprint and resulting from this, the company has successfully tapped into emerging regions and countries”, commented Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena – Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director Aitken Spence PLC and Head of Tourism and Leisure for the Group.

Additionally, the company leads the way in introducing charter flights to the country, ultimately transitioning them into scheduled flights.

Sustainability and adherence to international standards have been ingrained in the company’s DNA from its inception. The company holds ISO and Travelife certifications and was honoured as the most sustainable DMC at the “Sustainability Awards 2022,” organised by the AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka).

Backed by an extensive network of partners and a team of highly skilled professionals, Aitken Spence Travels ensures that every journey is not just a trip, but an unforgettable adventure. As the company looks ahead to the future, it remains steadfast in upholding its standards of excellence and committed to innovating to meet the evolving needs of travellers worldwide.

Source: AST Team

During their visit, the guests were captivated by the thrilling water sports in Bentota, indulged in the delicious cuisine of the Southern province, enjoyed the pristine beaches, and experienced the vibrant shopping vibe in Colombo. The rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of Sri Lanka made a lasting impression on them.

One of the most memorable experiences during the programme were the exquisite gala dinners, made all the more special by the attendance of renowned Sri Lankan cricket legends. The group was honoured to have Mr. Chaminda Vass, and Mr. Aravinda De Silva at the occasion. Their presence added a touch of elegance and prestige to the event, leaving the visitors in awe.

The gala dinners were co-sponsored by Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau (SLCB). Further, Aitken Spence Travels’ Managing Director, Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, COO Mr. Suranga Rathnayake, SLCB Chairman Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, and General Manager Mr. Krishantha Fernando graced the gala dinners.

Aitken Spence Travels remains a leader in the promotion of tourism in Sri Lanka, leveraging all possible avenues, from leisure tourism to MICE  tourism, to fuel the economic development of the country. Events of this nature provide valuable opportunities to tourism stakeholders such as transportation providers, hospitality partners and aesthetic experience providers. With an unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled travel experiences, Aitken Spence Travels aspires to showcase the finest that Sri Lanka has to offer to the global audience, creating enduring memories for every traveler.

Source: ASTL Team

Aitken Spence Travels welcomed 4,000 cruise tourists to Sri Lanka on the eve of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. 
The luxurious cruise ships MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica docked into the Port of Colombo, with the atmosphere filled with excitement and celebrations.
The shore excursion teams from Aitken Spence Travels were on site, ready to delight these visitors with an array of experiences that showcased the very best of Sri Lanka during the holiday season. 

From exploring the vibrant local culture through traditional dance shows, enjoying the wonderful tuk-tuk rides, experiencing the city life and visiting a variety of attractions to enjoying an unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka were on offer to the visitors. “Sri Lanka was recently ranked in the Forbes list as one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023 and it’s crucial that we maintain our position and become one of the most popular destinations not just in South Asia but in Asia. I am delighted that Aitken Spence Travels (destination management segment of Aitken Spence) has played an instrumental role in growing the cruise tourism operation, which has evidently had a positive impact on other key industries such as hospitality, shipping, ports businesses to support the economy,” commented Stasshani Jayawardena, Executive Director Aitken Spence PLC, Head of the Tourism and Leisure Sector for the company. 

Further commenting on this significant contribution to Sri Lanka tourism’s arrival numbers, Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera stated, “We are delighted to be in the forefront of bringing in a large volume of tourists to Sri Lanka. As a leading DMC, we will continue to work directly in convincing cruise operators to dock in Sri Lanka to enjoy the natural beauty the country has to offer.

Needless to say, these are efforts that are seeing results today, due to the active role we played in building confidence of the destination whilst ensuring the shore excursion itineraries were attractive and unique. We are thankful for the support extended by all the stakeholders for a smooth operation and for our cruise guests to have a positive experience of Sri Lanka.”

One delighted visitor on an excursion exclaimed, “I did not know Sri Lanka was this beautiful. I was thrilled to see how my favourite spice, cinnamon, is made in Sri Lanka. I have always used cinnamon as a powdered product but didn’t know that it’s mainly a bark of a tree.”

Aitken Spence Travels enjoyed a tremendously successful 2023 cruise season, with over 10 cruise calls that have docked at all the ports of Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee.

Source: ASTL Team

Aitken Spence Travels (AST) will welcome a charter flight from Bulgaria on 02^nd March 2023 to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) with 200 holiday makers.

The visitors from Bulgaria will be discovering Sri Lanka with excursions to explore the vivid culture of the country including Kandy city, the cultural triangle, Pinnawela, the misty mountains of the hill country as well as the classic beaches during their nine days stay in Sri Lanka. Their accommodation choices vary between 4 and 5 star properties along with boutique properties.

One of the leading tour operators in Bulgaria has partnered with AST for this charter flight operation. The agent was privy to presentations made during sales calls last year by the AST team and a little bit of persuasion and convincing resulted in this flight being a reality. Further the agent gained confidence after the successful charter operation from Uzbekistan and other countries handled by the company. Further strengthening the partnership, this high-potential operator is looking forward to operating full capacity flights to Sri Lanka during the Winter season, this year.

Commenting on the same, the tour operator stated, “This is our inaugural flight to Sri Lanka, and we are looking forward to promoting Sri Lanka at a larger scale. We are confident that our guests will enjoy your beautiful country, and everything will be handled well.” 

The company has been successful in winning the trust of agents from a few new areas and will continue to make investments in agent education by offering familiarization tours to agents to get a better understanding of the destination and will be helping them with destination promotions. With more visibility for the destination, it is anticipated that potential clients will feel more confident traveling to Sri Lanka.

As an organization leading the way in inbound tourism for forty-five years, we will continue to explore new source markets making significant efforts to promote destination Sri Lanka.

Source: AST Team

Aitken Spence Travels the premiere destination management company in Sri Lanka, will welcome the first charter flight for the year from Uzbekistan on Friday 27^th January 2023 to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) with more than 200 holiday makers. 

Uzbekistan Airways will operate weekly flights commencing today and will continue till end of March 2023. Aitken Spence Travels was instrumental in bringing the first charter last year as well from this source market that was a new market for Sri Lanka as well. The Uzbekistan charter operation is partnered with one of the leading tour operators in Uzbekistan and the charter is expected to generate 1,600 guests to Sri Lanka.

Aitken Spence Travels will be offering excursions covering the southern coastal belt to other inland locations as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country and the visitors cherish tropical beaches. However, utilizing the opportunity to showcase the rich culture and nature to these high-value visitors, the excursions will cover misty mountains, cultural and heritage sites, and shopping spots in a manner it not only entertains the visitors but also fuels the local economy through our supply chain of hoteliers, transport providers, excursion providers, jeep drivers etc. We are delighted to be a leading destination management company taking the lead in showcasing Sri Lanka to this new source market that had their first experience of Sri Lanka last year.

This year’s charter has been confirmed after a considerable amount of persuasion and convincing considering the country’s challenges. The tourism industry should take a lead and work on creating a conducive environment for visitors. Uzbekistan has great potential to be a source market that attracts luxury visitors and Aitken Spence Travels intends to take advantage of it.

Aitken Spence Travels drive & passion in curating travel allows us to continue to be the No 1 DMC in Sri Lanka. We have been in operation for over 45 years. Building long term relationship is one of the pillars that has led to the success of the company. The trust and reliability among our partners help us continue to be the most sought-after travel solutions specialists.