Ukraine invasion destroys Russian outbound tourism
Ukraine invasion destroys Russian outbound tourism -
According to the latest industry data, Russian outbound tourism, already severely handicapped by the global COVID-19 pandemic travel…
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Sri Lanka
TAAI postpones 66th convention scheduled in Colombo
The 66th Convention & Exhibition of TAAI, which was scheduled to be held from 19-22 April 2022, in Colombo Sri Lanka, has been postponed
Sri Lanka to issue long-term visas for travellers interested in investing
Sri Lankan cabinet has accepted a plan to offer long-term visas to tourists who are interested in investing in the island nation
Sri Lanka scraps off PCR test for travellers from March
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to take a PCR or Rapid Antigen test, to determine the COVID status before traveling to Sri Lanka from March
Sri Lanka, one of the most wonderful destinations to discover: Find out how to undertake this trip
Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most wonderful destinations and a must-see for any travel enthusiast. This nation truly has it all, from stunning scenery to thrilling wildlife safaris. This place…
Sri Lanka logs in tourism boom with highest travellers from India
Sri Lanka received the highest number of foreign tourists in December 2021, with majority of the holidaymakers from India
‘Visit Sri Lanka Year’ in 2022 to revive tourism industry
Sri Lankan government is all set to declare 2022 as the "Visit Sri Lanka Year" in line with the integrated five-year Global Communication Campaign (GCC)
Sri Lanka to make Covid vaccine card mandatory for entry in public places
Sri Lanka is mulling to make the Covid vaccine card mandatory for those entering public places, the President’s Office has announced
Sri Lanka to launch tourism promotion campaign in 5 countries
Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the government will launch a special tourism promotion programme in five countries to boost tourism
Sri Lanka gives COVID-19 booster shots for frontline and tourism staff
Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ordered frontline workers and tourism staff to be given a third booster shot of Covid-19 vaccine next month
Sri Lanka records more than 7K tourist arrivals in October
Over 7,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka so far this month, giving a boost to the country’s tourism industry which took a blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Sri Lanka to restart ETA service for vaccinated travellers
Sri Lankan government has announced that it has decided to restart the on-arrival Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) service at its airports for fully vaccinated international travellers
Indians top foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has welcomed 13,547 foreign tourists in September 2021, of which 8,528 were Indians who topped the list of arrivals to the island nation
New bonanza! Sri Lankan Airlines offers ‘buy one get one free’ for Indian travellers
Sri Lankan Airlines has introduced a buy one get one free offer for Indian leisure travellers on their Colombo return tickets
Sri Lanka opens for fully vaccinated Indian travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers from India will now be able to travel to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka postpones travel bubble with India
Sri Lanka has decided to postpone launching the proposed ‘travel bubble’ with India, in the wake of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India
India announces travel bubble with Sri Lanka
India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry of…
Sri Lanka, an island with infinite possibilities
Sri Lanka is a country with a rich history and beautiful landscapes. The island is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and it’s easy to see why. While covid currently prevents us…
Sri Lanka to welcome back tourists from 21 January
Sri Lanka will reopen its borders to foreign tourists on 21 January after a 10-month hiatus with travellers subject to tough Covid-19 protocols
High hopes for Sri Lanka reopening on January 21
All systems go for Sri Lanka reopening for foreign travellers on January 21.
Sri Lanka welcomes first batch of travellers after eight months
A group of Ukrainian tourists on 28 December became the first batch of holidayers to visit Sri Lanka in more than eight months after the island nation put curbs on international travel
Sri Lanka defers airspace reopening
Sri Lanka has postponed the reopening of its airspace for commercial flights to prevent the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus
Sri Lanka waives off parking and landing costs for international flights from 26 December
Sri Lanka has decided to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights when the country opens up its skies later this month after being shut down for over eight months
Sri Lanka to resume international flights from 26 Dec
Sri Lanka will resume international flights operations from 26 December, eight months after they were closed in view of the COVID-19 outbreak
Sri Lanka and Grenada new entrants in WTTC Safe Travels stamp for safety protocols
Sri Lanka and Grenada are among the latest destinations to begin using the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp
Geoffrey Bawa on spotlight: Country estate of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect relaunched
An important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Lunuganga re-opens as a nine-bedroom property
Sri Lanka to reopen borders in August under rigid guidelines
Sri Lanka is in the midst of preparation of reopening its borders to international visitors starting August 1. Sri Lanka Tourism has prepared guidelines and precautionary measures to ensure…
Resplendent Ceylon unveils ‘SafeStay’ Initiative
Resplendent Ceylon, the pioneer in luxury experiential travel in Sri Lanka and the sole Sri Lankan members of Relais & Chateaux, has unveiled ‘SafeStay’ initiative. It includes a…
GoAir to start Colombo flights from Delhi and Bengaluru
In continuation of its expansion in South Asia, GoAir is set to start direct flights from Delhi to Colombo and Bengaluru to Colombo from 20 March.
Jeh Wadia, managing director of…
VFS Global brings Lithuania visa services to Sri Lanka
Residents of Sri Lanka travelling to Lithuania can now apply for their visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in the capital city of Colombo. Prior to this, customers had to…
Anantara Kalutara unveils mobile app showcasing Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture
Anantara Kalutara Resort has introduced its app showcasing the iconic architecture of the resort, which was partially designed by Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa. His…
What’s new and upcoming in Sri Lanka tourism for 2020
Product managers creating holidays in Sri Lanka believe 2020 will be a positive year due to better road infrastructure, the increasing popularity of ecotourism products, new and flexible…
STAAH and Negete strengthen presence in Sri Lanka
Building on the milestone achieved, of reaching 10,000 partner properties, STAAH, hospitality technology solutions provider, along with Negete, the authorised reseller of STAAH in Sri…
Sri Lankan experiential travel operator targets UK market
Tapping into the potential of the UK market, Sri Lankan experiential travel specialist, Eco Team has now appointed Jean-Marc Flambert as country envoy for UK.
Talking about the new…
Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility for 48 countries
As Sri Lanka tries to revive the tourism sector, which was hit by the Easter Sunday bombings, the country has extended the free visa-on-arrival scheme till 30 April for the citizens of…
SriLankan Airlines gets new chairman
Ashok Pathirage has been appointed as chairman of the SriLankan Airlines Group by its principal shareholder, the government of Sri Lanka.
