Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and the Maldives, among the countries most…
Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and the Maldives, among the countries most affected by the tsunami, are facing the tourism year of 2006 with optimism and are strongly represented at the 40th ITB Berlin, which will be taking place from 8 to 12 March 2006. India will occupy an entire hall (5.2b) at the coming fair, with an area of just under 2,000 square metres, the presentations by Thailand and Indonesia together will cover more than 1,000 square metres in Hall 26, while visitors to the fair will find the Maldives on a display area of some 400 square metres in Hall 5.2.
One of the countries most affected by the floods was Sri Lanka, but rapid progress has been made in restoring its tourism facilities. By the time the ITB 2006 takes place all 248 star hotels will be operating again. During the course of the renovation many of these hotels have been improved, with enhanced comfort and equipment.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Board is placing its hopes on the world’s largest tourism trade fair in pursuing its strategic objectives. Compared with last year the stand area has been increased by 12 per cent and now occupies 400 square metres. As many as 50 tourism firms from Sri Lanka have stated their intention of attending and the entire tourism sector of the country will be represented at the ITB Berlin, from hoteliers to incoming tour operators. The trend next year in Sri Lanka will be dominated by small luxury hotels offering outstanding services, often in former colonial villas or estate houses, confirming that tourism quality is definitely improving in Sri Lanka.
Visitors to the ITB Berlin will be able to experience Sri Lanka with all their senses: as they approach the stand they will become aware of the flair of this delightful tropical destination, when they see the rain forest vegetation that forms an integral part of the display. Ayurveda therapists will be on hand, offering massages and advice about this ancient form of treatment. And a group of ten dancers from the highland city of Kandy will be giving traditional performances every half hour. A Ceylon tea boutique will be serving original tea from Sri Lanka to visitors to the fair. The overall design of the stand is most impressive too: the gateway leading onto the Sri Lankan stand is a reproduction of that of an ancient shrine in the former capital Polonnaruwa.
The area occupied by the stand of the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, which is adjacent to the Sri Lankan stand, has been increased by 25 per cent this year. One of the company’s plans for the ITB Berlin involves a special promotion with an opportunity to win trips in May and June 2006, to assist Sri Lanka and India to recover from the effects of the tsunami.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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