Selling Travel September 19

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60 the review: news focus Sri Lanka It has been a tough four months for those working in the Sri Lankan tourism industry, but signs of better days ahead are already discernible, says Steve Hartridge The road to recovery Sri Lanka’s rising popularity was brought to an abrupt halt on April 21 by the bombings that killed more than 250 people in churches and luxury hotels. Foreign visitor numbers immediately fell off a cliff: down almost 71% in May and 64% in June. This sparked a flurry of activity and initiatives designed to get the word out that the destination is as safe as any country can be in these uncertain times. Many of Sri Lanka’s hoteliers, like Resplendent Ceylon, Uga Escapes and Taj Hotels, united with other travel industry interests to create the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, with online platform – lovesrilanka.org – acting as a portal of travel information for both the trade and consumers. The country has also embarked on a programme of personally-tailored individual press visits to Sri Lanka to generate a spate of positive publicity. And to lure tourists back, the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry introduced free tourism visas on arrival to 40 countries, including the UK. On the ground in Sri Lanka, security measures have been stepped up, most noticeably at the international airport in Colombo, popular tourist sites and temples. Overwhelming support But the country faces a steady rather than rapid climb back to its previously-healthy visitor numbers. Travelpack says its Sri Lanka business was ‘severely impacted’ but director Vishal Patel believes the company ‘owes it to Sri Lanka to continue its investment there’. “We have seen Sri Lanka go though worse situations, like the tsunami and a civil war, and it always bounces back stronger.” He added: “Enquiries and sales have picked up, but not at the rate we hoped for. We will be arranging fam trips and pushing Sri Lanka in the coming months.” Kuoni hopes to boost its Sri Lanka bookings through its current campaign with TV presenter, Anita Rani (pictured above, bottom right), who visited the country for a film now HANSON IMAGES featuring on the operator’s YouTube channel. Rani is featured sampling egg hoppers, watching baby elephants in Minneriya National Park, climbing Sigariya Rock, walking through jungle to the temples at Dambulla and wildlife spotting off the south coast. The early signs of a recovery are already discernible, says Jean-Marc Flambert, former Director UK, Sri Lanka Tourism. ”The comeback has started and will continue to grow. Many tour operators have campaigns to give Sri Lanka a push, the industry in Sri Lanka has pulled out all stops and the airlines are committed to airlift for winter 2019/2020.“ Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing Symphony PLC, which operates several hotels and villas across the country, says it experienced a busy August, with occupancies in the mid-60% at most of its properties. “We have received overwhelming support from our travel partners and are confident this winter will be a busy one...we are going ahead with our planned completion of the 26-suite Jetwing Kandy Gallery, which will open this December,” he said. Natasha Muttettuwegama, Sales Manager at The Haritha Collection, said she is “encouraged” that many travellers kept their bookings and visited during July and August. “We believe this is down to guests feeling Sri Lanka is safe and recognising it as an exciting and unique destination,” she said. There is plenty that is new to tempt return visitors back, added Flambert. “The Nine Mirissa, a luxury villa on the south coast aimed at couples and families, opened in April, while Flow by the Amber Collection offers luxury houseboat cruises on Bolgoda Lake, close to the capital Colombo. Meanwhile, a refurbished Cinnamon Bentota Beach will be unveiled in December. Half a million families in Sri Lanka depend on tourism and the industry is the country’s thirdlargest, generating $4.4 billion a year. BOOK IT WITH...SELECTIVE ASIA The 14-night Insider’s Sri Lanka tour showcases the country’s ‘lesser-known gems’. Included is wildlife spotting in Uda Walawe, street food in Colombo and chill-out time on Aruba Bay’s secluded sands. Accommodation includes Hill Country (two nights) and Kumana National Park (two nights). Prices start from £2,627pp (excluding flights). selectiveasia.com sellingtravel.co.uk
TM Sri Lanka Holiday Offers Special Tour of Sri Lanka Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Gregory Lake - Udawalawa - Bentota - Beruwala Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 fr£1165pp 8 nights Sri Lanka - East Coast Tour Negombo - Dambulla - Sigiriya Rock - Kandy & more 13 nights 7 nights fr£1799pp Ceylon Cultural & Yala Park Kandy - Dambulla / Habarana - Nuwara Eliya - Colombo & more Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 Travel : 1 Sep 19 - 31 Oct 19 fr£1659pp All promotional prices are per person includes flights from London & accommodation. Other departure airports available for a supplement. These promotional offers are subject to availability. T : 0208 585 4020 E : holidays@travelpack.com
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SEPTEMBER 2019 • SELLINGTRAVEL.CO
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Page 15 and 16: Talking Shop INSPIRED BY YOU The in
Page 17 and 18: 17 • Amazing prizes • The 2019
Page 19 and 20: 19 #TLV The Perfect Winter Holiday
Page 21 and 22: 21 Cruising Ocean Cruising - Short
Page 23 and 24: 23 Best of the Rest Ticket Provider
Page 25 and 26: Smile all the stay. All our hotels
Page 27 and 28: Golf ggat Meet... STEVE FREWIN Dire
Page 29 and 30: FOUR-SIGHT 29 Our columnists Having
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Page 33 and 34: IN THE OFFICE 33 with Matt Pattinso
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Page 40 and 41: 40 destination profile Top Spots Ko
Page 42 and 43: 42 south florida international gate
Page 44 and 45: 44 how to sell Myanmar It’s gone
Page 46 and 47: Visit USA News THIS MONTH'S TOP STO
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Page 52 and 53: 52 destination profile Top experien
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Selling Travel September 19

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