Pathirage is a leading businessman and…
Cricket and wanderlust: Experience Travel unveils Sri Lanka tour holidays
Experience Travel Group has opened bookings for its Curious Travellers Cricket Tour to Sri Lanka. The tour will enable travellers to combine a stylish and tailor-made holiday to Sri…
Vistara to start Mumbai-Colombo service
Vistara, a full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has announced a six-time-a-week (except Wednesdays) direct service to Colombo, Sri Lanka from…
Premier Holidays and Emirates launch campaign to promote Sri Lanka
Premier Holidays and Emirates have partnered to promote Sri Lanka in a joint autumn campaign. The operator has many offers on sale until 31 October to attract clients for their next…
Korean Air helps renovate damaged homes in Sri Lanka
Korean Air’s volunteer group performed volunteer work in Sri Lanka in October for the underprivileged local community in the suburbs of Colombo. The area was severely damaged by the…
Golfasian expands golf holidays to Sri Lanka
Golfers can now indulge in a golf holiday to Sri Lanka with Asia's largest golf tour operator, Golfasian. As part of an ongoing expansion and increasing requests from return customers,…
Road to recovery: Cinnamon Hotels to host Future of Tourism Summit in Sri Lanka
Recognising the need to uplift Sri Lanka’s travel industry in the wake of 4/20 incident, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to host the third edition of the ‘Future of Tourism Summit’…
Sri Lanka unveils new measures to boost India inbound
The Sri Lankan government has launched an ambitious tourism promotion programme in aiming to give a boost to the key revenue-generating sector of the island nation by attracting more…
Cinnamon launches ‘Bring A Friend Home’ campaign to speed up tourism recovery in Sri Lanka
Cinnamon’s Bring A Friend Home (BAFH) introduces an exclusive initiative to spearhead tourism in Sri Lanka and also to overcome challenges faced by the tourism industry. BAFH encourages…
Sri Lanka to issue free visas for Chinese tourists
In a bid to attract one of the biggest source markets of outbound travellers in the world, Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal from the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry to…
Sri Lanka keen on enhancing connectivity with Indian ports
Kavan Ratnayaka, chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), has revealed that the SLPA is keen on enhancing connectivity with Indian ports using ferry services to facilitate easier…
Srilankan bullish on Colombo-Delhi route, unveils third freqeuncy
SriLankan Airlines has announced additional frequencies between Colombo and Delhi to take its total weekly offerings between the two capitals to 18 flights. Apart from the existing two…
Sri Lanka Tourism alliance upbeat about reviving travel
Sri Lanka’s much-loved hoteliers, including Resplendent Ceylon, Uga Escapes and Taj Hotels have united with like-minded travel industry professionals to create the Sri Lanka Tourism…
Sri Lanka launches packages for Indian tourists
Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lankan Airlines, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and inbound tour operators has introduced attractive packages, specifically…
Cinnamon to start edutainment camps in Sri Lanka
Summer Escapes by Cinnamon opens a window into an interactive and engaging environment for children to explore their talents, learn new skills and create wonderful memories while…
Experience Travel Group backs Love Sri Lanka tourism campaign
London-based Experience Travel Group (ETG) has thrown its weight behind a campaign to boost Sri Lanka's tourism industry after being severely hit by the Easter Sunday bombings.
The…
Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo to reopen after deadly Easter attacks
Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo announced that it will partially reopen on 12 June, seven weeks after the property was attacked by a suicide bomber on Easter Sunday. The Shangri-La Hotel in…
Air India to resume additional Delhi-Colombo flight
Air India will resume its additional flight on Delhi-Colombo route from 15 July, Hardeep Singh Puri, the civil aviation minister said. The national carrier had stopped operating the…
Sri Lanka continues visa-on-arrival for India
Chamari Rodrigo, consul general of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, has said that the visa-on-arrival scheme for visitors of Indian nationality continues undisturbed. A written statement from the…
Sri Lankan Tourism outlines “aggressive” stance against terrorism
As Sri Lanka returns to normalcy after the tragic events on Easter Sunday that interrupted a decade of peace and prosperity in the island, Sri Lanka Tourism is illustrating what Sri Lankans…
Sri Lanka mulls tax amnesty to boost tourism after blasts
The explosions that happened on Easter Sunday have a negative effect on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the country is considering a tax amnesty program in order to help companies recover…
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts plans Maldives and Sri Lanka expansion
Indian Ocean-based hospitality brand Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has unveiled expansion plans for four more properties across the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka emerges from the ashes in heartfelt appearance at ATM 2019
“Sri Lanka will not be beaten by terror. We will take this opportunity to demonstrate to the global media, tour operators, airlines and the world that Sri Lanka is committed to security.”
Easter disaster: Series of blasts kill 207 in Sri Lanka
At least 207 people were killed and hundreds injured in a series of bomb explosions across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, one of the widely celebrated for Christians.
Why Nikki Beach’s hotel brand is “ready for take off”
Purveyors of glam ocean front experiences Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts Global, have announced its new pipeline for 2019 and beyond.
Discover Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with Amari Galle
Here are some of the best things to do at Amari Galle, to make sure your Sri Lankan itinerary is an unforgettable one.
For your eyes only: #SoSriLanka goes for the millennials
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is partnering with acclaimed wildlife producer, Nicola Brown, to create what they call "a film shot from the viewpoint of Sri Lanka’s rich and…
AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight aims to showcase beauty of Sri Lanka and Thailand
You can now book AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight four times a week. Flying from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, a destination for faithful Buddhists as well as a…
Galle Face Hotel and the “smart, sophisticated and energetic” GM it deserves
Last week it was announced the legendary Sri Lankan hotel, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo had taken on international hospitality veteran and luxury expert Robert C. Hauck as the new GM.
Galle gosh: Five-star Le Grand opens in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan hospitality firm Asia Leisure has announced the opening of its new hotel Le Grand, Galle, overlooking the Indian Ocean and nearby UNESCO world heritage site the Galle Fort.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launch exotic adventures with free flights and transfers
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched tour packages with ‘Free Flights & Transfers’ on new bookings made by 8 August 2018.
IHG set to open InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lankan capital
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management deal with Pearl Grand Tower Hotel Limited to open InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Curated ‘holiday packages’ for the England Cricket Tour in Sri Lanka
As the England Cricket Team prepares to tour Sri Lanka, Experience Travel Group gives the inside scoop on how to catch the key tour matches, where to stay, and why England will have their…
Deutsche Hospitality lays foundation stones for schools in developing countries
German hotel company,Deutsche Hospitality has teamed up with the Fly & Help foundation to help build schools in Sri Lanka and Uganda.
Indian tourism sector to surge towards $48 billion by 2020 and ten million jobs by 2028, reports WTTC
It has been revealed today that India can expect to look forward to adding a further ten million jobs to the travel and tourism industry in the next ten years, if the right procedures are…
Herman Wegmueller reveals scale of MG Group expansion plans
Already Southeast Asia’s biggest bedbank, MG Group is not resting on its laurels and is intent on getting bigger and bigger. With it’s home territory wrapped up, MG has lofty ambitions and…
Louis T Collection presents its new senior vice president
Hospitality executive Mikael Svensson has joined hospitality management and building solutions company Louis T Collection as senior vice president. Svensson will oversee operations of the…
Centara Hotels and Resorts 3 point plan for change
Following Centara’s recent announcement that it had strengthened its management team by welcoming back seasoned industry professional Markland Blaiklock, in a newly formed role of Deputy…
Onyx doubles down in Sri Lanka
ONYX Hospitality, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, will launch a brand-new Amari hotel in the Sri Lankan capital city of Colombo.
Amari Galle Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island nation strategically situated in the Indian Ocean, steeped in rich culture and history, natural beauty, and stunning coastlines offers a unique blend of hidden…
Sri Lankan airlines to launch social media competition at WTM
SriLankan Airlines is offering a travel agent the chance to win a pair of Economy Class tickets from the UK to Sri Lanka at this year’s World Travel Market.
To enter the competition,…
Sri Lanka’s only 18-hole golf resort signs Moshi Perera
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka has announced Moshi Perera has been appointed as the hotel’s new general manager.
Does Sri Lanka have what the GCC want?
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is set to launch a promotional road show that will see a delegation of Sri Lanka Tourism officials, as well as Sri Lanka’s leading hotels and tourism…
Colombo powers MICE strength with Shangri-La
Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is set to become the most extensive and versatile events venue in Sri Lanka when it opens its doors on 17th November 2017. The hotel will boast over 3,500sqm of…
Marriott International stakes a claim in Sri-Lanka
Marriott Hotels, has announced the opening of Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, the group’s first hotel in Sri Lanka.
Cantaloupe Hotels unveils Michelin star chef for Colombo restaurant
Sri Lankan boutique hotel operator, Cantaloupe Hotels Group, is expanding into Colombo with its new rooftop restaurant concept Botanik, in the centre of the city’s financial district.
