Fully vaccinated travellers from India will now be able to travel to Sri Lanka. As per the reports, anyone travelling from India, who have completed both the doses of either Covaxin or Covishield vaccine, will be allowed entry into the island nation. Reportedly, those who are partially vaccinated or are non-vaccinated will […]

The concerted efforts by Sri Lanka Tourism to promote the Island globally through its integrated and strategic campaign, continues to bring attention to the island. The strategies executed have led to a surge of positive reviews and recommendations from the world’s media, even during the pandemic. High profile coverage on […]

The Government has launched a programme to transform Arugam Bay into a worldwide destination for windsurfing. “The Government will not only have promotional campaigns worldwide for Arugam Bay as a tourism and windsurfing destination but also have training sessions for the sport and international competitions as well,” Tourism Minister Prasanna […]

The Maldives has received over 550,000 tourists between January and June this year, local media citing data from the Ministry of Tourism reported here Monday. The tourism ministry data showed that 555,494 tourists visited the country by mid-year, with 24.3 percent of them coming from Russia and 18 percent from […]

With the mission to popularize the Safe & Secure Bio Travel Bubble Process and rich tourism product diversity available to offer, Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTPB) welcomed popular Food Travel YouTube channel “Chopstick Travel” (Link: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToastWithJim) from 16th April 2021 to 9th May 2021) . Destination Sri Lanka will be featured in […]

The BBC in its global coverage, ‘The CEO Edit’ interviewed Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando recently on the island’s strategy for post-Covid tourism and how the destination is gearing up for the new normal. Ms. Fernando said that with the important role the tourism sector plays in the economy […]

The very first eco-friendly luxury boutique resort in Colombo made its debut when Waters Edge recommenced the construction of the much-anticipated 48-room project.  With its intriguing design, smart-tech features and eco-friendly sustainable structure and operational strategy, the resort style establishment is set to become a vibrant business-resort for locals and […]

Dhammika Wijesinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) says that foreign tourists visiting the island will be able to travel under the Biosafety Bubble System according to health guidelines. She said the Director General of Health and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have been informed […]

By Aysha Maryam Cassim There is a saying that the strongest tales are those from our past. Myths, legends and archaeology tell us interesting stories about the legend of Panduwasnuwara. Although we cannot guarantee the accuracy of these folk stories, we tend to cling on to its fictitious nature, steeped […]

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga emphasizes that the Government’s main aim is to achieve the the people’s objectives and that the new Tourism Bill is being prepared in accordance with the views of those engaged in the tourism industry. Accordingly, a period of three months has been given to obtain the […]

REUTERS: Booking Holdings Inc. welcomed a rebound in travel demand in the US and Britain as more people planned holidays after getting vaccinated, but Asia remained on the back foot as its health crisis worsened. The online travel agency’s shares were marginally higher in extended trade on Wednesday, as optimism around […]

As consumer expectations change, the tourism industry is focused on promoting experiences, like outdoor and wellness activities, to attract international tourists. Tanya Beckett talks to Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson for Sri Lanka Tourism on how are shifting priorities reshaping the industry? Source: Sri Lanka Travel

Sustaining the global spotlight on Sri Lanka as a ‘safe and secure’ holiday destination that has successfully opened up to the world, CNN’s Asia Travel journalist, Lilit Marcus visited the island early last month to experience first-hand how Sri Lanka Tourism has managed to open up the country by implementing […]

Sri Lanka Tourism held a virtual press conference for the German and Swiss media explaining Sri Lankas’ updated travel opportunities and current health protocols for incoming tourists. The virtual media conference was attended by twenty key media personalities which included key German television channels, editors from German travel magazines, reporters […]

The first flight under a travel bubble agreement between Sri Lanka and India is expected to take off by the end of this month, according to the Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranathunga. Speaking to The Morning Business, the Minister of Tourism revealed that the first flight to take off from Sri […]

The Visiting Travel Blogger and Journalist Programme is an annual project which Sri Lanka Tourism hosts in order to diversify and spread the visitation of foreign travellers and also generate income for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka. Speaking to Visiting Travel Blogger and Journalist Programme Assistant […]

