Sri Lanka Tourism sponsors prestigious British Guild of Travel Writers Awards in London
View(s):Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was the title sponsor of the prestigious British Guild of Travel Writers Awards held at The Savoy Hotel in London recently.
Dignitaries at the event.
This is the first time that Sri Lanka sponsored this black tie event, joining the ranks of past sponsors such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Oman Ministry of Tourism and City of Las Vegas to name a few, the state-owned tourism promotion body said in a media release.
The annual gala attracted the crème de la crème of British travel journalists and 330 high profile media and industry leaders who gathered to recognise and honour excellence in travel writing. Among those present were Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK, Amari Wijewardane and SLTPB Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Udaya Nanayakkara.
Mr. Nanayakkara, delivering the welcome address, said, “Sri Lanka Tourism is proud to partner with this prestigious event, the ‘British Travel Writers Awards’. Our vision is to be recognised as the world’s finest island for memorable, authentic and diverse experience. Our mission is to be a high value destination, offering extraordinary experiences that reflect Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage; are socially inclusive and drive economic benefits to communities and the country”.
Minister Amaratunga said that the main reason for the positive growth in visitors numbers from the UK is the fact that British tourists have come to realise that Sri Lanka is a home away from home due to its centuries long historical connections that include English being one of three official languages in the country and a Westminster style system of governance.
“Our changing political landscape based on good governance, respect for human rights, upholding of democratic values and a vibrant, engaging foreign policy have ensured close bilateral relations between the two countries,” he said.
The evening started with Ceylon Arrack cocktails and Lion Beer flown in especially for the event. The menu, prepared by the highly skilled chefs of The Savoy incorporated the best Ceylon tea into its ingredients. The finale was a tea ceremony produced by Malik Fernando of Resplendent Ceylon.