98 Acre Resort at Ella, off Bandalawela, for Pure Relaxation & Eco Tourism. Located in a Picturesque Plot of Uva Greenland Tea Estate

21st March 2013, www.dailymirror.lk

‘Sun and sand' is not a ‘must' for hot tourist destinations any more in Sri Lanka. Though Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, Unwatuna or Negombo is traditionally identified as hot spots of beach tourism, the latest addition is Ella in the midst of the misty hills.

Ella, off Bandarawela has fast developed into the tourism hub of Uva, with Hikka style small buzzing guest houses and number of diverse restaurants have come up in the area. But what stands tall in Ella is ‘98 Acre Resort and Spa', the latest addition to the Uva Tourism.

Ella is a small village nestled in a valley gazing straight through Ella Gap to the plain nearly 1000m below and across to the glimpse of the Great Basses lighthouse off Hambantota.

This modern ‘98 Acre Resort' is located in a picturesque ninety eight acre Uva Greenland Tea Estate creating a small haven that has an almost perfect climate. It is an ideal holiday destination for trekkers in quest for adventure or the weary travellers simply seeking a peaceful hideout or even a family outing. 'The Resort' is a safe haven for the ones seeking a stand on a scenic 98 acre estate and is surrounded by a stunning landscape. The resort site is liberally endowed with beautiful views and is also in full sight of the ‘Little Adam's Peak' (Punchi Siripade), the pride of Ella.

The tea estate which was once owned and managed by a British national during the Colonial era of Ceylon was then more famously known as the ‘Southerland tea' now named the ‘Uva Greenlands' was eventually passed onto the Uva Halpwatte Estate (UHE) makers of medium elevation pure Ceylon Tea.

The resort is built on an exclusive concept that interweaves pure relaxation with eco friendly tourism. The chic yet modest architectural design by Maithree Dissanayake bears witness to a great passion and concern for eco friendly substance used in its construction.

‘We have used mostly locally available materials for construction and interior. The wood, the ‘Illuk'-straw gracing the thatched roofs and the interior of the villas not only maintain the cool temperature but also adds a truly Sri Lankan look and feel to the resort' said Chamara Abeyrathne, the Director General of the UHE Group and whose brain child is ‘98 Acre Resort'.

Staying true to his pledge towards eco tourism basics, he has arranged golf buggies for the guests to wander about within the 98 acres of its compound.

Opened just twelve months ago, the Resort has luxury and comfort guaranteed beautifully crafted six chalets with 12 rooms (six deluxe and six standards). There is ample space left in between the chalets making it ideal for quiet honeymooners or even for families.

Each Chalet opens up to scenic views of the misty mountains and is equipped with all modern amenities. Each of the deluxe rooms has its own private living area and grants mystique views of the Ella Gap and the Small Adam's Peak hill.

The Standard rooms are bright and able ambiance for the guests and are completed with laminated wooden balconies to the total experience. Amidst other facilities is the elegantly designed pool overlook- deck made of cut stones; where the guests could take a peaceful dip while their kids could enjoy the safety of the baby pool. The resort owned helipad offers the convenience of landing just 5 minutes away from the resort and transport would be arranged via golf buggies to transfer the guests from the helipad. ‘Dining at 98Acres Resort is yet another experience' Chamara said.

The Resort has an open air restaurant that can accommodate up to 50 pax. The highly skilled chef Pradeep puts up an amazing play with the main dishes while the desserts follow dining on comfortable bean bags for a change.

‘We serve any kind of cuisine according to guest's choice. From authentic Sri Lankan dishes to Western, Continental and Oriental cuisine are available at the resort' Chef said.

‘Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts can see 63 species of the birds six precious species endemic to the country' said Indika, the Resort's PR and naturalist. The resort facilitates a detailed bird watching programme or the bird lovers to explore the surroundings guided by Indika.

Apart from that we have archery, biking and all indoor games. We provide bikes for its guests to trail along the woods within the area and explore the tranquil hillside with ease.

‘The guests of the 98 Acres Resort are more than welcome to stroll around the plantation and a visit to the resort owned tea factory would also be gladly arranged for the tea lovers who wish to learn more about the legendary tea story' Chamara explained. The centrally location of the 98 Acres resort makes it an ideal spot for travellers to plan their excursions to the many attractions around the area. ‘We arrange excursions with a guide for the guests to explore the waterfalls (Dunhinda, Diyaluma and Ravana) within the area and are even equipped to arrange helicopter tours, tours to Badulla, Udawalawa, Yala. Adisham in Haputale or even to East coast on request' he added.