SriLankan Airlines achieves superior level of on-time performance
SriLankan Airlines recorded a consistently superior on-time performance during the first six months of this year, the carrier said.
Latest statistics by the global flight data tracker…
Whale of a Time Experiences
Cantaloupe Hotel Group has launched a series of ‘Big Blue’ experiences at two of its boutique hotels in Galle, on Sri Lanka's south coast.
The waters off the island's…
Qatar Airways adds more flights to South Asian capitals
Qatar Airways continues to expand its South Asian operations with the launch of additional flights to two regional capitals: Colombo and Dhaka.
Effective 1 September 2017, the…
Where to Stay: the latest hotels in KL, Nagoya, Colombo and more
Favehotel Tuban
Location: On Basuki Rachmad Road in Tuban, the seaport in East Java, three hours' drive from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport
Grade: Economy
Keys: 105…
Asian air route updates from Thai Smile, Lao Airlines, Jetstar and more
Thai Smile flies to Lucknow
Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Lucknow (India)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately
Who? Thai Smile
Why? Thai Airways' regional subsidiary taps…
Qatar Airways adds capacity to Sri Lanka
Qatar Airways will increase the number of seats it offers to and from Sri Lanka next month, with the introduction of a new flight and larger aircraft.
On 1 August 2017, the Doha-based…
Amari makes debut in Sri Lanka
Onyx Hospitality Group has launched a brand new Amari hotel the historic city of Galle, marking the upscale brand's entry into Sri Lanka.
The 172-room Amari Galle is a beachfront…
Sri Lanka to welcome first ever A380 flight
Emirates will operate a one-off Airbus A380 flight to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport next month, marking the first time the world's largest passenger aircraft has flown to…
Hong Kong gets new Sri Lankan link
Hong Kong residents will soon be offered a new direct connection to Colombo, following the rearrangement of SriLankan Airlines' Asian operations.
Effective 15 July 2017, the national…
Hilton expands upscale pipeline in Sri Lanka
Hilton has expanded its hotel pipeline in Sri Lanka to seven properties with the signing of another upscale hotel.
The company has penned an agreement to manage the 140-room DoubleTree by…
Hertz brings three car rental brands to Sri Lanka
Visitors to Sri Lanka now have a series of international car rental brands to choose from, after Hertz made its debut in the country.
The company has signed a multi-brand franchise…
SriLankan unveils first routes for new aircraft
SriLankan Airlines will start taking delivery of its brand new fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft this summer, and the national carrier has revealed the routes on which it is planning to…
Asian air route updates: new flights from SilkAir, SpiceJet and more…
Korean LCC connects to Vietnamese coast
Where? Deagu (South Korea) to Danang (Vietnam)
When? Five times a week, effective immediately
Who? T’way Airlines
Why? Low-cost carrier taps the…
Stepping into Sri Lanka’s south
Sri Lanka’s south is on the cusp of change.
“It’s like we hit a gold mine and are running into it,” said Skandha Ponniah, marketing manager for travel company Sri Lanka in Style…
Sabre helps drive online travel in Sri Lanka
Sabre, the travel technology company, recently held a major event for the travel trade in Sri Lanka, with the aim of showcasing the company's solutions and advancing the country's online…
Hilton hits six in Sri Lanka
Hilton has made a significant move into Sri Lanka, with the signing of management agreements for six hotels and resorts across the country.
The deals, which were penned with Melwa…
Stepping into Sri Lanka’s south
Sri Lanka’s south is on the cusp of change.
“It’s like we hit a gold mine and are running into it,” said Skandha Ponniah, marketing manager for travel company Sri Lanka in Style…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Sri Lanka, the US and Czech Republic
Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing
Location: Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Panadura, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, 1.5 hours' drive from Colombo
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 180
Facilities:…
Where to Stay: New hotels in India, the US, Sri Lanka and more
Jetwing Colombo Seven
Location: Ward Place, in the centre of Sri Lanka's capital city
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 70 plus 28 serviced apartments
Facilities: Rooftop restaurant, bar, pool…
Asian air route updates: Gulf Air, Vietjet and more
Gulf Air starts flying to Sri Lanka
Where? Manama (Bahrain) to Colombo (Sri Lanka)
When? Five times a week, effective immediately
Who? Gulf Air
Why? Taking advantage of double-digit…
Carlson breaks new ground with first Sri Lankan hotel
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has broken ground on its first ever property in Sri Lanka.
The company held a ceremony recently to mark the start of construction work on the Park Inn by…
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts marks its Sri Lanka debut
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has opened a strikingly-modern property in Colombo, introducing a unique hospitality concept that brings attitude and altitude to the Sri Lankan capital.…
Mövenpick makes Sri Lankan debut with landmark tower
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has entered Sri Lanka with the launch of a new property in the country's capital, Colombo.
The new Mövenpick Hotel Colombo becomes the city’s first new…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Sri Lanka, China, India and Australia
Jetwing Lake
Location: 5km from town of Dambulla, central Sri Lanka
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 94
Facilities: 71-metre pool, spa, gym, two restaurants (including Chinese)
Meeting space:…
SilkAir to start flying to Sri Lanka
SilkAir will launch its first flights to Sri Lanka next year, as it takes over some of Singapore Airlines' Colombo services.
Effective 8 April 2017, the regional airline will start…
Costa kicks off first season of South Asian sailings
Costa Cruises will embark on its inaugural season of sailings from India on Friday (16 December 2016).
The company's Costa neoClassica cruise ship will homeport in Mumbai this winter,…
Jet adds new daily Sri Lankan service
Jet Airways will add another route linking India with Sri Lanka next month.
Commencing on 5 January 2017, the new flights will operate daily, direct between Bengaluru and Colombo.…
Trafalgar enters Sri Lanka with new GSA
Trafalgar has appointed Jetwing Travels as its new General Sales Agent (GSA) for Sri Lanka, marking the company's entry into the Sri Lankan FIT outbound market.
The move will offer…
South Maldives gets first international flights
Gan International Airport, the former British air base in the south of the Maldives, has welcomed its first international commercial flights.
SriLankan Airlines has launched a new…
Sri Lankan arrivals surge as hoteliers flock to country
International visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka have showed strong double-digit growth in 2016, and international hotel groups are now flocking to the island to capitalise on the rising…
Costa prepares for industry-first season of South Asian sailings
Costa Cruises has geared up for its inaugural South Asian season with an event onboard one of its cruise ships.
Costa Luminosa, which is currently sailing around the world, docked in…
Sri Lankan hotel rates surge in 2016
Hotel rates in Sri Lanka have increased sharply in 2016, in tandem with a double-digit rise in visitor arrivals.
Ahead of the inaugural Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference…
Gulf Air adds Colombo to its network
Gulf Air will launch services to the Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo, in 19 January 2017.
The Bahrain carrier will fly five times weekly from Manama to Bandaranaike International…
Sri Lankan arrivals continue to soar
Sri Lanka's tourism industry is booming, with the trend of double-digit growth continuing in October 2016.
According to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development…
Sri Lanka to develop huge tourism zones
Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to launch a series of themed tourism development zones, in a bid to draw more international investment and tourists to the island.
At least five and up to…
Anantara doubles up in Sri Lanka
Thailand’s Minor Hotels has opened its second luxury Anantara property in Sri Lanka.
The Anantara Kalutara Resort is located on the island’s southwest coast, 10 minutes from the town of…
New boutique beach hotel to open in Sri Lanka
The company behind the recent KK by George boutique hotel in Galle has unveiled plans to open a new property on Sri Lanka's coast.