Colombo’s up and coming Heritage Square is set to also include both the current Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters and Foreign Ministry buildings, due to their historical value and architecture. The initiative is looking to relocate both organisations to new locations, while using their old buildings as tourist sites within […]

With airports resuming, Sri Lanka targets one million tourist arrivals in 2021 as it has eased entry restrictions for tourists who are vaccinated, The Morning Business learns. Speaking to The Morning Business, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Director General Dhammika Wijesinghe said that despite targeting 800,000 tourist arrivals for 2021, the first quarter […]

Eco Team has achieved another ‘first’ in the Sri Lankan tourism domain by being the first and only Tented Safari Camp operator to receive approval by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as Level 1-certified ‘Safe and Secure’ accommodations. Eco Team Safari Camps offer safari experiences under the Level 1 […]

Currently the Sri Lanka tourism industry has impacted dramatically by the Covid 19 pandemic. Hence the Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (hons) Degree students of the Management and Science University (MSU) has taken a step in contributing towards recovering of tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Management and Science University […]

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has handpicked 14 hotels throughout the island to accommodate 30,000 migrant workers who will be repatriated under a new scheme, DailyNews Newspaper reported. Last week under a revised quarantine regulations programme, the Government reduced its compulsory quarantine period for migrant workers from […]

Sri Lanka Tourism has been recognized for its innovative “Bio Bubble” concept by the International Trade Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) which is one of the largest trade shows in the world. This year, the trade fair took place on a virtual platform from the 9th – 12th of March, where over 3500 exhibitors […]

Vietnam’s new Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ho Thi Thanh Truc had presented credentials to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, promising to boost investment, tourism and trade. President Rajapaksa had invited Vietnam to explore and take advantage of the investment opportunities in the Sri Lankan economy, pointing out that trade and tourism industries […]

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has appointed a separate internal team to undertake necessary preparatory work of Sri Lanka’s participation at the upcoming World Expo 2020 that will be held in Dubai this year. SLTPB Acting Managing Director Madhubani Perera told The Sunday Morning Business that a separate set of […]

Government focuses on formulating a new National Tourism Policy under the theme “Sustainable Tourism” – Ministry of Tourism The Government will focus on formulating a National Tourism Policy to re-elevate the tourism industry in Sri Lanka based on “Sustainable Tourism”. The plans for a new Policy formulation were revealed during […]

Bolagala Floating Agro Tourism Resort in Katana located close to the Negombo tourism hub will be the newest addition to the inventory of unique experiences for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. This is the first-ever floating resort in Sri Lanka created adopting an agro-tourism theme consists of 50 floating cabanas, including 10 GPS […]

The Health Ministry today announced quarantine measures for travellers arriving in Sri Lanka from overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new quarantine measures have been introduced for Sri Lankan citizens/ dual citizens and foreign nationals, and tourists arriving from overseas via Sri Lanka tourism. It also includes instructions for vaccinated […]

themorning.lkA total of 27 flights are currently operating to and from Sri Lanka since the opening of the borders to all international tourists on 21 January 2021, according to (Retd.) Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Chandrasiri said that the flights operating include SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, China […]

By Vyshnavy Velrajh The quarantine process for travellers who have received the coronavirus vaccine, is under review. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva told Colombo Gazette that the Health Ministry’s technical committee on Covid-related matters is to take a final decision on the matter. He said that the proposal was one of three […]

Thousands of tourism workers are to be vaccinated under the first stage of a plan worked out by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and approved by the Health Ministry. About17,000 tourism workers come into direct contact with tourists and that is the main reason why they are to […]

Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka have crossed the 4,000 mark since authorities re-opened its international airports in the last week of January following the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported here Friday. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the local Daily FT that within just three weeks since airports were […]

The Ministry of Tourism says 3,820 tourists have arrived in the island since reopening the country, after airports were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest number of arrivals among the group was recorded from Ukraine with 1,374 tourists arriving in Sri Lanka. 526 tourists arrived from Kazakhstan while […]

