WITH expansion of capacity on its Gulf network including increased links to Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai, SriLankan Airlines is promoting its credentials as a holiday destination for travellers from the region through its SriLankan Holidays division.

As well as specialist packages such as the Touch of Ayurveda, a six-night full-board ayurveda retreat costing from just US$347 per person, there are tours, short-breaks and multi-centre holidays to suit all tastes, according to airline CEO, Peter Hill. “Where else can you cater to the interests of a steam train fan, gemstone shopper, mountain biker or bird watcher? The traditional image of Sri Lanka has been one of elephants and beaches, but there is a whole lot more to the island, and as the national carrier, we have the expertise to show the visitor the hidden depths of its tourism product,” he said.
Following its best-ever year for tourism figures, Sri Lanka is now being rediscovered by the world’s tour operators, and its potential as a multi-centre destination is being mined by the arrival of international names such as Banyan Tree and Aman Resorts, as well as regional groups including Taj Exotica.