“2020 started off with just incredible promise,” Misty Belles, Virtuoso managing director, global public relations, said during a press event as part of the luxury travel network’s virtual Virtuoso Travel Week. “We were seeing growth in all sectors.” Air, hotel, cruise and on-site bookings were all showing double-digit growth. In January, polling of its agencies […]

“2020 started off with just incredible promise,” Misty Belles, Virtuoso managing director, global public relations, said during a press event as part of the luxury travel network’s virtual Virtuoso Travel Week. “We were seeing growth in all sectors.” Air, hotel, cruise and on-site bookings were all showing double-digit growth. In January, polling of its agencies […]

Recognising the safety protocols introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka along with the standards mandated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to ensure the safety of domestic and international travellers, destination Sri Lanka was recently endowed with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp.Whilst […]

We wanted to share the great news that the 2019 So Sri Lanka PR film took home ‘Best Viral Film’ in the Brand Film Awards in London recently. Hosted by PR Week and Campaign, the Brand Film Awards is a prestigious award that celebrates the use of branded content within […]

Guiding Star Holidays (www.guidingstarholidays.com) has refunded 100% of all reservations cancelled due to the COVID-19 lockdown during the last three months. The surprising move to refund local and foreign reservations has been widely commended by the customers. “It is not an easy task to fully refund all the reservations while […]

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has partnered with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) on an island-wide campaign to raise awareness among accommodation providers on the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) guidelines for safe tourism operations with COVID-19 prevention measures. The campaign kicked off with a workshop, hosted […]

Amidst allegations of a conflict of interest against the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has expressed its absolute support to the SLTDA and its Chairperson. In a letter to SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando dated 7 July 2020, which has been seen […]

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka) has decided to provide further relief measures to assist tourism sector businesses and individuals who are adversely affected by the prevailing COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, issuing a circular yesterday (16) the CBSL requested all licensed commercial banks, licensed specialised banks, licensed finance companies and specialised […]

Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw, owned and managed by LAUGFS Leisure Ltd., has recently become the 1st resort in Sri Lanka to receive the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS) 1672:2020 certification from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) for COVID-19 Safety Management Systems. An SLSI certification for COVID-19 Safety Management Systems […]

SLTDA creates provisional licensing to assist SME’s enabling them to seek COVID-19 health certification to host tourists in the future. Sri Lanka Tourism is extending its support to the Small and Medium sector which is considered to be over 60 % of the tourism industry. It is estimated that over […]

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and foreign remittances were severely affected from March 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic.With the termination of all passenger flights and ships to Sri Lanka, there was a cessation of tourist arrivals from the third week of March 2020, resulting in zero tourist arrivals since April up […]

In an effort to uplift the overall experience of a foreign traveller in Sri Lanka, the Tourism Development Authority is gearing up to set up branches across the island that will improve the services extended. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told Mirror Business that plans are […]

Sri Lanka Tourism has been in discussion with the European Union Office in Colombo regarding the most effective use of a Euro 3.5 million government to government grant offeredto help recover from the crisis. The total grant to the Sri Lankan government was Euro 22 million, allocated primarily to support […]

  Volume 13 – JUNE 2020A Bird With The Quickest Digestion ; The Black-headed Oriole   Fun factsThe Black-headed Oriole, is a bird which forages in mixed species and flocks on the canopies of trees, consuming a variety of invertebrates, fruits and seeds. They can be found in the stems of a […]

Sri Lanka has been omitted from the list issued by the United Kingdom on tourists allowed to visit the UK without facing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival. The list issued yesterday (03) covers over 50 countries and territories allowed to visit the UK from 10 July without facing […]

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has shortlisted four audit companies with international experience in the health and hospitality industry to outsource the COVID-19 safety standard compliance certification process for hotels. In June, the Government decided to introduce a COVID-19 safety standard compliance certification for all SLTDA registered entities in […]

Despite being considerably affected by the recent COVID -19 outbreak, Sri Lanka Tourism is currently taking several measures to revive the Tourism sector by collaborating with key international organizations, and platforms, through destination promotional marketing among new markets via social and digital media. It is very well known that the […]