Jetwing Yala welcomed its first batch of turtle nests for the season early last week. Keeping with the long-standing conservation efforts at the hotel, two nests at Jetwing Yala’s beachfront were protected in-situ to prevent disturbance by feral animals. A third nest, partially disturbed, was discovered further along the beach […]

To quarantine or not to quarantine — that is the question. Or at least it has been for countries deliberating how to handle incoming international travelers. But that changed last month when Sri Lanka reopened its borders with a requirement unlike any country that had opened before it —  one […]

Sri Lanka is getting about 1,000 passengers a day including tourists and returning residents after airports formally opened in January with the bulk of tourist traffic coming to Mattala airport, an official said. A planned ‘air-bubble’ with India and vaccination progress around the world will help boost the aviation sector, […]

Emirates yesterday announced it would increase its services to Colombo from four to six weekly flights – with a fifth weekly flight commencing 18 February (every Thursday) and a sixth weekly flight commencing 27 February (every Saturday). The two additional services will serve market demand and offer customers enhanced connectivity […]

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the US Ravinatha Aryasinha has observed that the credibility Sri Lanka Tourism earned in caring for the tourists who made lengthy extensions of their stay in the country at the time COVID broke out, and SriLankan Airlines being one of the few carriers that continued to […]

Sri Lankan Airlines flight took off from Frankfurt to Colombo on 21st January 2021 with a group of tourists from Germany and Switzerland. Sri Lanka Ambassador  Her Excellency  Manori Unambuwa along with other officials hailed the group in Frankfurt which was an encouragement for Germans to visit SL. This visit  […]

Ayurvie Weligama, a Theme Resorts & Spa’s property, welcomed the first familiarization tour of the tourism restart. The German delegation compromising of Ms. Claudia Wagner, Managing Director & Mr. Uwe Endres, Head of Ayurveda – Fitreisen Group, Mr. Markus Hegemann, Managing Director – NEUE WEGE Bewusst Reisen and journalists Hans-Jorg […]

We are delighted to announce that Columbus Tours Sri Lanka has received the “Safe & Secure” Tourism Certification of Compliance, which is audited & certified by KPMG & Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). SLTDA in coordination with KPMG Sri Lanka formulated the safety protocols in consultation with stakeholders in […]

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said yesterday that the country has received a revenue of Rs. 420 million from the 1500 Ukrainian tourists who arrived in the country under the pilot project of reopening the country for tourists from December 26, 2020 onwards. He said that all arrangements have been finalised […]

As Sri Lanka opens its doors to the world once again; Sri Lanka Tourism has pulled out all the stops, ensuring that every precautionary measure has been set in place to make the island getaway as safe, secure and serene as possible for the visitors. In this regard Sri Lanka […]

A total of seven airlines have so far announced plans to operate scheduled flights once the airport reopens on 21 January, a top official said. The international airlines are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Kuwait Airlines and Oman Airlines. However, the Civil Aviation Authority official said these […]

The former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, UdayangaWeeratunga, the brainchild behind the tourism pilot project launched at the end of December 2020 said the Covid-19 health protocols that are in place is a key hurdle when bringing down high-end foreign tourists. The pilot project based on the ‘travel bubble’ concept […]

The Government yesterday introduced 12 hotspots for foreign travellers to visits during their stay in the country, whilst directing officials to strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols outlined. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga in a special meeting yesterday directed officials to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence of […]

England’s cricket team arrive at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport yesterday as the team returned to Sri Lanka to play two Tests abandoned in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – AFP In a boost for sports and tourism, English cricket team arrives for two Test match series A special […]

Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga said, the Government will reopen International Airports for tourists from late this month. He said due to the impact of COVID-19, the Government had been forced to temporarily halt all avenues of foreign exchange gained through tourism. He mentioned that due to this reason, some […]

Sri Lankan authorities have decided to increase the number of PCR tests conducted daily in the country to identify the COVID-19 infected to facilitate overseas arrivals. Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga chaired a special discussion at the Ministry today (29) to expedite the repatriation of Sri Lankans and to increase […]

