Open for business. The organisation is made up of the key private sector Sri Lankan travel trade – major hotel chains, independent boutique hotels, inbound travel companies and other tourism businesses. Through blog posts, security updates, newsletters and video content, the platform broadcasts the latest news and travel insights from the ground. A live stream of social media content from visiting travellers engaging with #LoveSriLanka acts as travel inspiration, alongside a growing ‘journal’ of hints and tips on hidden gems and trends in the country.
The platform’s key contacts page is a directory for cautious travellers to easily access the contact details of Sri Lankan officials if needed throughout their trip, or to seek advice in advance of travelling to the island. It is a go-to guide for information on Sri Lanka.
Further, companies part of the alliance are working together to enhance sustainable tourism initiatives, such as scaling up the reach of YouLead which improves technical and vocational education and training to increase the employability of young people in Sri Lanka. Looking ahead, they will start talks with the Sri Lankan government to form a public-private partnership so that private sector travel experts can support national tourism campaigns through their market research and promotional expertise.
With the support of the Sri Lankan Tourism Alliance nurturing clear communication that the island is as warm-spirited as ever, booking patterns are picking up quickly as travellers open their hearts to experiencing all Sri Lanka has to offer.
Malik Fernando, Owner of Resplendent Ceylon and the driving force behind the creation of the Alliance says “we have a close connection with the UK as one our biggest inbound markets and look forward to welcoming visitors back with open arms. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support over the past two months and have no doubt that a bright and peaceful future lies ahead for Sri Lanka.” Mr Pankaj Sampat, Area Director of Taj Hotels, says “The Love Sri Lanka portal has been a great source of information to our current and prospective guests. We are positive that its impact will be felt in the long term too and reflect in our booking patterns.”
Priyanjith Weerasooria, Managing Director of Uga Escapes, says “Our beaches are still bright, ancient wonders still open, tea country still lush and jungles still flourishing. It’s the same beautiful island it was, just with more precautionary security measures in place”. www.lovesrilanka.org