The room rates for the coming season range from Rs.16,500/- on FBD basis for standard rooms and Rs 18, 500/- FBD for deluxe rooms

Blue and Sperm Whales and Dolphins are back in Trincoo, Eastern Sri Lanka

21st March 2013, www.dailymirror.lk

Since the lost whales of Trinco were rediscovered in 2010, by a team of naturalists at ‘Cinnamon Nature Trails', numerous sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins have taken place making the season up in the East a rewarding experience.


The great blue off the coast of Trincomalee seems to be a popular playground for these marvellous marine mammals during March through April each year. As in previous years, the Cinnamon Nature Trails team is ready to take guests on a voyage that will almost guarantee a sighting of Whales and Dolphins including a glimpse of a super pod of Sperm whales often seen in Trinco during this period.

With all safety measures in place and a crew well experienced to make your cruise pleasurable. The Eastern whale watch is set to begin shortly off the city by the sea. Head of Eco Tourism for John Keells Resorts Chitral Jayatilake mentioned that all guests who will flock to Trinco this season for whale watching are welcome to submit tale fluke images for an ongoing Blue whale ID programme, while clear images once selected will be uploaded to a Flickr site with picture credit.

Chaaya Blu Trincomalee is situated just a few kilometres off Trincomalee and was built to reflect a retro chic design. Its strategic location gives guests the opportunity to experience these large marine mammals and the acrobatic spin of Dolphins just a few minutes away from the resort, or perhaps if one is lucky enough just at the very shores of the sea at Chaaya Blu.

A selection of Beach Chalets, Superior rooms and two Suites make up a total of 81 rooms, with two restaurants; one specialized in seafood and two bars which cater to your every whim.

Related Info :

• SL Navy Shifts Whale Watching Expeditions to Eastern Seas from Southern as Migration Starts with the Monsoon

• Sri Lanka is the Best Place in the World for Seeing and Photographing Blue Whales. Migratory Whales Passing Southern Seas of Sri Lanka Confirmed

• Sri Lanka's Keells Invests Rs 450mn in Star Class Chaaya Blu Hotel in Trinco

Sri Lanka to Make Centuries Old Dutch Canal a Tourist Attraction. 14km Section from Negombo Lagoon to Kelani Ganga Estuary Now Being Developed

19th February 2013, www.news360.lk

Sri Lanka has commenced work towards developing the remaining 14km section of the centuries old Dutch Canal, which will be transformed into a tourist attraction.

Accordingly, the 14km section of the Canal running from Negombo Lagoon to Kelani Ganga Estuary is now being developed by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation for rehabilitation.

The institution is already nearing completion of rehabilitating the 8.7km section of the Canal from Ma-Oya to Negombo Lagoon.

The total cost of the project runs up to Rs. 600 million.

“The canal and its vicinity is of much environmental importance since the area is home to different species of fish, birds and plants and rich in bio-diversity, making it ideal for Eco-tourism”, stated a media release issued by the Ministry of Economic Development.

It says, under the development program, embankments will be built to protect the canal banks, while either side of the waterway too will be beautified.

The canal will be de-silted and steps will also be taken to prevent pollution.

The facilities for the fisherman living along the canal will be enhanced through the establishment of fish sales stalls and also new Jetties for boats.

The work to complete the remaining work commenced during the weekend with the participation of Minsiter of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

Hamilton Canal which has been built during the 15th century by King Vira Parakramabahu VIII, to transport cinnamon and other commodities, has later evolved with the intervention of the Dutch and the British rulers, who ruled the Island.

Yala is God’s Patch of Land for Leopards Says World Renowned Wildlife Celebrities Jonathan & Angelina Scott of Sri Lanka's Yala National Park

21st July 2011, www.ft.lk

“If ever God created a patch of land for the leopards in this world, it must be Yala National Park in Sri Lanka” said the world renowned wild life celebrities Jonathan and Angelina Scott addressing the audience at a special event held to present their work on leopards at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel on 09th July. Expressing their views on this Jonathan and Angie Scott further said that “In other wild life parks around the world, leopards are under the threat from predators like Lions and hyenas. But in Sri Lanka they don’t face such situation, they are free to move about and more secured in the wild than other leopards in the world “.

Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is recognized of having one of the highest densities of leopard population in the world and this comment made by Jonathan and Angelina is certainly going to compliment this position held by the national park.

The two celebrities were touring in Sri Lanka for the first time and spent twelve days experience the Local culture, rich history and heritage of Sri Lanka and studying the Leopards of Sri Lanka at the Yala National park. Lead by the Head of Wild Life Tourism for John Keells Hotels Chitral Jayatilake and the Nature Trails team, Jonathan and Angela were able to make seventeen sightings of leopards in Yala and captured tremendous images of their behavior in the wild, which is said to be one of the best collection of leopard photographs ever taken in their natural environment. These photographs will no doubt showcase the most sought after animal of Sri Lanka in the wild as one of Sri Lanka’s tourism icons to the world.

Jonathan and Angie Scott live in Kenya in Africa and spend much of their time in the company of African wildlife. Their wildlife photography, wildlife pencil drawings, and wildlife books have won awards and recognition for their work throughout the world.

Big cats have been the focus of much of Jonathan and Angie’s work and the basis for a number of books including three titles accompanying the hugely popular BBC television series Big Cat Diary or Big Cat Week that Jonathan co-presents.

Angie takes the production stills for the series and is a game spotter.

John Keells Hotels together with Nations Trust Bank and American Express have organized the special event held for Jonathan & Angie Scott to present their work at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and share with the audience their latest film, shot in Africa about the secret leopard.

Related Info :

• Two More zones Open at Yala National Park, the Second Largest in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka to Permit Eco Friendly Hotels in Buffer Zones of Nature Reserves to Cater to Increased Local & International Interest

• National Parks to be developed in Sri Lanka

• Newsweek Highlights Sri Lanka as a Luxury Tourist Destination for a Much Varied Holiday

Sri Lanka to Permit Eco Friendly Hotels in Buffer Zones of Nature Reserves to Cater to Increased Local & International Interest

30th June 2011, www.lankabusinessonline.com

Sri Lanka will permit eco-friendly hotels in buffer zones adjacent to nature reserves to cater to increased local and international interest in the island's wildlife assets, a government minister said.

Aranya Resort - Yala

Deputy economic development minister Lakshman Abeywardene said discussions would start with wildlife protection authorities next month to change existing laws and develop guidelines to regulate resorts in buffer zones.

"More than just beach tourism there is interest in building eco-friendly hotels," Abeywardene said.

"We are talking to wildlife authorities to develop guidelines."

In Sri Lanka protected areas are under the department of wildlife or the department of forests.

Abeywardene said investors were also keen to protect nature now.

"Investors now do not want to damage the environment," he said. "That is helping us a lot. They come looking for nature reserves."

Aranya Resort - Yala

Abeywardene said there had been massive protests when a hotel was built near the banks of a tank in Kandalama in Sri Lanka's central province but ultimately no damage has been done as claimed by protestors.

Jetwing Leisure group's Yala Safari Lodge, a resort that was destroyed in the 2004 tsunami, was also in a buffer zone for decades. Industry officials say the hotel had even provided resources for authorities to keep water holes filled during droughts.

Vil Uyana, a resort started by Jetwing, was built around a man-made wetland.

Abeywardene said the sea around the Hikkaduwa beach tourism area in the South West coast has been declared a protected coral reserve from this week.

Guidelines had also been issued on boat use.

Related Info :

• Sri Lanka's Wildlife Sanctuaries Reopened. Kumana, a Bird Sanctuary and Lahugala, a Wildlife Park Famed for Elephants

• Elephant Reach Plans Three more Hotels to Promoting Agro, Spiritual & Eco Tourism in the Face of Increasing Demand

• Six Sri Lankan Villages Selected for Eco Tourism under Community Tourism Development Program

Elephant Reach Plans Three more Hotels to Promoting Agro, Spiritual & Eco Tourism in the Face of Increasing Demand

20th April 2011, www.dailynews.lk, By Indunil Hewage

Elephant Reach Hotel, which is a subsidiary of Lanka Hotels and Travels (Pvt) Ltd is looking forward to expand its presence locally by adding three more major tourists hotels in the years to come.

Elephant Reach will add another 21 rooms while upgrading the existing 35 rooms. In addition Elephant Reach will construct a spa and a museum for elephants with Rs 100 million worth of estimated investment.