Scheduled to launch in December 2016, the new KK Beach…
Gulf Air launches global dynamic interline pricing tool in Sri Lanka
Gulf Air has launched its Instant Book and Price tool for travel agencies in Sri Lanka in coordination with its General Sales Agent (GSA) Mack Air, technology partner Clarity Airline…
SriLankan Airlines launches Arabic-language website
SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and a member airline of one world, has launched its Arabic website, providing its Middle Eastern travellers an enhanced and personalised…
Jetwing opens resort on Sri Lanka’s east coast
Jetwing, the Sri Lankan hotel group, has unveiled a new upscale resort on the country's less developed east coast.
The new Sunrise by Jetwing is set on Passikudah Bay, overlooking a…
Hotel doorman reaches 50 years of service
A hotel doorman in Sri Lanka has reached the incredible milestone of 50 years of service.
Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Punchi Banda started out at the Galle Face Hotel in 1966. Now, at 71…
Chinese arrivals drive Sri Lankan tourism growth
A sharp rise in the number of Chinese visitors to Sri Lanka is driving the growth of the island nation’s tourism industry, new data has revealed.
According to figures released this…
Qatar Airways enters into code-share with SriLankan Airlines
In a recent development, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines, both members of the oneworld alliance, have strengthened their cooperation with a bilateral code-share relationship.…
SriLankan expands route map with Qatar Airways
SriLankan Airlines has expanded its codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways, offering passengers a series of new one-stop connections from Colombo to destinations in Europe, Africa, the…
Vista Rooms moves into Sri Lanka
Vista Rooms, the Indian low-cost hotel network, has announced its first foray into Sri Lanka.
The company has now partnered with more than 200 hotels in 25 cities across the country,…
Air India introduces Air Pass for Buddhist pilgrims
Air India has introduced a new ‘Air Pass’ covering major cities of Buddhist Interest in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Launched on 7 March, this is a coupon-based scheme for journeys…
Shangri-La to debut in Sri Lanka with huge coastal resort
Shangri-La will open a huge resort in Sri Lanka this summer, marking the Hong Kong-based hotel group's debut in the country.
Welcoming its first guests on 1 June 2016, Shangri-La’s…
Jetwing debuts in Jaffna
Jetwing, the Sri Lankan hotel group, has opened its first hotel in the northern city of Jaffna.
Set in a seven-storey building, the hotel offers 55 rooms, all of which are…
First Sri Lankan Amari set for 2016 opening
Thailand's Onyx Hospitality Group has confirmed that its first Amari hotel in Sri Lanka is scheduled to open this year.
The new Amari Galle Sri Lanka is "progressing on schedule",…
Emirates adds extra daily flight to Colombo
Emirates has announced plans to launch an additional daily service between Dubai and Colombo.
Effective 1 August 2016, the airline will operate five daily flights to the Sri Lankan…
Khiri Travel adds forest camping in Sri Lankan hills
Khiri Travel has introduced a new forest hiking trip in the hills of central Sri Lanka.
The new three-day/two-night trip takes guests from Ohiya to Bambarakanda and includes guides, a…
Jetwing opens tented camp in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan hotel company Jetwing has opened a new tented camp close to Yala National Park.
The new Jetwing Yala Tented Camp is an extension of the existing Jetwing Yala luxury resort,…
Anantara makes debut in Sri Lanka
Anantara launched its first luxury resort in Sri Lanka this month, located on the country's south coast.
The new 152-key Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set on an 8.5-hectare…
Malindo Air flies to Sri Lanka and Vietnam
Malindo Air has opened bookings for its first ever routes to Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The Kuala Lumpur-based carrier has confirmed that services to Sri Lanka's capital Colombo will get…
Jetwing to launch new “agro-resort” in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan hotel company Jetwing will launch a new resort in a rural setting near the town of Wellawaya.
Scheduled to welcome its first guests in December 2015, Jetwing Kaduruketha is…
Jetwing opens jet water sports centre in Negombo
Sri Lankan hotel company Jetwing has opened a new jet water sports centre in the resort town of Negombo.
The usually still waters of the Negombo Lagoon will now play host to a series…
SriLankan progresses with fleet renewal plan
SriLankan Airlines will take delivery of its fifth brand new Airbus A330-300 aircraft next week, as it progresses with its fleet renewal plan.
The national carrier embarked on the…
Austrian launches first flights to Sri Lanka
Austrian Airlines operated its inaugural flight to Sri Lanka this week.
The new service touched down at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday, following a direct…
Air China boosts South Asian connections
Air China is planning to launch a series of new South Asian services, including flights to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Maldives.
On 25 October, the Chinese carrier will…
Ani Villas brings private luxury concept to Asia
Ani Villas, which operates a private luxury resort in Anguilla, has unveiled plans to make its debut in Asia.
The company has revealed details of its first two properties in the region: a…
Chinese airlines expand South Asian links
Airlines in China are adding more connections to cities in South Asia.
On Saturday (26 September), China Eastern Airlines commenced a new direct flight between Shanghai and Sri…
Plateno signs fourth hotel in Sri Lanka
Plateno Hotels Group has continued to expand in South Asia with the signing of its fourth hotel in Sri Lanka.
The company has penned a deal with Welcome Regency to manage a 102-room…
South Asia to need 40,000 more pilots
Airlines based in South Asia will need to find and train 40,000 new pilots over the next 20 years, according Boeing.
In the latest edition of its 'Boeing Pilot & Technician…
Nepal, Sri Lanka plan direct flights
Travellers could soon be able to fly direct between Nepal and Sri Lanka, with airlines in both countries revealing plans to launch new routes.
Nepal Airlines and Mihin Lanka Airlines…
Plateno continues South Asian expansion
Plateno Hotels Group has unveiled the latest stage in its South Asian expansion strategy, with the launch of its first property in the Maldives.
The former Plumeria Boutique Guest…
Anantara to launch first resort in Sri Lanka
Thailand's Minor Hotel Group will open its first Anantara resort in Sri Lanka in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Located in a 17-hectare beachfront setting on the island's south coast,…
Plateno Hotels to debut in Colombo
Plateno Hotels Group has signed an agreement to manage its first hotel in Colombo.
A new 181-room midscale hotel being developed by Fairway Holdings will be branded as the ZMAX…
Norwegian embarks on first ever Indian cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will launch its first ever cruises to India, Sri Lanka and the Gulf region next year.
The move marks part of the company's return to the Far East in the…
Thomas Cook India acquires Luxe Asia
Thomas Cook India has sealed the acquisition of Luxe Asia, a destination management company based in Sri Lanka.
The deal, which was conducted through the company's subsidiary, Thomas…
Plateno Hotels brings Portofino brand to Sri Lanka
Plateno Hotels Group has signed an agreement to launch its luxury Portofino hotel brand in Sri Lanka.
The Ranna 212 Beach Resort in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka's south coast, will be…
Oakwood to debut in Sri Lanka
Oakwood has unveiled plans to open its first serviced residence in Sri Lanka.
Scheduled to open in early 2016, Oakwood Apartments Colombo will offer 78 fully-furnished apartments,…
Jetwing outlines Sri Lankan expansion plans
Sri Lankan hotel group Jetwing has unveiled plans for as series of new and expanded properties to launch in the coming months.
In September 2015, the company will launch two new…
Kolkata tourism to get a boost with SriLankan-Mihin Lanka code share
SriLankan Airlines recently announced a code share agreement with Mihin Lanka for the operations of flights between Kolkata and Colombo.