To sustain the lives of employees directly involved in the tourism industry and linked to establishments registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, following relief measures have been approved with implementation mechanisms. 1. Provide a loan at 4% toaccommodation providers and destination management companies (DMCs) registered under SLTDA to […]

The 32nd Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA) which is UNWTO’s principal annual event in the Asia and the Pacific Region was scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka Tourism in Colombo from 29th June to 01st July 2020. However, […]

Although it was initially planned to reopen the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport for tourists from August 01, government sources say that this is likely to be postponed. It has become unable to reopen the airport because it has become impossible to complete the repatriation of Sri Lankans overseas, by August […]

Following Sri Lanka’s successful containment of COVID-19, Sri Lanka Tourism has been collaboratively exploring avenues of re-positioning Sri Lanka as the world’s number one destination with an excellent health care system, by introducing extensive health and safety protocols to ensure a ‘Safe and Secure’ traveller experience. Through an extensive consultative […]

Sri Lanka’s first underwater museum was opened by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva off the shores of Galle on April 5. This underwater museum was built off the Galle shores under the close supervision of the Navy Commander, upon a proposal by Prime MinisterMahinda Rajapaksa. The initial plan […]

Sri Lanka Tourism should re-think and reposition Sri Lanka mainly to attract younger tourists former MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday addressing the inauguration of Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Travel Operators (SLAITO) Youth at the Ramada Hotel. He said the global post COVID-19 is focusing more on youth travel and Sri […]

Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers had approved proposals to give concessionary loans for up to 5 years to the hotel and travel sector to pay salaries during a Coronavirus epidemic , the state information office said. Hotels, destination management and travel agencies, registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority […]

The Maldives is reopening to all visitors next month with no restrictions. A spokesperson for the tourism board has confirmed the Indian Ocean destination will welcome back tourists of all nationalities in July. While a previous draft proposal indicated travellers would need to present a medical certificate confirming proof of […]

Dreaming of summer trips? It might be possible to travel to one of these destinations s countries emerge from lockdown and begin lifting travel restrictions, many travellers are wondering the same thing: Will we be able to travel this year? And if so, where?  Since May, countries have begun announcing […]

As a proactive measure to boost tourism, the government is in the preliminary stages of creating a travel corridor with another country to boost tourism. A travel corridor will create an easier framework for travel between the two countries thus encouraging tourism. Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority […]

The World Bank says tourism activity in Sri Lanka was on a path to recovery and has been severely damaged by the coronavirus pandemic. The June 2020 edition of the World Bank Global Economic Prospects report suggests that COVID-19 resulted in a sharp decline in tourist arrivals in economies like […]

A comprehensive one-hour web event organized by Hospitality Consulting Group C9 HotelWorks and Delivering Asia Communications titled, “Sri Lanka – Reimagining the Tourism Journey Ahead” will be held today (11) at 1:00 pm (Sri Lanka Time). This special event is expected to draw strong participation in across Sri Lanka’s travel […]

Sri Lanka is readying to welcome travelers from across the world with safety guidelines and precautionary measures. Frequently Asked Questions Who can visit?All nationalities are welcome and all types of travellers whether groups, families, individuals. Which airports will operate?Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA] and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota […]

Sri Lanka plans to reopen its tourism sector in mid-June by allowing only small groups of visitors to begin with, a local newspaper quoted a senior tourism ministry official as saying. A limited number of small groups from around the world would be allowed to visit and stay in approved […]

The European Union has decided to provide a grant of 3.5 million euros to Sri Lanka to uplift the country’s tourism industry, which has been severely hit by the COVID-19 epidemic, according to a report. EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Denis Chaibi, has requested Sri Lanka Tourism Development […]

One Year after her visit, famous Italian Travel Blogger praise Great Sri Lankan Hospitality & Resilience in the Face of a Crisis. Diana Bancale is an award winning  Travel Blogger/Instragram Travel Influncers. Her travel blog is www.inviaggiodasola.com and also avialbe on Istargram as  @inviaggiodasola. The Italian based female travel blogger is among the […]

