Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities are looking at kicking off the much-awaited digital and nation branding campaign in early February in the key three world regions alongside the traditional markets. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam speaking with the Sunday Times Business on Thursday said that at the moment they are finalising the …
Port City Colombo celebrated the groundbreaking of the Marina Development at Port City Colombo with a special ceremony held on 10th January 2025. The occasion was graced by Chief Guest, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism. Also present at the event were H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador, Embassy of the People’s Republic …
Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced it is all set to officially become the world’s first ‘Autism Certified Airline’. The initiative aims at allowing the customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience seamless services and personalised hospitality, making travel more accessible for all. The inaugural designation …
Chongqing Airlines has announced the resumption of its operations with three weekly flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka. These flights, scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, offer a convenient travel option for passengers. The route includes a stopover in Malé, Maldives, effectively connecting Chongqing, Malé, and Colombo. This resumption enhances regional connectivity, catering to both leisure …
Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved a proposal to extend further relief which is relevant to tax deviations for three international airports in the country, according to the government’s information department on Tuesday. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake submitted the proposal, the department said. According to the department, concessionary motivation schemes …
Maldivian Airlines has achieved a historic milestone with the arrival of its first wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330 with 324 seats, at Velana International Airport. This marks the first wide-body aircraft registered for civil use in the Maldives. The aircraft, manufactured under serial number 1164, made a technical stopover at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri …
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry kicks off 2025 with nearly 40,000 arrivals in the first five days of the year, reflecting a strong start. The 39,415 arrivals in the first five days represent a significant increase compared to 32,453 tourists welcomed during the same period in 2024. This surge reflects a growing momentum for the sector, …
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry concluded 2024 with over 2.05 million arrivals. The performance represents the highest annual figure since 2019, showcasing a remarkable 38.07% year-on-year (YoY) growth. December 2024 also saw 248,592 arrivals, an 18.18% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the highest monthly performance of the year. The average daily arrivals …
Cape Weligama, the iconic cliff-top resort spanning 12 acres of tropical gardens with breathtaking 270-degree ocean views, has reopened following a comprehensive refresh. Dubbed the ‘Crown Jewel of the South Coast’ the property now offers expanded guest experiences, including curated marine excursions, culinary journeys, and a newly unveiled Cove Beach. These enhancements aim to deepen …
Classic Destinations, the inbound travel arm of Expolanka Holdings, is proud to announce the appointment of Chalaka Gajabahu as its new Head of Destinations. This strategic leadership move underscores the company’s commitment to driving Sri Lanka’s tourism industry to new heights. Chalaka Gajabahu, the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), brings …