With commencement of the new code share with…
Jetwing expands Sri Lankan portfolio
Sri Lankan hotel group Jetwing has expanded its portfolio with the opening of Calamansi Cove by Jetwing, a new property in the small fishing village of Balapitiya, on Sri Lanka's south…
Dilmah Tea develops Sri Lankan hotel collection
The Fernando family, which founded the Dilmah Tea company, has announced the launch of a new collection of hotels in Sri Lanka.
The new company, Resplendent Ceylon, will manage a…
Onyx expands in Sri Lanka with Ozo Kandy
Onyx Hospitality Group has continued to expand in Sri Lanka with the opening of the Ozo Kandy.
Located close to the town centre and overlooking Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills,…
THAI Smile moves into South Asia
THAI Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, will launch its first routes to South Asia in the coming months, it has been reported.
Thailand's English language newspaper, The…
India boosts tourism ties with Indian Ocean
India has hosted a conference designed to enhance its tourism ties with countries in the Indian Ocean region.
Dr Mahesh Sharma, India's Minister of Tourism, Culture & Civil…
SpiceRoads cycles Sri Lanka “from tip to tip”
Asian bicycle tour operator SpiceRoads has launched a new itinerary that takes guests from the northernmost tip to the southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The 'Sri Lanka Tip to Tip by Road…
Sun launches new hotel in Sri Lanka
The Sun group has unveiled its first hotel in Sri Lanka.
The new Sun Aqua Pasikduah officially opened its doors on 5 March 2015, following a soft launch in December. One of the first…
Work starts on Sri Lanka’s first Amari hotel
Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group has held a ground-breaking ceremony for its first Amari hotel in Sri Lanka.
The Amari Galle will be a new upscale hotel located on the Galle…
SriLankan boosts Asia Pacific connections with Jetstar deal
SriLankan Airlines will soon be able to offer a greater range of services to Southeast Asia and Australia, following the launch of a new codeshare agreement with Jetstar Asia.…
Sri Lanka’s Jetwing unveils second Hotel J
Sri Lankan hotel group Jetwing has unveiled its second "select service" Hotel J property.
Following a partnership with Japan's Bansei Securities, the company has now launched the…
Etihad retimes US flights for better South Asian connections
Etihad Airways has announced a number of changes to its North American flight schedules, intended to enable more convenient connections for passengers in the Indian sub-continent.…
New company offers South Asian walking holidays
A new company has been founded that offers walking holidays across South Asia.
Wandering the World was officially launched this week by Glenyce Johnson, former managing director at…
New luxury eco-resort to open in Sri Lanka
Plans have been unveiled for a new luxury boutique eco-resort, located near the Sri Lankan city of Galle.
Opening in summer 2015, Tri is being marketed as "Sri Lanka’s first truly…
Khiri goes carbon neutral in Sri Lanka
Khiri Travel has unveiled a new tour in Sri Lanka that will have no impact on the environment.
The 14-day carbon neutral trip will see guests stay in eco-lodges and tented camps, and…
Starwood expands footprint in Sri Lanka
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the latest stage in its Sri Lankan expansion plan, with the signing of a new Sheraton resort in Kosgoda, on the country's southwest coast.…
Air China to link Colombo with Chengdu
Air China will expand its operations in South Asia next year with the launch of a new route to Colombo.
Commencing in early February 2015, the Chinese national carrier will operate…
SriLankan adds Asian links with JAL
SriLankan Airlines have signed a new agreement to expand its operations in East Asia.
Under a new codeshare agreement with its oneworld alliance partner Japan Airlines, SriLankan will…
Pacific World expands in South Asia
Pacific World, the DMC and event management company, is expanding into two more South Asian nations - Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The company, which is a subsidiary of TUI Travel, has…
The latest industry appointments
MARIO HARDY has been confirmed as the new chief executive officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The move marks a promotion for Hardy, who has served as PATA's chief…
Jet Airways expands key international routes
Jet Airways has boosted its international operations with the addition of extra flights to three key destinations - Bangkok, Colombo and Doha.
Earlier this month, Jet added a third daily…
SriLankan welcomes first new A330
SriLankan Airlines has taken delivery of its first new Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
The new long-haul aircraft touched down at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport recently,…
Mihin Lanka to launch Lahore flights
Mihin Lanka Airlines has confirmed that it will launch services to the Pakistani city of Lahore next month.
Commencing on 17 November 2014, the Sri Lankan airline will operate three…
Dilmah Tea owner adds resort in Sri Lanka
The family that owns the Dilmah Tea company has opened a new resort in Sri Lanka.
Cape Weligama becomes the second hotel venture for Resplendent Ceylon, which is owned by the Fernando…
BA suspends Sri Lanka flights
British Airways will cease operating flights to Sri Lanka next year.
The company currently operates services from London to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, via the Maldives, but from…
SriLankan Airlines codeshares to Australia with Qantas
SriLankan Airlines has penned a codeshare agreement with its new oneworld alliance partner, Qantas.
From 26 October 2014, Qantas will place its 'QF' code on SriLankan's daily…
Khiri Travel to launch in Sri Lanka
Khiri Travel will launch a new company in Sri Lanka this November.
The initiative follows a joint venture between Bangkok-based Khiri and Sri Lankan DMC Luxe Asia. Following the…
Cinnamon Air forays into UAE, Qatar
Sri Lanka’s domestic airline has recently taken on Aviareps as its representative in UAE and Qatar. The appointment was made as the airline seeks to firmly establish and strengthen its…
The latest industry appointments
ABHISHEK SAHAI has been named as the new general manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. An hotelier with more than 14 years' experience, Sahai joins the hotel from The Leela Mumbai where…
Jet Airways boosts Sri Lankan services
Jet Airways is expanding its operations in Sri Lanka with the launch of a second daily flight between Mumbai and Colombo.
Set to commence on 5 November 2014, the new service will…
Sri Lanka sees 25% jump in tourist arrivals
Sri Lanka's tourism industry continued on its steep upward trajectory in the first six months of 2014, with international arrivals surging almost 25%.
According to the latest data…
Jetwing unveils solar power plant at Sri Lanka resort
Sri Lankan hospitality company Jetwing has opened the country's largest privately-owned solar power plant at the Jetwing Yala hotel, on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
The new energy system…
Banyan Tree announces new serviced apartment brand
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a new serviced apartment brand with projects already underway.
The new brand, named Cassia, will offer one and two-bed apartments for…
Best Western debuts in Sri Lanka
Best Western has reached another landmark in its Asian expansion, with the launch of its first ever hotel in Sri Lanka.
Following the company's debut in Myanmar late last year, Best…
Centara prepares for Sri Lanka launch
Centara Hotels & Resorts will officially open its new resort in Sri Lanka this month.
A grand opening ceremony will be held for the Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka on…
Onyx launches first Ozo hotel in Sri Lanka
Thailand’s Onyx Hospitality Group has unveiled the first of three Ozo hotels it plans to launch in Sri Lanka.
Located on Marine Drive in Sri Lanka's capital, Ozo Colombo offers 158…
SriLankan Airlines joins oneworld
SriLankan Airlines has officially become a member of the oneworld alliance.
The Colombo-based national carrier joined the airline group on 1 May 2014, becoming oneworld's 15th full…
Rotana Jet to expands across SAMENA region
Rotana Jet will continue its international expansion over the next two years, targeting new destinations in the SAMENA region.
Dr Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saif Al Nahayan, Chairman of Rotana…
New destinations for Rotana Jet
Rotana Jet today has announced new routes to its schedule. The airline will soon connect Colombo and Mattala effective 9 April 2014. The airline will operate three flights per week from…
Oman Air codeshares with Srilankan Airlines
Oman Air has inked a codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines. The agreement allows Oman Air’s customers to book seats on SriLankan Airline’s services from Muscat to Singapore, Male,…
Arrivals to Sri Lanka show 32% growth last month
Arrivals to Sri Lanka for the month of January 2014 show a very healthy year-on-year growth of 32.6% with
146,575 visitors for the month.
