The launch of the website www.visitsrilanka-2011.com for the CNN global campaign will be launched tomorrow as part of a wider and comprehensive global communication campaign which began in November 2009. A press release from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said the website is interactive and is designed in such a manner that users are invited them to be a part of the campaign.

The SLTPB said this is the first time a 360 degree social networking campaign will be launched on CNN through Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Flicker and a contest whereby the winners get their dream itinerary for them and nine friends. This contest, carried out in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines and the industry partners will be launched on a CNN microsite.

Speaking on the collaboration, Junji Sumitani, Sales Director, S.E. Asia, CNN International said CNN is proud to collaborate with Sri Lanka tourism on its unique travel campaign to showcase the best the country has to offer, adding that CNN’s multi-platform campaign leverages the channel’s extensive reach amongst travellers around the world.

Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda said in the press release the website, launched with Visit Sri Lanka 2011, will serve as an impetus to kick start the campaign. Minister of Tourism Promotion Faizer Musthapha said it is an experiment for Sri Lanka Tourism by using new marketing tools. The SLTPB said it has carefully chosen a panel of Sri Lanka personalities, who will serve as experts on the micro-site, responsible for addressing questions and concerns raised by users.

They include recognized film maker Vimukthi Jayasundara, Director Design at Buddhi Batiks- Darshi Keerthisena, CEO of Jetwing Eco Holidays - Gehan De S. Wijeratne, Miss Sri Lanka 2009 - Gamya Wijayadasa, representative of Sri Lanka in the Olympic games for three years -Julian Bolling, ODEL CEO- Otara Gunewardene and Sri Lanka cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara.