Business

Sri Lanka Tourism kicks-starts an aggressive media and travel influencer campaign for Russia and Ukraine markets

Published

5 years ago

2021/12/10

(Two groups of elite travel writers & influencers from Russia & Ukraine were invited and facilitated by Sri Lanka Tourism)

Targeting on immediate promotional boost within potential Russian and Ukrainian winter-holiday seekers, Sri Lanka Tourism has organized massive media and influencer promotion in the months of November/ December 2021 together with some high profile media / influencer delegations with a combined media reach of 12 million audience (in total circulation & subscriptions) covering both countries. Considering the current global travel trends, this is expected to be an important strategic move for Sri Lanka tourism for a speedy recover.

Due to the pandemic concerns, travelers are reluctant to make early bookings in advance and much prefer make quick travel decisions by analyzing the latest travel updates and recommendations. Considering this ‘New Normal Travel Patterns” organizing last moment media promotions will strategically position the island as a top of the mind holiday destination during the last moment winter holiday planning for 2021/2022.

Excluding all CIS countries (where Russians travel mostly for work and to visit their relatives), Turkey is the most popular country for Russians (as well as for Ukrainians) by a significant margin. 3.9 million Russian tourists visited the country in January-September 2017 and almost a million more (4.9 million) in the same period in 2018. Besides Turkey, the most popular countries among Russian tourists are: China, Thailand, Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, UAE, and Tunisia.

According to ‘Visa’- the international payment company, released their Visa Global Travel Intentions Study and revealed how much money people from different countries spend on a trip. Between 2016 and 2017, Russian travelers spent $1,676 per one trip – more than European travelers who spend $1,174. At the same time, 51% of the budget is spent before the trip, and 49% – at the place of destination. 70% of Russians use bank cards when they plan their travel trips (www.tourism-review.com). In 2020 alone, over 12 million Russians travel abroad which is a 45 % decrease from the year before in 2019- (approximately 19.8 million in 2019) and 2.1 million tourists were visiting Turkey.

These eleven (11) high prolific travel writers (representing key media publications) and travel influencers (Instagram & YouTube) were invited to Sri Lanka from 21st November to 8th December period to increase awareness about the reopening of Destination Sri Lanka for international tourists from 1st of October.

Some of the key publications invited are: Vogue- Ukraine : https://vogue.ua/,

Harper’s Bazzar- Russia: https://bazaar.ru/, Total Escape- Ukraine: https://escapemgz.com/ ,

Areoflot Inflight Magazine- Russia : https://www.aeroflot.ru/ruen/information/onboard/entertainment .

Also, famous Ukrainian Travel Bloggers & Instagramer Yana Usipava (539,000 followings in Instagram -Link: https://www.instagram.com/yana_osypova/) and Maxis & Olha Uzol from the popular YouTube travel vlog : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwv4Vw-oa1cTPd4sfvDuSJw have also been part of this Sri Lanka Tourism’s media & influencer promotion .

According to Ms. Maria Alikhanova Golikova Director for Tourism at Aeroflot In-flight Magazine

‘while popular high end destinations for Russians such as Italy, France, Bali (Indonesia) are still in hold to welcome Russian travelers, there is greater opportunity for emerging destinations like Sri Lanka to grab the market attention. Since there is direct flight connection now, Sri Lanka can be easily positioned as top of the mind tropical travel option to consider during the upcoming seasons 2021/2022.

To add on with that Ms. Maria Kudimova, Editor of Ukrainian travel magazine Total Escape has stated that “By combining amazing beaches with wild safaris, breathtakingly beautiful highlands, rich local cuisines Sri Lanka has all the elements to become a perfect island holiday destination for Ukrainian travelers. “

Ms. Maria Kudimova, Editor of Ukrainian travel magazine Total Escape,Trying Sri Lankan Prawns Curry at ANI –Resorts ,Dickwella .

Popular Ukrainian Travel Influencer Ms. Yana Osipava invited all of her virtual fans to explore Sri Lanka by stating:

“First time in Sri Lanka and I was so excited to witness Beautiful beaches, Great Hotels, Wild Elephants and Heritages such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

(Ms. Yana visiting a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda)

According to Ms Yulia Markovchina , Public Relations Director for La Bibliotheque -Russia :

‘’Sri Lanka has so much to offer for Russian and Ukrainian high-end travel market and potential luxury travelers are still not fully aware about the Destination’’

Both media & travel influencer groups traveled separately around the island covering Koggala, Dickwella, Yala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Habarana and Colombo . Local Tourism & Hospitality Industry partners including ANI Sri Lanka Resort –Dickwella, Amaya Resorts & Spa (Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya), Jetwing Yala Hotel, The Fortress Resorts & Spa, The Galle Face Hotel, The Theva Residency- Kandy , Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Table by Taru have joined hands with Sri Lanka Tourism Promoion Bureau to undertake the destination promotions.

Wild Safari at Minneriya National Park by Maksym Uzol from YouTube Channel UZOL AND MANKO

Invited media and travel influencers will be expecting share the unique experiences try have enjoyed in Sri Lanka within their millions of travel seeking audiences in Russia and Ukraine and invite them to explore Sri Lanka as their next bucket list destination.

Overall, with the pandemic lockdown and stages of travel restrictions, Sri Lanka Tourism has continued to undertake various media & travel influencer related promotions to ‘’Keep The Sri Lankan Holiday Dream Alive’’. Total of 24 International media personnel and travel influncers were facilitated in Sri Lanka within the last 11 months and reached to over 25 million global audience via various online news articles, YouTube vlogs, Instagram & Facebook Posts, etc. Key source markets were focused on including India, UK, UAE, Russia, Ukraine, USA & Canada and Norway. Under Sri Lanka Tourism’s Visiting Journalists & Blogger Programs during the period of 2021, destination Sri Lanka has been featured in many mainstream online news channels and social media platforms. Approximately over 500 various ONLINE & Social Media Posts were created about destination Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka was featured at BBC.travel in May 2021

(Link: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210502-the-unsolved-mystery-of-sri-lankas-stargate)

Authentic Sri Lankan Food Culture promoted via YouTube in July 2021

(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRBmu-eHeBE )

Sri Lanka Re-open Back for Int. Tourists and Travel Bio-Bubble

(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGKwnJYiAAg)

Contact: Public Relations Division

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau 80, Galle Road, Colombo 03. 94 112 426 900, sureshnie@srilanka.travel

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

17 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.