Western Europe continues to be the…
SriLankan adopts new IT system for oneworld membership
SriLankan Airlines has completed its migration to the Amadeus Altéa technology system.
The IT upgrade forms part of the airline's integration into the oneworld alliance, and covers…
Centara to double up in Sri Lanka
Centara Hotels & Resorts has revealed that its second hotel in Sri Lanka will soft-open this spring.
The new Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa is set on the Bentota Peninsula, in…
Best Western targets South Asia
Best Western has identified the South Asian countries of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as key growth markets to drive its regional expansion.
In Sri Lanka, Best Western has already…
Sri Lanka approves casino projects
The Sri Lankan government has approved the development of three controversial casino projects.
According to China's Xinhua news agency, citing a government report, the country has…
Qatar Airways boosts Colombo capacity
Qatar Airways has announced plans to significantly increase the number of seats it offers to Sri Lanka.
From 1 January 2014, the airline will deploy a twin-aisle Boeing 777 aircraft…
Emirates Holidays partners with Aitken Spence Travels
Emirates Holidays has entered into a partnership with Aitken Spence Travels in Colombo. The agency has been appointed Preferred Agent (PA) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Islands.
Marc…
ONYX Hospitality Group goes full steam on new developments
The Onyx Hospitality Group has a line up of new openings scheduled in the coming months.
The first quarter of 2014 will witness the opening two Ozo properties – Koh Samui and…
Sri Lankan Airlines sets ambitious plans
Sri Lankan Airlines’ chairman is hopeful the airline can become the ‘preferred carrier in Asia’ within three years’ time as it gears up to join the oneworld alliance.
The carrier will…
Etihad Airways boost Sri Lanka capacity
Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Colombo service from seven flights per week to a double daily schedule from 16 February 2014.
The new route will be operated with an A320…
Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka up 30%
Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka saw a 30% growth with 18,048 visitors in September 2013.
Overall, tourist arrivals to the island country rose 26.2% to 89,761 last month from a year…
Dubai Chamber explores Sri Lanka’s tourism potential
A Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion seminar was recently organised by Dubai Chamber in collaboration with Sri Lankan Embassy. The vent urged Dubai businesses to invest in Sri Lanka's tourism…
AirAsia flies to the Maldives
AirAsia will launch its first ever flights to the Maldives this week.
Commencing on Saturday 28 September 2013, the low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, will operate four…
UK to pilot GBP3,000 tourist bond scheme
The UK is reportedly pressing ahead with a GBP3,000 tourist bond scheme, despite widespread condemnation from foreign governments and Downing Street.
The initiative would see…
SriLankan orders new long-haul fleet
SriLankan Airlines has agreed to purchase 10 new long-range aircraft from Airbus.
The national carrier signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) at the Paris Air Show for six…
Sri Lanka looks for boost from Botham walk
Sri Lanka is hoping to further boost awareness of tourism and community projects with the announcement of a 160-mile walk with Sir Ian Botham.
The cricketer will embark on the…
Emirates boost Colombo flights
Emirates will increase capacity on its services to Colombo from 30 June 2013, with the addition of three more flights per week.
The addition of three more services, which will…
Jetwing launches budget hotel brand in Sri Lanka
Jetwing, the Sri Lankan travel company, has launched a new domestic budget hotel brand - Hotel J.
Announcing the new label this week, Jetwing said Hotel J would offer "no frills…
Sri Lankan arrivals to India drop
The number of Sri Lankan arrivals to India dropped 10-15% in February and March 2013, compared to the year-ago period.
The country’s national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines has decided…
Flydubai touches down in Mattala
Flydubai made a special touch down at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, also known as Hambantota International Airport, as part of the official opening day celebrations. …
Air Arabia begins flights to Mattala, Sri Lanka
Air Arabia touched down at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Sri Lanka, the first international carrier to arrive at the airport.
The maiden flight was marked by an official Air…
Flydubai commences new Sri Lanka route
Flydubai touched down at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, also known as Hambantota International Airport, marking the opening of its new route.
Through this second route to the…
Sri Lankan arrivals up 13.4%
Arrivals to Sri Lanka rose 13.4% in January this year as compared to the same period last year.
Data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows 97,411 tourist…
MAS boosts Asian network
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has announced plans to boost capacity across a series of Asian routes this summer, with the addition of extra flights and the deployment of larger aircraft.
From…
Korean Air flies to Sri Lanka, Maldives
Korean Air has launched flights to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The new service commenced on Saturday 9 March 2013 and will now operate three times a week. Services will operate from…
2012 a record year for Asia Pacific tourism
The Asia Pacific region saw a record number of international visitor arrivals in 2012, according to the latest full-year data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The region…
Air Arabia adds second Sri Lanka route
Air Arabia announced that it has added its second destination in Sri Lanka with the launch of non-stop flights to Mattala.
The inaugural flight will take off 18 March 2013. The route…
Kingfisher loses international slots
Kingfisher Airlines has lost all its international traffic rights, with immediate effect.
India's Minister of Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, confirmed the decision this week, saying that…
Sri Lanka to get first domestic carrier
Sri Lanka is to receive its first domestic airline next March from the parent company behind Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Chaaya Hotels & Resorts.
John Keells Holidays PLC,…
Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka up
India has topped as the key source market for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.
In September 2012, the country received a total of 71,111 tourists. Close to 13,888 tourists, a 19.5% share…
Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka falls
Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals rose 9.7% in August 2012 to 79,456 visitors from a year earlier. According to the data revealed by the country, in the first eight months of August, Indian…
ONYX to open Amari Ludhiana in mid-2013
ONYX Hospitality Group has announced that it will debut in the Indian market with the opening of Amari brand in Ludhiana.The new property Amari Ludhiana will open in mid-2013, following a…
Construction begins on OZO Kandy
Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group marked a key development in its expansion of the OZO brand in Sri Lanka with a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for the OZO Kandy.
Facilities at the…
Sri Lanka tourism boom goes on
Year to date tourism arrivals to Sri Lanka were up 16% year on year to 543,205 by end July, hitting 90,338 arrivals for the month.
This represents a 7% increase compared to July 2011,…
Indian carriers target connecting passengers
With a lack of network coverage among airlines from neighbouring South Asian countries, Indian airlines are now looking to cash-in on sixth freedom rights by flying passengers from Nepal,…
Sri Lanka to attract long haul travellers
Sri Lanka is looking at tapping the long haul North American and Canadian markets. The island country plans to attract 100,000 tourists from US by 2016.
“We are working on an aggressive…
India-Sri Lanka to enhance tourism bilaterals
India and Sri Lanka are looking at enhancing tourism bilaterals between the two countries. The Sri Lanka – India CEO’s forum organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Federation…
SriLankan Airlines to boost pilot training
SriLankan Airlines will boost pilot training with the delivery of a new Dutch built A330 flight simulator early next year. The airline will train more pilots to operate the wide-bodied A330…
Sri Lanka visitors up 18%
Sri Lanka has registered a growth of 18.7% in the first six months of 2012. According to the data released by the government, the country received 452,867 tourists during the period January…
Marriott to debut in Sri Lanka
Marriott has signed an agreement to open its first hotel in Sri Lanka.
Opening in 2014, the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa will be developed on a beachfront site in the southeast of…
SriLankan Airlines to join oneworld alliance
The oneworld alliance will add SriLankan Airlines to its membership list next year.
