Category: Tourism
Lantern Trail
Tapping into a niche market of Buddhist pilgrims, the Tourism Ministry is launching plans to package Vesak as an annual event in the industry calendar.In an organised promotion, travel and tour operators are being approached to design new packages for this clientele that will offer them discounted rates, special airfares and accommodation and tours.rn rnldblquote […]
Mountain Climbing
Funding sources to replicate the success of Elephant Corridor in the midst of a tea plantation are now being finalised.Elephant Corridor officials are working out investment options with a select group of Sri Lankan investors who are interested in the project.rn rnDevelopers estimate the 24 suite Leopard Mountain project in the midst of the Bogawantalawa […]
Birds And Bills
A top nature conservation organisation says it is working closely with the private sector to bring the true benefits of eco-tourism to the conservation efforts in the country.The Field Ornithological Group of Sri Lanka (FOG), which is an affiliate of Birdlife International, says true eco-tourism is not just a bunch of tourists going on a […]
Little Colombo
A strategy to diversify its business interests will see Asian Hotels Corporation developing its Galle Road front property into Creascat City endash a self sufficient accommodation, entertainment, recreation and lifestyle complex. The management is expected to invest an estimated Rs.100 million over the span of the project, said Asian Hotels Director Viran Perera.rn rnUp to […]
Jungle Management
The immaculate splendour of an exotic luxury resort carefully woven around the tranquil and wild beauty of the Deer Park Hotel, is being transformed into a Banyan Tree Group managed retreat. A deal finalised earlier in March will see Jinasena Group handing over the management of its Giritale hotel property to the Banyan Tree Group […]
Spotting Leopards
Hot on the trail of the eco tourism inclination, Bogawantalawa Plantations is promoting four infrastructure projects among local and overseas investors.Taking centre stage among the projects is the Leopard Mountain Hotel, a Rs.500 million facility proposed by the people behind the Elephant Corridor Hotel.rn rnMeanwhile, an abandoned tea factory is being assessed for structural adjustment […]
Debt Exchange
Maldivian conglomerate Universal Enterprises took a 57.16% stake in Mahaweli Reach Hotel, a deal to settle the Hotels dues to DFCC Bank.A rights issue for the shares in January sought to raise Rs. 269 mn, the outstanding amount from a Rs.305 mn loan taken from DFCC in 1994 for refurbishment. rn rnThe rights issue ups […]
Points To Ponder
State tourism officials are drawing up plans to restrict the lquote all inclusive tourist packages to Sri Lanka. The all-inclusive is believed to be low-end market.rn rnThis means tourists will now have to settle for bed and breakfast packages or luxury suite offers.rn rnldblquote We are looking at ways to control the all-inclusive concept. We […]
War Drums
Local hotel bookings are seeing a definite slow down, as war fears begin to inspire jitters in the more wary European travellers. ldblquote Hotel occupancies are currently at a healthy 60 percent. But though there have been no specific cancellations as such due to the war, we have seen a considerable slowing down over previous […]
Hiking Through Lanka
A team of adventure tourism experts is in the country to turn the popular sea destination to a hot adventure stop. Adventure Centre Asia officials say that Sri Lanka certainly has all the factors necessary to be one of worlds best adventure tourist attractions.rn rnldblquote It only took us one or two days to realize […]
Rough Guide
Ripping open the wild side of the paradise isle, Sri Lanka will stick its spokes into the international world of adventure sports with its first race set for July 2003. Adventure Centre Asia, a Nepalese based company is pitching its tent in Sri Lanka to open up the island for serious adventure sports enthusiasts.rn rnAdding […]
Colombo Plaza
Meanwhile, the Asian Hotels management is working to tie down a new management for the hotel before the end of the year, with invitations for quotations already sent out. rn rnHotel officials are keen on attracting leading international chains to take over and build on the facilities offered at the city hotel. rn rnAsian Hotels […]