CNN Travel gives thumbs-up for Sri Lanka
The Executive Editor of CNN Travel, Brekke Fletcher says Sri Lanka has become a global trending “priority” destination after the end of its nearly three decade long civil conflict.
“CNN Travel is excited about Sri Lanka as our readers and viewers are talking more about the destination,” she said.
Speaking of her own travels around the island, Fletcher said that her visits to Habarana, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya and Kandy including parts of Colombo and a seaplane ride left her overwhelmed. She expounded on the country’s natural beauty and was amazed by Sri Lanka’s scenic offerings and the warmth of the people.
“For the discerning as well as the millennial traveller, Sri Lanka is very much on the list given the rich heritage, culture, wild life, flora and fauna and the cleanliness. The food is so delicious,” she stated.
“Sri Lanka can be the gateway for the rest of South Asia for the traveller from outside the region,” she said.
In 2016 Sri Lanka was the only South Asian country listed in a special edition of CNN Business Traveller hosted by Richard Quest which showcased an 8-day round the world marathon using only low cost airline.
Fletcher is in Sri Lanka to speak at the Cinnamon Hotels and Resort’s Future of Tourism conference about “Understanding Tomorrow’s Traveller,” exploring emerging travel and tourism trends including how millennials are shaping and changing the face of travel, the persuasive impact of visuals in travel coverage, particularly on social media and messaging platforms, and the future of travel decision-making.¹
“A proactive presence in Instagram is a must for any travel and tourism firm as well as tourist destination. To me, Instagram is where relationships (with a prospective traveller) can begin. Get your pictures out there be it on digital platforms and traditional media. Sri Lanka must tell her destination story with pictures and share experiences,” stated Fletcher.
She further said, “The next generation traveller is unlikely to be in tour groups but more independent financially, educated and adventurous to seek their own unique experiences in different spheres such as culture, cuisine, etc. For this segment the world is small hence opportunities for destinations such as Sri Lanka, which has what it takes to lure them irrespective of how far a tourist may be, is enormous.”
OSL TAKE:
An endorsement by CNN goes a long way towards establishing Sri Lanka’s credibility as a “must-visit” travel destination. This proves that opportunities in the tourism sector stand to generate good returns.
http://www.ft.lk/top-story/CNN-Travel-gives-thumbs-up-for-Sri-Lanka/26-640379
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/27092017/Z_2 |