Sancharaka Udawa tourism exhibition kicks off
Sa n c h a r a k a Ud aw a 2 0 1 2 , conceptualized and s p e a r h e a d e d by t h e S r i Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SALITO) and o r g a n i s e d by t h e S r i L a n k a As s o c i a t i o n o f P r o f e s s i o n a l Conference and Exhibition Organisers (SLAPCEO) in association with Sri Lanka Tourism was declared opened yesterday, at the Ceylon Continental Hotel.
The event which will provide an ideal forum for all industries relating to hospitality, will witness the essence of the concept ‘A meet mart for the unexposed to join the mainstream’, drawing medium and small scale players of the travel and tourism industry under a single roof.
Sancharaka Udawa 2012 will be the link between all small and medium scale service and product providers. The influx of tourism and the ever rising demand to diversify services and products will give participants a n e d g e ove r t he r e s t , b e i ng able to understand the product of ferings and the scope of the services and products that are prevalent in the Lankan market. The event has attracted over 180 stalls both outdoor and indoor catering and exhibiting almost all segments related to the tourism industry. The event will also provide an opportunity for the e s t abl i s h e d i n d u s t r y p l aye r s within the market to outsource their services, thereby adding value to their guests and visitors alike.
S L AI T O P r e s i d e n t Ni l mi n Nanayakkara is of the opinion that this is the ideal meeting place for all medium and small scale service providers, “The concept behind the thinking of the event ‘Sancharaka Udawa’ was the simple f act that this country has so much to offer to the world and in order to harn e s s a l l t h e s e o f f e r s we s aw the need of a common meeting g round. With the dawn of peace within the country there is tremendous focus and interest among travelers to witness the beauty of the island. We believe that Sri Lanka has a lot to of fer that would overwhelm a visitor. The big players within the industry have with them the capacity to showcase and market their products and services and the small and medium scale businesses within the tourism industry are usually left in the l u r c h d e s p i t e h av i n g u n i q u e products and services. It is this void that we wish to fill and that was the thinking behind the success story that is - Sancharaka Udawa,” he said.
Therefore, Sancharaka Udawa will be the centre stage for all those involved with the tourism industry to meet and communicate. To understand each other’s strengths, to merge and network, to invest and provide a more ef ficient, cost ef fective eco-friendly and a truly memorable experience to those who s e e t hei r s e r vi c e s. The event will bring to gether promoters of villas, boutique hotels, small scale guest houses, bungalows and heritage properties as well as home-stays in strategic locations with potential for tourism t o g e t her, re s t a urants at midway points in cities and small t owns, bars, c af e s and c of f e e houses. The ever rising demand for adventure sports would see ‘ S a n c h a r a k a Udawa’ h o s t i n g sports and soft adventure providers who offer water sports, boat trips, cycle trails, white water r a f t i n g , mount a i n c l i mbi n g , camping sites and dor mitorytype accommodation in wildlife parks and all other areas within the adventure sports circuit. The rising demand for quality transport providers will provide vehicle owners, wildlife jeep transport agents or owners, rail transport providers a unique opportunity to meet exhibit and promote their services to the industry.
For the first time the event will be opened to the public who can witness Sri Lanka’s offering from 3 to 9 p.m. onwards. The event is sponsored by American E d u c a t i o n H o l d i n g s , Pe o p l e Bank, Bank of Ceylon and ANCL who have come into partner the eve nt t owards i t s o f making Sri Lanka truly the ‘Miracle of Asia’.