Travel trade fair ITB Berlin kicked off on Wednesday (07)  in the German capital with another record participation of some 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries. Some 170,000 delegates and visitors are expected  to attend the five-day event.

The, International Tourism Exchange which is also known as the ITB, is considered to be the largest global event of the Travel Industry. It promotes domestic; inter regional and International travel and it is usually being held in Berlin on annual basis. Since 1968, Sri Lanka played a considerable role as a member of this event.

Sri Lanka is being represented by Sri Lankan Tourism at the International Tourism Exchange that is being held from 07th to 11th March, 2012 at Messe Berlin, German, marking the consecutive 44th year successfully.

Since Sri Lanka’s tourism sector developed rapidly during the last year with exciting new ventures, tourist attractions and a fleet of new exclusive resorts and hideaways, the Sri Lankan participants at the event could stick on to the positive hopes at abroad. Remarkably, the number of German tourists to Sri Lanka alone just surpassed 55,880 during the last year, indicating a very good potential for Sri Lanka in the German tourist market.

Sri Lanka’s 268sqm x 30sqm upper deck at the stall was specially designed to appear more open and inviting to the visitors and thereby to convey the message of the ‘unique’ openness of the Sri Lankan culture. It also enables the visitors to make easier and more intense contacts with the Sri Lankan travel industry representatives and varied attractions of the island.

Another major attraction of the Sri Lanka pavilion was a group of large panels displaying 8 themes depicting various attractions of the island. Inside the pavilion was also decorated promoting some major attractions of the island. In addition, the visitors to the Sri Lankan stall can enjoy a tea boutique promoting the Ceylon tea brand among the German visitors plus a spa room which gives an excellent foot massage.

The Tour operators with highest tourist turnouts in the year 2012 were awarded with Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2012 at a brief ceremony held on 07th March 2012. The awards were designed with Sri Lankan gems with the intention of promoting the exclusive Sri Lankan gems in Germany. The event was held with the participation of Hon. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Development, The Ambassador- Sarath Konegahage, Chairman – Sri Lankan Airlines and other industry stakeholders.

The companies were MEIER'S / Dertour Company of Germany awarded the1st Place, FTI Group – Germany, the 2nd Place and  Rewe Group – Germany the 3rd place.     

              

In addition, a raffle draw will take place during the latter period of the event and the winner would be a proud owner of a Blue Sapphire, given under the sponsorship of  N G J A M/s Ellawala Exports, a leading gem exporter in Sri Lanka.

The stand of Sri Lanka will be located in the Asia Region adjoining Sri Lankan Airlines in the Hall 05.2a and the relevant stall number will be 114.

80-villa luxury resort in Kalpitiya

Sri Lanka's biggest Tourism development project, Kalpitiya Tourism promotion zone, took off the ground when 'Dutch Bay Resorts' laid the foundation stone for an 80-villa luxury resort in Kalpitiya, recently. One of the leading hotel chains in the world, Six Senses Group has come for ward to manage this property which would be one of Sri Lanka's most expensive hotels stamping investor confidence for the industry. Dutch Bay Resorts would be investing US $ 175 million for the project with $ 75 million being invested for the phase one which includes the construction of 75 luxury boutique chalets. In addition the property would include a Spa Club, Floating Restaurants and a helipad where tourists could land after touching at the Colombo Air port.

Chairman, Dutch Bay Resorts, Neil De Silva said that with the war ending Sri Lanka is being converted to an upmarket destination where high spending tourists would patronise it. "This is why we are investing in this project," he said.

He also said that due to terrorism Sri Lanka lost many opportunities that went to Male, Thailand, Mauritius and other neighbouring countries. Kalpitiya Zone would now attract more investors", he predicted.

He said that while attracting high spending tourists they would also encourage the concept make 'Sri Lanka your second home' specially among the Arabs.” What we are promoting to the Arabs is that they buy a Villa in Kalpitiya and use it as and when they need it," he said.

He also said that top hotels in the world hire Sri Lanka staff as they are of very high standard they too would employ over 90 percent locals.

He said that one of the unique features of Kalpitiya is that it is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the North Western Province and it is not polluted and they want to keep it that way. "We will also get the community involved in the project and one objective is to give wealth to them," he said.

Minister of investment Promotion, Naveen Dissanayake said that the fact that leading hotel chains like Six Senses coming to Sri Lanka proves the investor confidence they have for the country.

The Chairman of SLTDA Mr. Bernard Goonetilleke an also participated for this event.

Heega Tours' photostream

Heega Tours' photostream on Flickr.

Warm greetings from Sri Lanka, the land of a thousand breathtaking spectacles. As you journey through these pages, we invite you to enjoy the lush foliage of the country side, the mountains full of tea gardens, the patchwork quiltlike rice paddies, the wholesome village life, the never ending stretches of coconut fringed beaches, the exquisite underwater coral scapes, cascading waterfalls, colorful festivals and pageantry, magnificient ancient cities, nearly half as old as time, the flowers in all their glory...nature's bounty in such abundance!!

Most of all, enjoy the images of Sri Lanka's most treasured resource...her people.

A Y U B O W A N... as the Sri Lankan greeting says, May You enjoy the gift of long life. Enjoy your stay!!

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