Speaking to Daily News Business Lanka Hotels and Travels Operations Director Malinga Fernando said Elephant Reach will be promoting agro, spiritual and eco tourism in a dynamic manner in the face of increasing demand from local and foreign travellers for these areas. "It is sad to note that the world has identified Sri Lanka a low budget destination.

"This is a very damaging for the future of the tourism industry," he said.

"There are ample opportunities to promote spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka with tourists' keenness and inquisitiveness for Buddhist philosophy. In addition, we find it difficult to promote and expand the tourism industry in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country due to lack of transport facilities and it is the duty of responsible authorities to look at the civil aviation sector seriously to promote the tourism industry," Fernando said.

Related Info :

• Sri Lankan Beaches Can Attract a Large Number of Tourists. Elephant Reach Hotel near Yala National Park to Expand

KumbukRiver, Highest Awarded Eco Resort at Buttala, Sri Lanka. National Exhibition Deyata Kirula Brings Spotlight Back on Buttala

01st February 2011, www.dailynews.lk

KumbukRiver continues to put Buttala in the spotlight as its jewel in the crown.

An ancient bastion of Dutugamunu fame, Buttala was a forgotten backwoods post until the Gam Udawa concept rode its way there, only to fade into obscurity yet again.

KumbukRiver emerged as the contemporary landmark which put Buttala on the world map. The spotlight is now back on Buttala as it braces itself to host the iconic national exhibition Deyata Kirula.

Nestled on the banks of a lively river on the edge of Yala, KumbukRiver, a 16-acre eco-resort in Buttala, is Sri Lanka’s highest-awarded tourism brand and continues to be in the eyes of the world media.

Made famous by a 40 foot-tall, two-storeyed eco-villa in the shape of an elephant, KumbukRiver has won a travel Oscar as the world’s leading eco-lodge at the coveted World Travel Awards.

It has also been picked by Times-Online as one of the world’s best green places and been included by Rough Guides in a special book titled ‘Clean Breaks: 500 new ways to see the world,’ and most recently was named amongst the top 20 most unusual hotels in the world. This spectacular and exclusive up-market eco-lodge also includes two other chalets in its sprawling location.

The KumbukRiver concept has been conceived keeping with the ethos of responsible tourism. The resort uses no electricity at present, and refuses to do so just to add to its theme providing an incredibly unique experience.

The atmosphere that emerges nightly in the warm amber light is an experience not to be missed for the sake of modern amenities, and probably recaptures life during the days of Sri Lankan kings. “Once you enter the resort property you are in a world of your own. KumbukRiver brings a touch of class and luxury to the usually rugged eco holidays,” a KumbukRiver spokesperson said.

“Visitors will discover a new meaning to life as they experience a memorable holiday in a new light. You have a whole river to yourself, 16-acres of privacy, great Sri Lankan food, mild weather and mosquito-free nights.

Two Loris Sighted on Jetwing Trail at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

15th December 2010, www.island.lk

Opportune day, opportune time! Paul Roberts of Chester England was in for the surprise of his life, whilst spending a well deserved vacation in the eco-marvel that is Jetwing Vil Uyana, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Accompanied by the resident naturalist Chaminda, he was the first to walk the newly created Loris Trail since the discovery of these rare primates inhabiting the property’s grounds two months ago.

Setting off around 10pm, Roberts had this to say: "After 10 minutes of walking slowly through the jungle with only special red lights to see we came across our first Loris. Its large eyes could clearly be seen as well as the outline of its body about 20 feet away in a tree. We then retraced our steps, scanning the trees with the red lights, and were lucky to see another Loris!"

According to Chaminda, this is the first time that Roberts had seen a single Loris, let alone two! An amazing spectacle, the northern grey slender Loris was first spotted by a sharp eyed Chaminda in late October, hiding among the many trees that make Jetwing Vil Uyana a natural habitat for all forms of nature. Rest assured, the memory of seeing the Loris, as well as the luxurious stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana, will stay in Roberts’ mind forever!

Situated close to King Kashyappa’s abode in Sigiriya, Jetwing Hotels took a page from the king’s book and created a property that is at once man made and nature endowed. Originally an abandoned paddy field, lakes were dug and filled to bring to life a wetland that brings one to the heart of nature herself. With butterflies, dragonflies, eagles, peacocks and its very own marsh crocodile, not to mention our new guests of honour the fascinating Loris, a stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana is definitely an unsurpassed experience!