Ukraine International Airlines PS6385 with 204 tourist passengers and 9 crew members arrived at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 29th December 2020 at 1208hrs. Source: Travel Voice

The Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) last night welcomed the resumption of tourism via the new pilot project. “SLAITO is delighted to note that the Government is opening Sri Lanka for tourism. It’s a good move to have a pilot project following the bubble concept with health protocols,” it […]

The first flight under the pilot project to open the country for tourists is scheduled to arrive at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) tomorrow carrying more than 200 passengers from Ukraine, Airport and Aviation Services Chairman G. A. Chandrasiri said. Following the spread of the Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, […]

Top-level meeting headed by BR decides to release framework  Industry welcomes Govt. effort to resume tourism Mandatory stay period may be made flexible  Only preapproved hotels allowed to take bookings at 75% capacity   The much-awaited health guidelines for tourists are expected to be made public today after weeks-long, multiple rounds […]

In addition to Russia, Germany and India have also sought to send their tourists to Sri Lanka, once the airport is open for normal tourism, an official said yesterday. The government has planned to open the airport on December 26 for tourists and Sri Lankan nationals stranded abroad to return […]

Says no official declaration of border opening in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan published  Russia-based tour operators have sought categorical assurance and a formal announcement from the Government on several relaxed rules to travel to Sri Lanka under a proposed pilot project set to start this weekend. They claimed to date there […]

SLTDA initiative to review existing zones and improve management  Aims to develop zones with local and foreign investment  Discussion at Parliamentary Consultative Committee to use tourism to improve socio-economic development   Inputs required before 31 Jan. The Government has sought fresh input from industry stakeholders to identify new tourism zones throughout […]

Sri Lanka will finally open its airport for tourism from December 29 to accommodate around 5,000 Russian region based tourists, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga said. He said this would be under a trend setting pilot project which is very well planned and coordinated by Weeratunga himself […]

# High-powered meeting addresses need to increase PCR testing capacity to accommodate influx of tourists and Lankans from overseas  A high-level discussion chaired by Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication Chairman Basil Rajapaksa yesterday resolved a few more issues, including the need to increase PCR capacity towards […]

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) one of the apex bodies in Global Tourism, teamed up with GIZ to organize a virtual training program via Zoom for Sri Lanka Tourism on four days including 12, 13, 24 and 25 November 2020. Sri Lanka’s long standing proud membership induced PATA’s collaboration with […]

The Army’s  Security Force Headquarters-East (SFHQ-East) planted 100,000 seedlings of rare species in the Eastern Province within a single day as the prevailing rainy season conveniently offers a healthy environment to succeed the campaign. The Army stated that the Forest Department allocated state-owned forest areas for the campaign and further  […]

President says resumption of tourism industry could be agreed upon health advice, proper protocols Joint Tourism and Health Committee discussions to be concluded soon, final recommendations to be submitted to Ministers-in-charge  Joint Tourism and Health Committee has been directed to submit their final recommendations by the end of this week […]

SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance has won the prestigious ‘World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean’ title once again at the World Travel Awards Grand Final held in Moscow. SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman Ashok Pathirage said the latest accolade demonstrates the […]

Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga stated that plans have been made to open the airport in accordance with the COVID guidelines enabling foreign tourists to enter the country and it can be done so as soon as it is approved by the health authorities. Accordingly, the Minister disclosed that a […]

Nearly £6m of bookings were made in the last week, with UK leisure bookings climbing to 70% of the figures achieved the same time last year, and the company reports that over £1m bookings were made on Wednesday 25 November alone. Corporate travel bookings in the UK have also increased […]

Travel from any country permitted for minimum stay of 14 days Influx of daily travellers limited to maximum of 300 with priority for citizen repatriation All international airlines will be allowed with prior approval from COVID-19 Taskforce and CAA Permit visa for long-stay travellers, dual passport holders, resident permit holders, […]

Sri Lanka is among the fewer 52 countries in the world that has not yet revived its tourism industry with some of the smaller hotels closed and over 500,000 workers still reeling from the toll of COVID-19. Following a meeting of the UNWTO Ethics Committee meeting that Jetwing Chairman Hiran […]

