Sancharaka Udawa 2017: Varied participants
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Tour guides protesting outside the BMICH against unlicensed travel agents operating in Sri Lanka. The industry has raised concerns over some Chinese operating as agents without a licence.
A varied participation of hotels, government establishments and domestic airline and boating operators took part at the Sancharaka Udawa trade fair exhibition at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday.
Some notable exhibitors were Fly Southern, the twin engine aircraft operator that provides unique flight operations for VVIPs including the Dubai Sheiks and former President Mahinda Rajapakse.
In addition, the tourist board of the Western Province and the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau were also present to give information and details of plans to develop the industry with the private sector and how they market their product through magazines. Pahiyangala was highlighted with a display of the prehistoric man at the entrance to the trade fair. Another key attraction spotlighted by the Southern province was the Madunagala eco village and hot water springs in Sooriyawewa.
Laya, the resort chain run by the Sri Lanka Army also had a stall that detailed their establishments and future plans in addition to the facilities available.
In addition, a number of hotels were also present including service providers and companies like Dotcom Systems giving tourists virtual tours when visiting hotel websites bringing together a whole new experience to the traveller.
Another interesting operator at the exhibition was ‘roomitra’ under the Weblook Hotel Reservation System that is involved in connecting travelers through their online booking systems and linking up with other booking sites to ensure that data updates are regularly carried out on hotel reservations.
The stall promoting the Saraii Village, an eco-friendly resort in Yala. Pix by Amila Gamage