Related Info :
• Sri Lanka is the Best Place in the World for Seeing and Photographing Blue Whales. Migratory Whales Passing Southern Seas of Sri Lanka Confirmed

Luxury Eco Hotel in Dambulla, Sri Lanka by El Greco Hotel Chain

21st November 2010, www.thebottomline.lk

A super luxury ‘country eco-hotel’ is currently being constructed in Dambulla area by Italy-based El Greco Hotel chain, targeting to exploit the maximum from the expected tourism boom in Sri Lanka, providing an unmatched luxury standards Sri Lanka has never seen before.

The hotel is named Agro Eco Green Paradise and it is being developed nearby the South Asia’s biggest rose quartz mountain, Namal Uyana. According to sources, the hotel is expected to be opened for tourists from March 2011.

The Bottom Line was also told that officials from El Greco Hotels have conducted a presentation about the property at the recently concluded World Travel Market in London.

The Green Paradise is expected to come up with facilities and services such as restaurants, villas, swimming pool with bar, gym, spa centre with sauna, sport area to practise cricket, tennis and soccer and a wonderful lake with boats.

According to sources at BoI, the initial investment value of the Green Paradise is around Rs.500million to Rs.1billion. The hotel has 70 rooms and 95 per cent of it would be made out of wood.

The company is believed to be having plans to make this a chain of hotels by constructing a second Agro resort in Marawila.

Currently, there are several star class hotels in Dambulla area including Aitken Spence owned Kandalama Heritance and Amaya Hotel chain’s Amaya Lake Resort.

Six Sri Lankan Villages Selected for Eco Tourism under Community Tourism Development Program

13th May 2010, www.news.lk

President's Media Unit reported that six rural villages that have tourist attractions will be developed based on the eco-tourism concept by the Economic Development Ministry’s Tourism Division. The project called the Community Tourism Development Program is expected to promote tourism with less damage to the environment.

“We have had discussions with community leaders of the villages and what they expect from this development,” said a senior official.

“These villages have traditional values and they are historically famous for woodcarving, weaving and brassware,” Economic Development Ministry Tourism Division Director, Anura Ranasinghe said.

Under this project, six villages - Uthuwana and Ihalakotte in the Kegalle District famous for Uthuwankanda, Puwakpitiya in the Matale District famous for Sera Ella will be developed. Nattarampotha in the Kandy District famous for brassware and Magalthota in the Galle District and Kapparathota in the Matale District will also be
developed.

We have already done some awareness programmes for tour guides. We expect the number of tourists to grow as this project progresses with local tourists visiting these villages. The Ministry will complete several infrastructure facilities for the project, the Division Director said.

Technical and training facilities will be provided to craftsman in these villages. We expect to promote market driven products and not products that are manufactured without having a good knowledge about the market.

The project will present a new experience to tourists who can witness the manufacturing process of a product while enjoying the beauty of the area, Mr. Ranasinghe further said according to President's Media.

Paradise Farm, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka. An Inspiring Eco-Tourism Project from a Social Responsible Company that Transformed an 80 Acre Farm

http://www.paradisesrilanka.com

Paradise Farm is inspiring, fascinating and a real breath of fresh air. Hidden deep within rolling hills of rainforest, waterfalls, tea and rubber plantations of fertile Kithulgala, the only sounds you’ll hear are bird song, animal calls and the rustle of leaves, with the occasional ding on an old hub cap to signal a break for the workers on the encircling organic farm. Set up in 1998 by two development institutions (NGO’s) as a Social Enterprise.

The farm is designed to promote sustainable agriculture by training villagers in effective organic practices and improve their standard of living, while inspiring a deeper respect and love for nature’s abundant resources. To help finance the project, it has opened its doors to paying guests.

To experience something of Sri Lankan plantation bungalow life, you are warmly welcome to stay in one of 2 double bedrooms in the farmhouse, or for absolute privacy opt for the stunning open-fronted large size luxury bungalow or the medium size luxury bungalow, both with absolute privacy and separate swimming pools, 450 yards up the track form the farm house, with a stunning view across a wide infinity to the lush plantations and blue mountains beyond, with the legendary Adams Peak in the distance. According to legends this sacred mountain was the fountain of paradise.

A Pioneering Effort
The farm is a social responsible company established in 1998. It has transformed 80 acre conventional monoculture coconut and rubber plantation into a multi-purpose operation with bio diversity and value added products.

Value addition of farm products has made it possible to expand the number of jobs from 8 to 50 in a district with high unemployment. The farm is also supporting community development with a comprehensive welfare program. It was initiated by Worldview International Foundation with support from Letten Fund, as a demonstration project in organic agriculture.