Sri Lanka’s hotels are ready to open for tourists in July if authorities give permission though health rules to contain the risk of Coronavirus is pushing up operating costs, an industry official said. “July is speculated as the possible month of opening but we haven’t received any official communications yet,” […]

Tourism earnings in Sri Lanka dropped to 391 million U.S. dollars in February, in comparison to 475 million dollars earned within the same period last year, local media, quoting official figures from Sri Lanka Tourism showed here Monday. The island country’s tourism industry is one of the worst affected by […]

The Tourism Ministry will conduct a series of consultative meetings with various stakeholders tomorrow to chart the industry’s way forward amidst major challenges owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Government has decided to provide relief to those affected in tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A special program is […]

Sri Lanka has extended visas of all foreign tourists and resident foreigners until June 11, the island’s immigration office said as state agencies are set to begin partial operations from May 11 while red zones in the capital Colombo remains under partial curfew. “Please be informed that, the validity period […]

Katerina and I have been travelling together for more than 10 years now. With the exception of our trip to Egypt in 2010, we have only travelled within Europe. Which is great considering there are tons of things to do in Europe. But, once you catch the travel bug, there […]

Developed eco-friendly Highways and comfortable transportation mean it’s easier than ever traveling from one place to another in Sri Lanka. Almost more than 200Countries and their tourism have been badly affected with Covid 19 virus, as we know there is a bad side of this virus and also we can […]

According to Immigration data, there are 11,389 tourists in the country as of 4th May and Sri Lanka Tourism extends an invitation to all the International Tourists and Expatriates to register at the “Tourist & Expatriate Support Center” website on www.register.sltda.gov.lk which provides live updates on COVID-19, essential travel information and assistance. […]

Due to the effect of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, the annual renewal of the guide license fee for the year 2021 will be waived for all tour guides. As a relief measure, the annual fee for guide licenses of all four categories – National, Chauffeur, Area and Site Guides […]

As of 25th March, there are approximately 18,093 international tourists in the country according to immigration authorities; and Sri Lanka Tourism is closely working with the Foreign Ministry and respective embassies/high commissions to arrange necessary facilities. Though arrivals are suspended into the country, all departures are supported and Srilankan Airlines […]

“Welcome to Sri Lanka!” was one of the first greetings I heard in Colombo, the country’s bustling big city. A local graced me with those lovely words from across the street. Not a storekeeper, nor a hawker. Just a person who wanted to pass on a warm hello. Sri Lanka […]

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. yesterday said there was no reason to shut down the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), noting that stringent measures have been put in place against the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat. “There is no requirement to shut down the operations of the airport at the […]

With a global Coronavirus pandemic keeping people at home and flights cancelled from many countries Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is perhaps facing the worst crisis in history, an industry official said. “This is the worst crisis we have ever seen in the tourism industry,” President of the Tourist Hotels Association […]

Sri Lanka has expanded the in-bound travel ban to eight more countries in addition to previously announced three nations, to deal with the COIVD-19 outbreak. Following instruction from the Health Authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) yesterday banned arrival of travellers from France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, […]

The long-awaited global advertising campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism is set to be launched in September this year with Cabinet approval set to be obtained this week, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) sources. The campaign, which has been in the pipeline for five to seven years under […]

The total number of international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka during February 2020 was 207,507. In comparison to February last year, there was a decline of 17.7 % when the arrivals were 252,033, according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority -Monthly Tourist Arrivals Report. This month, the largest source market […]

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has started a development project around Lake Gregory Nuwara Eliya ahead of April’s tourist seasons which will see a major overhaul of the facilities available to tourists as well as a clean-up of the area. These will be including walking paths, boat services as well […]

Note from MEF: “Please be advised that between 12th and 16th April we are unable to accept any overnight stays for the Colonial house program any or Elephant walks with lunch. This is due to us not being able to accommodate because of the public holidays over Sinhalese new year […]