The Colombo-based carrier's election as a oneworld member…
SriLankan on a roll to reduce carbon footprint
In a practice to celebrate World Environment Day, SriLankan Airlines has introduces a series of new tactical measures to double the awareness of critical importance of the good health of the…
Tiger launches Colombo flights
Tiger Airways launched its first flights to Sri Lanka last week.
The new service between Singapore and the Sri Lankan capital Colombo also marks the first low-cost link between the two…
Sri Lanka slashes visa fee
Sri Lanka has slashed visa fee it planned to charge from tourists from India and other SAARC countries to US$10 (INR507), from the originally planned US$50 (INR2,537). Non-Indian and…
WTM 2011: Sri Lankan Airlines spearheads tourism growth
Sri Lankan Airlinesis leading the destination's future growth in tourism as it moves on from itsconflict-struck past. The carrier, which has operated from London for 30 years,has started a…
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up 67% in April
Sharp increases from south Asia and Western European markets helped to push tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka in April.The island saw a 67% increase year-on-year with 63,835 tourists, Lanka…
Claridges eyes Sri Lanka
The Claridges Hotel is looking at setting up luxury business hotel in Sri Lanka. Peter J Leitgeb, President & CEO of Claridges told Hindu Business Line that one of the reasons for his…
Sri Lanka arrivals up 27%
Sri Lanka's Tourism Development Authority witnessed a 27.2% increase in tourist arrivals to the country in September this year compared to the corresponding period last year. The country…
Sri Lanka to scrap free visa on arrival
Sri Lanka is planning to scrap free visa on arrival services for 78 countries. The country intends to start charging an electronic travel authorisation fee of US$50 (INR2,500) per person for…
Minor launches new hotel brand in Sri Lanka
Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group has launched Avani Hotels & Resorts, a new upscale hotel brand. The new concept will be rolled-out in city and resort locations across Asia, Australia,…
Budha relics to travel to Sri Lanka
The relics of Lord Buddha's home in Kapilavastu, Bihar will travel to Sri Lanka in January 2012. The display of the relics will be a big event, both for the locals and the tourists in the…
Sri Lanka to develop eco island resort
Located 46km from the mainland, the Sri Lankan government is planning to develop the island of Delft into an ecotourism destination. The Island has seen very little development since its…
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up 30%
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka rose 29.6% in August to 72,463 from a year earlier, with arrival in the first eight months up 35.2 % to 537,787, data from the state tourism promotion agency…
Sri Lanka to develop eco island resort
The Sri Lankan government is planning to develop the island of Delft into an ecotourism destination. Located 46km from the mainland, the Island has seen very little development since its…
Sri Lanka could boost Indian market sixfold
Sri Lanka could attract 750,000 Indian tourists over the next decade - a sixfold increase - if it can capture just 2.4% of that country's outbound market, an equities research report by…
Lanka tourism jumps 36%
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (STPB), during the first six months of 2011, more than 45,000 tourists visited the island, an increase of 36.1% year on year. "We are very…
Hotel in Colombo with Indian partnership
A Sri Lankan company is partnering with an Indian company to build a US$200 million hotel complex in the heart of Sri Lankan capital city Colombo, South Asian News Agency (SANA) reported.…
SriLankan to double flights to China
SriLankan Airlines has announced plans to double its flights to China over the next two years. The sector is proving very profitable for the national carrier which currently flies to China…
SriLankan to double flight frequency to China
SriLankan Airlines has announced plans to double flights to China over the next two years. The sector is proving very profitable for the flag carrier which currently flies to China and…
Lanka tourist arrivals up a third in July
Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals rose 32% to 63,339 last month, data from the tourist promotions office showed.Lanka Business Online said with visitors in the first seven months rose 36% to…
Sri Lanka tourism training expanded
State-run Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) has increased its intake and is also franchising its courses to private institutions to cater to an expanding…
Nepal sees 20% growth in arrivals in July
Nepal recorded a year-on-year growth of 20% in international tourist arrivals (by air) in July.During the month, the country welcomed a total of 35,212 tourists with arrivals from the South…
Sri Lanka to promote island’s unseen attractions
Sri Lanka's tourism promotion bureau says it is collecting information on a number of sites and locations less frequented by foreigners but has potential to become popular tourist…
Holiday Factory reveals Eid specials
Holiday Factory has launched a host of 'value for money' destination packages in time for the Eid holiday break from as little as AED 2,380. Commenting on the offers, Hakan Bakar, CEO,…
Sri Lanka develops 5-year tourism strategy
Sri Lanka has formally approved a five-year strategy to develop the tourism sector including domestic tourism as arrivals go up after a 30-year war, the government's information office was…
Sri Lanka to recapitalise state airlines with US$500mil
Sri Lanka's loss making state airlines will be recapitalised with equity of US$500 million over five years to improve their gearing and allow them to acquire new aircraft, information…
Sri Lanka to start tourist call centre
Sri Lanka plans to start an international call centre which will provide assistance and information to tourists, chairman of the country's tourism development authority Nalaka Godahewa has…
Sri Lanka first half tourism revenues up 50%
Sri Lanka's tourism industry has earned US$370 million in revenues in the first half of 2011, up 50.9% from a year earlier, amid a strong increase in arrivals, official data showed.In the…
Aitken Spence hotel reopens as health resor
Sri Lanka's Aitken Spence Hotels has reopened its oldest hotel after refurbishment, converting it into an ayurveda health resort, Lanka Business Online said.The 64-room beach front Neptune…
SriLankan sets regional base in Bangkok
Bangkok is at the centre of SriLanka Airlines' five-year development plan that focuses on the Asian market.