The farm has preserved patches of rainforest within its borders and replanted additional areas with MAHOGANI and other rainforest plants contributing to mitigation of green house gases.

A new project to preserve wild ORCHIDS and to develop a natural orchid forest garden was launched in 2009.

We believe in a participatory concept. Workers are part of the decision making process by electing 5 members to the Management Committee. The majority of the workers are women.

Paradise Farm is located in a pristine rainforest area, with lush green vegetation in a beautiful landscape overlooking mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls. The pristine nature has inspired us to create an exceptional concept in eco-tourism with ayurveda and other health products, including adventure experiences for rejuvenation of body and spirit.

Accommodation
* Large size luxury bungalow
* Medium size luxury bungalow
* Farm house

Activities
* Hiking / walking
* Rafting
* Swimming
* Bird watching
* Organic farming
* Plant life / flora
* Cultural insight
* Local home stay
* Peaceful hideaway
* Ayurveda treatments
* Meeting villagers and cultural show

Tips Who Goes : Nature lovers, organic-food lovers and anyone looking for peace and quiet in beautiful natural surroundings. They’re not set up for weddings but would be perfect for honeymoons.
When to go : Sri Lanka is full of microclimates and EI Nino has made things even more unpredictable, but Paradise Farm’s normally largely dry months are August November, December, January and February. April to May is the season for most flowers and fruits and lots of brightly–colored birds are seen then too. The rainy season from June to October has a more temperate climate. Due to the altitude of 400 meters above sea level, the climate is generally pleasant.
How long for : Previous visitors have stayed for 3 days to 1 week, though they’d prefer you to stay for a month, pointing out that it’s a good, peaceful place to relax and recuperate, or to work and write. We can make special programs for visitors with special interest and for longer stay.
What to take : Trekking / hiking shoes, dressing gowns, swimming costumes, light clothes (as it’s only slightly chilly in December), laptop & adapters, little western luxuries, binoculars and any wines or spirits you might want to drink as you can only buy beer and kitul toddy locally. Mosquito nets are provided. A variety of freshly squeezed healthy fruit drinks and lots of green tea freely available as part of the all inclusive price.
Getting there : Paradise Farm is around 2 –2.5 hours east from Colombo Airport (about half way between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya) and pickup can be arranged.
More Info : Paradise Farm - Eco Tourism

Sri Lankan Tourism Has Tremendous Potential in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Japan

26th October 2009, www.dailynews.lk, By Charumini de Silva

The Sri Lankan tourism industry has tremendous potential to grow further with the dawn of peace. The opening up of the North and the East has brought positive hopes to the Sri Lankan tourism as two-thirds of the coastline, which was formerly under the control of terrorists, has been liberated making it accessible to tourists.

"It is essential for Sri Lanka to promote tourism with professionally designed awareness programs to penetrate the market. During the past three decades, the travel advisories of several western countries gave a negative picture of the country and since peace has been established, it is important to spread awareness among the travellers to the effect that the country is now free of terror and safe to travel," a Senior Travel Consultant, Rob Murrer told Daily News Business.

He said Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a very rich culture and a historical background. There are many places of interest for travellers to explore. Another plus factor is that the travellers have the opportunity to enjoy the hot and cold climates with the minimum of travel and waste of time. This country is a paradise where travellers would love to spend their holidays, but the tourist industry needs strong marketing programs to promote tourism. Participating in international exhibitions, distribution of professionally designed brochures, approaching multinational companies, leading travel agencies and chambers, holding road shows and e-commerce is essential to promote Sri Lankan tourism, he said.

He said that there should be a target market to approach. There was a tremendous market from Germany, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Japan.

As a start, Sri Lanka could focus on these markets and gradually the country would be able to capture the other markets. A lot of tourists visit the country to enjoy nature and the tranquil beaches, as they need to relax because of their busy lifestyles. With the opening of the North and the East to tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has to play a vital role to promote tourism industry by introducing activities such as surfing, wildlife safaris, eco-tourism, snorkelling and adventure, Murrer said.

Another Tourism Consultant Ans Peeters said there are various sectors that could be easily promoted through and Ayurvedic medicine is one of them as it has a great demand from the tourists. Sri Lanka could also enter the market by becoming a paradise for shoppers, as there is high demand for Sri Lankan apparel all over the world.