To strengthen the safety and security of Tourists and increase the tourist police presence in the country, State Minister of Tourism Promotions Arundika Fernando along with Sri Lanka Tourism Officials met with the Acting IGP of Sri Lanka Police Mr. Chandana Wickramaratne last week. Considering the current situation, several recommendations […]

Those who hold passports of listed countries and travel to Sri Lanka from 26.02.2020 to 30.04.2020 for Tourist purposes are exempted paying ETA fee, in view of enhancing tourist arrivals from designated countries. However, any foreign national who will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short period is required to […]

1  Colombo Why you should visit: Sri Lanka’s cosmopolitan city is a must-visit destination for foodies. In recent years, Colombo has seen an explosion of stylish restaurants, hip cafes and pop-up eateries. It has an outstanding street-food reputation, with a plethora of mouthwatering choices throughout the city. In addition, Colombo is good […]

Sustainability is fast becoming a very relevant and essential aspect of our lives. This has come about as a response to the high degree of consumerism that prevails in the world today, and the resulting overuse of fast-depleting natural resources, giving rise to global warming and climate change. In the […]

The negative impact on the tourism industry due to the Coronavirus seems to be relaxing with many European tourists going ahead with their round trip itinary as planned. The whole world panicked by the recent virus outbreak Coronavirus. Air travel to China too is also limited, however we feel safe […]

The short term plans proposed by the four-member Tourism Development Task Force appointed by Minister of Industrial Exports, Investment Promotion Tourism and Aviation, Prasanna Ranatunga, recently, will be included in the 2020 Budget, official sources told Sunday Observer Business on Friday. The proposals will be on short and medium term […]

Following from our last update that shed light on some of Sri Lanka’s of beat beaches, we present you a collection of stunning lesser explored hill country destinations. Each of these locations offer beautiful landscapes, interesting wildlife and birding experiences, treks and climbs as well as scenic train journeys. Shy […]

The Government will soon call for Request for Proposals ( RFPs) to develop the Galle Port for a Yacht Marina, Minister of Port Development , State Minister of Port Development, Kanaka Herath told Sunday Observer Business yesterday. He said that there were a large number of Western tourists, especially Continental […]

While introducing a fast ticket issuing system for tourists and the local community, the Wildlife Conservation Department launched an online E-Ticketing system for Yala National Park. The E-Ticketing system was launched by the Wildlife Minister S. M. Chandrasena at the Ministry premises today. Speaking to the media he said as […]

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals fell by 7.4% to 226,094 in January from a year earlier, largely influenced by the sharp drop in visitors from China with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Chinese tourist arrivals fell 15% from 22,363 in January compared […]

Against the backdrop of the global coronavirus outbreak, Chinese travellers are reported to be cancelling scheduled trips to Sri Lanka en masse, with February and March arrivals expected to hit record lows. As at Friday (31), it was believed that over 90% of Chinese tourists had cancelled their tours to […]

Chinese tourists wear facial masks as they pose for a photograph, after Sri Lanka confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the country, 28 January – Reuters Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday said steps had already been taken to create awareness to reduce the coronavirus outbreak among tourism industry stakeholders.  […]

Industry, Export, Investment Promotion,Tourism and Aviation Services Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said action will be taken to create awareness among all stakeholders in the tourism industry about the corona virus with Health Ministry assistance. Hotel, restaurant and lodge owners and their employees, tour guides, taxi and three wheeler drivers will be […]

Provincial councils in Sri Lanka have been asked to liberalize beverage licenses to improve tourism receipts to the country, the government information office said. Provincial councils were requested present proposals to liberalise beverage licenses during a meeting with Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and Tourism and Aviation State Minister […]

Sri Lanka specialist Steppes Travel is calling for airlines to offer more special fares to the island to encourage visitors to return to the country after arrivals plunged last year following terror attacks at Easter that killed more than 250 people, including holidaymakers. Steppes product consultant Clare Burkey said booking queries […]