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort, a new three-story, 78-room modern resort in Weerawila, Sri Lanka. The newly-built resort is owned by KDU Adventures (Private) Limited and joins Hilton Colombo and Hilton Colombo Residences as the third hotel to be managed by Hilton […]

Remembered Yesterdays by J. Godwin Perera “The Burghers were a riotous lot With song and dance and many a ‘shot’ Were drivers, guards in the Cee Gee Ar For higher jobs were below par” This is only partly true. It was a small segment of Burghers who worked in the […]

In Sri Lanka, we are seeing an increase in wildlife in the national parks due to the lockdown. Sri Lanka Tourism has been broadcasting live from our wildlife parks on YouTube and we have been busy observing the wildlife around our property. W15 Hanthana Estate near Kandy is a heaven for […]

A host of new destinations have been added to the quarantine-free list, led by Sri Lanka Visitors returning from the Indian Ocean tourism hotspot will now no longer have to self-isolate for 14-days on return to England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The same applies to Israel, Jerusalem, Namibia, Rwanda, Uruguay, […]

Usually, dumping metal into the ocean is a bad thing, but for once throwing disused items into the sea is working out for the greater good. Old Sri Lanka Transport Board buses have been used to create an underwater reef for crustaceans and fish in Trincomalee sea. Source: Newswire.lk

The tourism sector, which is suffering the most from the double whammy of Easter Sunday terror attack followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been given further lifeline via the 2021 Budget presented by the Government yesterday.  Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa proposed to extend the concessions and recovery […]

Sri Lanka as a global tourism hot spot is forging ahead embracing innovation, promoting change, touched by the trends of collaboration over competition, moved by authentic storytelling with a global perspective, is in the thick of shaping the future of tourism. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando spoke on Sri […]

Wildlife safari live-streaming concept introduced by Sri Lanka Tourism has gathered tremendous interest and enthusiasm not only by domestic travellers but also by potential overseas travellers. First episodes covering Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks have created over 100,000 impressions on social media and close to 800 comments. “We have had […]

Certification will include unique QR code to check information, prevent companies producing fake documentation and allow consumers to report any violation of guidelines 35 more hotels in Central Province, Eastern Province and North Central Province will be assessed in next 2 weeks Drop in original number of applicants as hotels […]

The recent operation to rescue 120 whales stranded along the Panadura beach further boosted the image of the country worldwide, adding a plus mark for Sri Lanka Tourism, stated Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). Sailors from the Navy and the coastguard along with local volunteers had managed […]

COLOMBO (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s navy and volunteers rescued 120 pilot whales stranded in the country’s biggest mass beaching, but at least two injured animals were found dead, officials said. Sailors from the navy and the coastguard along with local volunteers pushed back at least 120 whales by dawn on Tuesday (Nov […]

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary MBR Pushpakumara has requested the public not to visit Nuwara Eliya until further notice due to the epidemic situation in the country. Making a special statement to the media today (29) the District Secretary said coming to Nuwara Eliya for excursions under the current COVID-19 condition […]

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), functioning under the Ministry of Tourism with the mandate to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for the international MICE events (Meetings/Incentive Travel/Conferences/Exhibitions) has launched a new MICE promotional video. Due to the effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic, majority of the conventions, meetings and […]

A proposal has been made by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to increase the validity period of tourist visas to six months from the current period of one month, according to the SLTDA. The proposal has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers and is likely to be […]

With the recent sharp decline in tourism arrivals due to the global pandemic and flight restrictions, Sri Lanka Tourism has initiated a novel approach to promote the island through a concept branded as “Go on a Couch Safari” covering wildlife streams from our most popular National Parks. Every year, hundreds […]

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) conducted a series of Webinars for key markets in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commissions overseas, main associations of Sri Lanka and the private sector to keep key tourism stakeholders updated on the current situation in Sri Lanka and to obtain feedback from […]

Sri Lanka has been voted as the second best country to travel to in 2020 by the readers of the up-market travel publication Conde Nast Traveler. (Scored: 93.96) The Reader’s Choice Awards of the Conde Nast Traveler published in October showed that Sri Lanka has scored 93.96 points, slightly behind […]

Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK participated at a Virtual Media networking session on 29th September 2020. The Virtual Media meet was organized by the ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives) which is a voluntary nonpolitical organization established in the UK […]

Destination Sri Lanka is held high in the minds of the global traveler community as a ‘hotspot’ teeming with an unbelievable diversity of attractions far beyond its cute proportions. Literally its comparable to an entire huge continent’s worth of resources, all packed in to a tiny landmass with the added […]

Continuing with its destination promotion despite the Covid 19 pandemic across the globe, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Austria, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), held another destination promotional event titled ‘’ Flavours of Sri Lanka’’, depicting Sri Lanka’s traditional cuisine at the Helden Restaurant, Welt […]

The 40th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) was held on September 29  at the Ramada Colombo. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.  The Guest of Honour was Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga whilst Minister of Sports Namal […]

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) have joined hands to develop a research roadmap to facilitate Sri Lanka’s position as Asia’s foremost tourism destination. The roadmap will pave the way for better understanding of the visitors who come to Sri Lanka and assist the […]

Sri Lanka Tourism is working with the Sri Lankan Missions Overseas, through collaborations, with the intension of coordinated and targeted tourism promotions in the new normal. In this context, visit to Sri Lanka Tourism by H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, the newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to China was very much […]

Adapting to the new normal of the global travel and tourism industry, a strategic initiative will be taken by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to deploy technology to connect with the travellers both local and international in bringing out the experiences the Island nation can offer. First in this […]

Sri Lanka Tourism and the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) signed an agreement last week to train drivers involved in the tourism industry, which will enable training programs to be conducted island-wide to tourist drivers to enhance their skills and get suitable employment opportunities both locally and overseas. Tourist drivers play […]

World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Razia Pendse will be present at the Tourism Leaders’ Summit (TLS) 2020 as a member of a panel to discuss the importance of preserving Sri Lankan ‘true hospitality’ in the midst of adhering to compulsory COVID-19 health guidelines which need to […]

CNBC, the world’s leading channel for consumer and business news, extended their support to Sri Lanka Tourism by providing USD 100,000 worth of advertising on CNBC, gratis. The complimentary advertising opportunity was offered in an effort to promote and uplift the Sri Lankan tourism economy. The tourism promotional campaign will […]

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the relevant ministries to immediately renovate all the access roads to the tourist hotspots in the country. Accordingly, all access roads to in-house tourist destinations and dilapidated roads will be renovated immediately to facilitate the local and foreign tourists. The Premier has given these […]

The Government is still studying the possibility of reopening Sri Lankan airports, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said. Speaking to the media after an event yesterday, she said the matter was deeply discussed in the Cabinet and added it was proposed that more time should be given to study the entire […]

Where are the safest places to travel when borders open up? Travel lovers everywhere are dreaming of their next destinations and hoping that 2021 will be a safe year to travel and explore the world. For travelers looking to venture outside of the United States, safety is a key concern. Which countries […]

The long-delayed global tourism campaign of Sri Lanka has been put on hold once again until Sri Lanka tourism returns to its pre-pandemic levels, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Secretary S. Hettiarachchi told The Sunday Morning Business. After years of delay under consecutive governments, the campaign which was scheduled […]

Graze Kitchen, Hilton Colombo is dishing out an entire Japanese spread for lunch this Sunday 26 July featuring Sushi, Okonomiyaki, Teriyaki, Katsu, Teppanyaki and Tempura to name a few. A range of Japanese desserts like Mochi, Dorayaki, Hokkaido tarts and the like will be available to finish off the exotic […]

The Government is reportedly working on procedures to be implemented following the reopening of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL) G. A. Chandrasiri said they hope to finalize the necessary procedures required for the reopening of the BIA […]

Safety will be our topmost concern when we can travel again. However, with a constant change in COVID-19 cases, it may be challenging to track which countries are safe to visit. To enable travellers to identify these countries, the World Travel and Tourism Council is now certifying countries with a ‘Safe Travels’ […]