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First batch of bloggers from India concludes ‘#NamastefromSriLanka’ tour on a high note

By Sahan Rathanasekara

November 24, 2021

Colombo November 22, 2021: SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld alliance, in an endeavor to support the country’s tourism revival efforts whilst fortifying connectivity in its single largest market India, embarked on a mega fam tour of top bloggers and social influencers who are touring Sri Lanka on specially curated itineraries.

Exploring SriLankan Aviation College 

Minister of Tourism handing over an aircraft model to a winner of the raffle draw

Accordingly, the fam tour features 50 top bloggers from India’s metros, with the first batch containing 25 bloggers concluding their tour, whilst the second batch of 25 embarking on theirs. The carefully curated itineraries feature Sri Lanka’s rich ecological and cultural vibrancy entwined with the inherent island attributes of authentic village life, wellness and hospitality.

 travelled on one itinerary, explored Negombo, Kataragama, Yala, Galle Dutch Fort, Handunugoda Tea Estate, and Cinnamon Plantation and Colombo.

he other group visited Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Seetha Amman Temple, Labukele Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya town, hike of Mini Adam’s Peak, Ella, Nine arch bridge, Rawana Falls, Yala, Galle and Colombo.

A blogger scribbling her love for Sri Lanka on the map 

During the tour at the SriLankan Catering flight kitchen

Both the groups toured the country’s second international airport, MRIA and visited SriLankan Airlines premises, during which they were able to witness firsthand, the Airlines’ training facility, SriLankan Aviation College, where the world-renowned onboard service takes shape, the flight kitchen which caters to all international airlines operating to Sri Lanka, the engineering hangar which is a regional hub for Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services and Simulator Centre, which gave them the experience of a flight deck.

Their stories of travel have already reached millions of their individual followers of aspirant travellers in India. Accordingly, #NamastefromSriLanka will continue to reach the discerning Indian travellers with travel inspiration through these high-profile bloggers.

The two batches of bloggers also met with Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development Hon. D.V. Chanaka and SriLankan Airlines Chairman Mr. Ashok Pathirage with whom they exchanged their sentiments on Sri Lanka’s destination experience.

SriLankan Airlines is aptly supported by Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the collaboration translates to hospitality services and logistics of the entire tour being provided by the SLAITO members, allowing the touring bloggers to experience first-hand the luxuries and authenticity of the island hospitality at a range of properties, whilst preserving the highest level of health, safety and wellbeing. Some of the partners include Andrew the Travel Company (Pvt) Limited, Lanka Sportreizen, Aitken Spence Travels, Wayfarers Ltd Sri Lanka, Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Oak Ray Ella Gap, Big Game Camp Yala, Taj Bentota Resort & Spa, Movenpick Colombo, Jetwing Beach, Insight Resort and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts.

The Airline embarks on this endeavor to promote country’s tourism industry through inspiring travel from India, which is one of the top tourism generating markets for Sri Lanka, thereby help securing livelihoods of millions that depend on tourism and bringing in much needed foreign exchange.

During the visit to the MRIA 

Visiting the MRIA 

Exploring Ella

Bloggers at the Airline hangar