Sri Lanka may be the only country where one could get a glimpse of both the largest land mammal and the largest marine mammal, within a period of 24 hours. Known as a biodiversity hotspot, with many species of fauna and flora, around quarter of which are endemic, the island […]

A delegation from the Vereniging van Kleinschalige Reisorganisaties (VVKR); Small & Medium Tour Operators Association in The Netherlands arrived in Sri Lanka on 02nd December 2019, following an invitation from Sri Lanka Tourism. Upon their arrival they were given a warm welcome amidst a distinguished gathering, and also had the […]

http://blog.columbustourssrilanka.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WhatsApp-Video-2020-01-20-at-8.55.06-PM.mp4 Columbus’s First Client Welcoming Moment at Jetwing Lake Gallery ‘Jetwing Kandy Gallery’, the newest Jetwing property, will be expecting its first guest on the 14th of January next year, Jetwing Symphony PLC, Chairman, Hiran Cooray said. Jetwing Symphony PLC’s latest project ‘Jetwing Kandy Gallery’ is a 26-room hotel in […]

Sri Lanka is looking to draw more high spending tourists from India this year. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) made its first successful participation for the year 2020 at South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2020 in New Delhi, India from 8th to 10th January 2020, SLTPB said in […]

The Government of Korea has decided to provide a grant of US $ 10.96 million for the promotion of tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Ambassador of Korea to Sri Lanka, Heon Lee, said the grant will be given this year. This was revealed during a discussion between the Minister of […]

Located in a picturesque location of the French Rivera, the 18th edition of the ILTM France kicked off from 2nd to 5th December 2019, at Cannes, France with an attendance of over 5000 visitors from all across the world. ILTM 2019 was also marked as the biggest event which was […]

Finance Ministry has appointed top professionals and business leaders to the new Board of SriLankan Airlines.  Apart from Chairman Ashok Pathirage (Chairman Softlogic Holdings PLC) who was appointed earlier on, the new appointed members of the SriLankan Airlines Board of Directors are Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar, Dilmah Group Director […]

The South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka is as ancient as it is beautiful; as complex a civilization now as at any time in its 2,000-year history. Despite recent tumult (the horrific terror attacks last Easter), Sri Lanka remains an essential destination, an epicenter of history, with relics and […]

Velana International Airport (VIA), which served 4.9 million passengers in 2018, has embarked on the largest development project in the history of the Maldives by investing over $1 billion to revolutionise VIA into a world-class airport. This transformation will increase the passenger handling capacity and improve the operational efficiency of […]

Tourism Minister to submit Cabinet proposal within next two weeks Industry reiterates only fee is waived for nationals from 49 countries; prior application requirement remains Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday confirmed that the Government is in the process of drafting a Cabinet proposal to extend the fee-free visa regime till […]

Kandy is a bustling city built around a lake in central Sri Lanka. It is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and is considered one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist World. It can be beautiful, loud and peaceful, depending on where you go. How […]

Sri Lanka was considered a must visit destination in 2019 but it took just a matter of months before travellers started to leave and some never to return. The industry is likely to see a revival in the summer of 2020 with hopes that the ‘must visit’ tag would take […]

Epic Sunrises The scenery in Sri Lanka makes a hard case for an early wake-up when sunrises look like this. Watch the early morning mist burn off as the sun makes its way up for the day. Who needs extra sleep when you’ve got a real-life postcard to see? Mountain […]

Yesterday some of Columbus Tours clients were able to spot 4 Leopards crossing the road in Yala National Park, It is a very rare incident and later on one Leopard came to near a Jeep and licked the tyre as well. See below small clip which was captured by one […]

Sri Lanka has been ranked as the top destination, among 20 countries, for winter travel by USA Today. The list, which includes Galapagos Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Hanoi, Vietnam, Saint Lucia, Ko Samui in Thailand and Lima in Peru, targets people seeking to escape the cold weather. “Jetsetters looking […]

Nov 14, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s government has decided to increase overflying charges after 38 years, taking into account the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) policies for the determination of air navigation charges. In exchange for providing navigation aids to aircraft overflying their territories and landing at their airports, […]