The national carrier plans to use Suvarnabhumi Airport as satellite hub for…
All-villa resort opens in Sri Lanka
A new all-villa boutique resort has opened near Tangalle, in the southern highlands of Sri Lanka. Maya, as the resort is known, is a restored Sri Lankan manor house dating from the late 19th…
Sri Lanka to build new ‘tourist city’ north of capital
Sri Lanka will build a new 'tourist city' in the western coastal city of Katana north of the capital Colombo, which may draw US$1.5 billion in foreign investments in its first phase alone, a…
Sri Lanka carrier takes delivery of A340 aircraft
Sri Lanka's national carrier, SriLankan Airlines has taken delivery of a 243 seat Airbus A340 aircraft with flatbeds, the airline said in a report.The latest aircraft has increased the…
Now you can drive to Sri Lanka
The new ferry service between India and Sri Lanka now offers passengers the ability to drive across, the head of the company running the service was quoted saying in Lanka Business…
Arrivals into South Asia surge in April: PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association 's figures for international visitor arrivals into Asia/Pacific destinations for April 2011 show a year-on-year increase of 6.8%, generating an additional…
India’s neighbours in “failed states” list
India's neighbours - Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka - are featured in the list of the " most failed states", the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine said in its latest annual…
Indians help boost arrivals into Sri Lanka
Arrivals from India to Sri Lanka rose a hefty 55% in May, helping the island achieve an overall figure of 48,943.Overall, Sri Lanka recorded a 39% increase year-on-year, driven by a sharp…
Ferry service to Sri Lanka flags off
The much-awaited passenger ferry service from Tuticorin in South India to Colombo begins today with the 1,044-capacity Scotia Prince being flagged off.The service, a twice-a-week schedule…
Ferry service to Sri Lanka
A ferry service linking Sri Lanka's Colombo port and the south Indian harbour of Tuticorin has been launched.With a capacity to ferry 1,044 people, the 'Scotia Princess' would initially do…
Tata’s Nano goes overseas
India's Tata Nano, billed as the world's cheapest car, began its first export sales on Sunday by entering the Sri Lankan market -- but with a price tag nearly three times what it is at home.…
Sri Lanka Taj profits recover
Sri Lanka's Taj Lanka Hotels, which owns a five -tar rated property in Colombo's Galle Face area said profits rose to 52 million rupees in the March 2011 quarter from 3.2 million rupees a…
Kuoni launches ‘smart’ packages
Kuoni has launched 'smart' by Kuoni, a collection of three- to four-star holidays designed to offer greater value for money. The collection includes long-haul destinations throughout the Far…
Aitken Spence plans for hotels in India
Sri Lankan hotel chain, Aitken Spence Hotels, has ambitious plans to expand in India. At present the chain has management tie-ups with six hotels - one in Puducherry, two in Kerala, one in…
India number one source market for SL tourism
India remained the top tourist generating market for Sri Lanka in the first quarter of 2011, according to official figures released today. PTI reported that Sri Lanka received 37,476 Indian…
Sri Lanka must abandon Sun, Sea and Sand
Sri Lanka must abandon its outdated, mass tourism label selling Sun, Sea and Sand, says a private sector leader. Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President Anura Lokuhetti has…
Shanghai population hits 22 million
According to the recent Chinese census, the population of Shanghai is now 22.2 million. The figure represents a 15.6% increase from 2009, as more people flock to the city from rural areas.…
Industry leader advocates intra-regional tourism
An industry leader in Sri Lanka has urged for a policy tack which will shift focus from long-haul markets to regional tourism. Speaking to Daily News Business the Tourist Hotels Association…
New aviation initiative unveiled in SL
Srilankan Airlines and budget airline Mihin Lanka are to increase their fleet size to 30 aircraft to support growing demand for flights in and out of Sri Lanka. The announcement was made by…
Investors shocked by SL government backtracking
Foreign investors are knocking down the cabinet's door in Colombo, begging for a stake in the exploding tourism sector. However the government would be well advised not to treat them…
Lanka’s CWG plans interest big hotel chains
As Sri Lanka's southern Hambantota city prepares its bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG), its ambition and potential has raised eyebrows among international hotel chains. According to…
South Asia leads regional arrivals growth
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today released preliminary figures for international visitor arrivals into Asia and the Pacific for January 2011, with the region seeing a 7%…
SriLankan to add three India destinations this year
Hungry for growth and with February arrivals from India up more than 20%, SriLankan Airlines has announced plans to relaunch its Colombo-Kochi service from 27 March with special opening…
Feb arrivals to Sri Lanka up 14.8%
Despite a dip in the number of visitors from its primary source markets of Germany and the UK, Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rose 14.8% to 65,797 in February 2011 from a year earlier. The…
SL threatens to cancel train contract with India
The Sri Lankan government has suspended the delivery of 17 locomotive trains from India after one vehicle broke down abruptly last week. The incident has caused the government to seriously…
SL government seizes Hilton Colombo
The Sri Lankan government last week seized ownership of the Hilton Colombo Hotel. The news was revealed by Sri Lanka's Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in parliament on…
Medical tourism on Sri Lankan horizon
The Lanka Hospitals Corporation is looking to increase capacity and expand into regions beyond Colombo. It is also exploring partnerships with investors and is urging the public sector to…
SriLankan announces summer expansion
SriLankan Airlines is to expand its global route network, with new services to Karachi, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat, and Kochi.Much of the increase in capacity is in the Middle East, with the…
SL faces skills shortage in face of rapid growth
Tourism in Sri Lanka is growing with unparalleled rapidity as the government aims to muster 2.5 million visitors by 2016. Growth of this scale requires streamlined private public…
SL Tourism charms visitors at development expo
Sri Lanka Tourism has lined up a series of attractive programmes and activities for domestic and international tourists attending the "Deyata Kirula" national development exhibition in…
Cinnovation Group to extend SL footprint
Singapore based Cinnovation group is to open several more resorts in Sri Lanka, the company said launching its new Asia focused hotel management subsidiary.
The group aims to have 30…
SL approves US$500mn hotel project in capital
The budding Sri Lankan tourism sector has not gone unnoticed by the Chinese who have just received approval from the Sri Lankan government to build a luxury hotel in Colombo.
The…
Shangri-La to open two properties in Sri Lanka
Shangri-La Asia yesterday revealed plans to develop two brand new properties in Sri Lanka, its first in the country. The hotel giant's first property, a 300-key city resort on approximately…
Shangri-La to launch two Sri Lanka hotels
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The…
200 hotels to go up along SL East coast
The post-war land grab in Sri Lanka is ongoing and the latest proposal will see 200 hotels go up along the country's eastern seaboard in the areas of Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and…
Controversial tourism development plans in SL
The Sri Lankan government has allocated funds for the construction of a coastal hotel in Kaangkeasanthurai in the north of the island to cater for tourists from the South. This is part of…
SriLankan Air Taxi takes is back
SriLankan Airlines is set to re-launch its domestic floatplane service - SriLankan Air Taxi - starting this December in time for the winter tourist season.SriLankan's Head of…
Hotel investment pours in Sri Lanka
Major Sri Lankan Hotel Chains are pumping in approximately AED 18 billion
into new projects
The hotel industry will experience a 45% influx in room capacity
The double-digit growth of…
Japanese health lunch at Hilton Colombo Residence
The Hilton Colombo Residence is offering hustle-free business lunches at its Nihonbashi Japanese restaurant. Guests can chose from a straightforward, healthy menu of Japanese food. From…
Minor International announces Sri Lanka investment
Minor International Plc (MINT) has secured a key investment in Sri Lanka, acquiring an 80.1% share in the Sri Lankan company Cyprea Lanka Pvt. Ltd. whose assets comprise the Kani Lanka…
LOLC buys Sri Lanka’s Confifi Hotels
LOLC Securities Ltd, a subsidiary of Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC, has branched out into the hospitality sector by securing major stakes in Confifi Hotel Holdings Plc and…
Kuoni launches new Indian Ocean brochure
Kuoni has launched its new Indian Ocean brochure for September 2010 - December 2011, which includes the paradise islands and atolls that make up the Indian Ocean - Maldives,…
Sri Lanka’s Eden Resort adds new room options
The Eden Resort & Spa in Beruwela, Sri Lanka, has added a new range of luxury accommodation options. The Paradise Rooms and Suites concept, located on the top floor, offering view of the…
Tourism development for Jaffna
The town of Jaffna, on the northern-most tip of Sri Lanka, is preparing for an influx of tourists, with the development of new tourism infrastructure projects. A Tourist…
Bollywood comes to Sri Lanka
Colombo, 22 April 2010. The glamour of Indian cinema comes to Sri Lanka between 3 to 5 June at the 11th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and…
Serene Pavilions joins SLH
Serene Pavilions, a new venture in luxury hospitality located in Wadduwa on Sri Lanka's west coast, has joined the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. Opened at a cost of…
SriLankan upgrades FFP
The frequent flyer programme (FFP) of SriLankan Airlines, FlySmiLes, has announced that it has signed 10 new partnership agreements. Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Dialog Telekom,…
THAI launches ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Promotion
Thai Airways has introduced its 'Follow Your Dreams' the winter promotion, offering international round-trip special fares from Bangkok to THAI's destination worldwide from now until the end…
Sri Lanka hotel staff looking for jobs
Hotels are unable to hire new staff as tourist arrivals have fallen 22 percent in the first eight months of this year.
"There are approximately over 5,000 workers out of their jobs, who…
Sri Lankan airlines enhances flights
Sri lankan Airlines are enhancing in-flight comfort for passengers with the introduction of new menus and entertainment options onboard its flights.
Revamped menus will include cup…
