Media digest: great sunsets, Balangoda man, Weligama and sheer bliss - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

Yamu is on a mission to find the best places in Colombo to “grab a good sunset” while eating, drinking and generally having a great time—and they’ve found a handful of standout locations. *** Proof that Sri Lanka was inhabited long before the arrival of the mythical Prince Vijaya is being literally unearthed at Maathota in Mannar, Hambantota, Haputale, Knuckles and Illukkumbura. *** English-language newspaper The National in Abu Dhabi has highlighted Cape Weligama in its featured Hotel Insider column, with the verdict that “the location, service, rooms and food tick all the boxes—but at a price”. *** The Economic Times of India reports that “Sri Lanka is a land of pure beauty, bliss and an unhurried and tranquil lifestyle”, with “sprawling tea estates and sanctuaries in the east … party beaches and shopping locales in the West and a diversity that boggles your mind”. *** Check out this BBC video that reports how “the fierce pride inspired by this island nation’s local food scene stems from a mix of tight-knit family bonds, community and tradition”. Click bellow for more details #SriLanka #Balangoda #BBC #TheNational
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Media digest: great sunsets, Balangoda man, Weligama and sheer bliss

Where to get sunsets in Colombo Yamu is on a mission to find the best places in Colombo to “grab a good sunset” while eating, drinking and generally having a great time—and they’ve found a handful of standout locations. They include Whight & Co, with its “nice balcony which overlooks the sea”, Kingsbury’s Sky Lounge […]

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News digest: tourism flying high, MICE mastery, Poland visitors boost - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

National carrier SriLankan Airlines will boost tourism from Asia-Middle East with 11 new direct-flight destinations: Lahore, Jakarta, Dhaka, Muscat, Kolkata, Madurai, Varanasi and Bodh Gaya in India, Bahrain, Seychelles and Gan in Maldives. *** The Sunday Times reports a significant November uptick for Sri Lanka’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) tourism sector, “the largest-ever grouping of business visitors in a single month”. *** The Daily FT reports that Sri Lanka will see more tourists from Poland because “stability and a peaceful setting made Sri Lanka most attractive for Polish tourists”. *** Sri Lanka News says that “the upcoming festive season will be one to look forward to with … plans to attract both foreign and local tourists to the city of Colombo”. *** Sri Lanka’s official tourism website hails the glamour and vibrant postures of our traditional dancers, and announces plan to launch daily dancing evenings for foreign guests and tourists in Colombo. Click bellow for more details. #SriLanka #SriLankanAirlines #MICE #Poland
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News digest: tourism flying high, MICE mastery, Poland visitors boost

National carrier SriLankan Airlines boosts tourism from Asia-Middle East; a significant November uptick for Sri Lanka’s MICE tourism; more visitors from Poland; and Tourism Fest 2016 will be "something to look forward to".

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Sri’s company: Temples, tea and tusks in stunning Sri Lanka

The New York Post, the Big Apple’s premier popular daily newspaper, says it all: “With sea-foam waves crashing nearby and coconut palms towering above, I had a revelation … I wanted to get everyone a flight to Sri Lanka’s south coast.” The writer was touring the south coast, which “has seen the arrival of a […]

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Sri’s company: Temples, tea and tusks in stunning Sri Lanka - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

“But some of my favorite moments came during al fresco dinners, when water buffalo and wild boar grazed by us on the beach, steps from Chena’s deck, as the sea crested its white-capped waves behind them, their recurring rhythm like a mantra.” Click bellow for the full report. #SriLanka #NewYorkPost #Tourism #FortBazaar #TriLanka #Anantara
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Blog digest: sand, sea, sights—and fabulous Sri Lanka beach food! - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

KatieCrackernuts says that “as island nations go, Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful beaches, fabulous seafood and plenty of places to enjoy ocean sports like surfing and diving. Of course, the No.1 to do when visiting Sri Lanka’s beaches is swim, but here’s a few other things you might like to try”. *** Sri Lanka Travel Blog says that “with a long stretch of sandy beaches and the sapphire ocean kissing the shore while the tall palms sway with the breeze, Nilaveli is a stunning travel destination in the tropical paradise”. *** GlobalHelpSwap says that “the east coast of Sri Lanka has a very different vibe than the west and south of the island. It feels more authentic and local and you are more likely to share the beach with fishermen than other tourists. This is an area where tradition thrives”. *** AWOL agrees that “being an island and all, Sri Lanka is surrounded by the sea, sand and surf – and pretty epic surf at that. The long right break at the southern end of this laid-back surf town is considered by most to be Sri Lanka’s finest”. *** London Unattached says that “Sri Lanka is a country of amazing contrasts and influences” and “ruled by the Portuguese, who arrived in 1505, the Dutch and then by the British until it achieved independence in 1948”. Click bellow for more. #SriLanka #Tourism #Beaches #ArugumBay #Nilaveli
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Blog digest: sand, sea, sights—and fabulous Sri Lanka beach food!

Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful beaches, fabulous seafood and plenty of places to enjoy ocean sports; Nilaveli is a stunning travel destination in the tropical paradise; the east coast of Sri Lanka has a very different vibe than the west and south of the island; Sri Lanka is surrounded by the sea, sand and surf – and pretty epic surf at that.

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News digest: protecting whales, top destinations, great rail journies - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

Good news for whale-watching tourists to Sri Lanka. ColomboPage reports that “Sri Lanka fisheries minister seeks Navy and Coast Guard help to prevent dolphin and whale hunting in south”. *** Travel Daily News reports that Sri Lanka is in the top five of Asia Pacific tourist destinations that have together seen a 24 million jump in arrivals this year, up from 577 million in 2015. *** CapitalFM in Kenya reports that the world’s first-ever halal retreat has been launched in Sri Lanka, “combining spirituality with personal development for the fast-growing tourism segment targeting the urban global Muslim traveller”. *** The Khaleej Times in Dubai reports that Sri Lanka is “set to boost MICE industry [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions] credentials”, which is expected to bring in $10 billion revenue by 2020. *** Ceylon Today reports that rail tourism is a major attraction in Sri Lanka, pegging the story on a trip to Passikudah by delegates from the UN World Trade Organisation (UNWTO). Click bellow for more. #SriLanka #Tourism #WhaleWatching #PATA #MICEtourism #HalalTourism
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News digest: protecting whales, top destinations, great rail journies

Good news for whale-watching tourists to Sri Lanka; one of top five Asia Pacific destinations; the world’s first-ever halal retreat launches in Tangalle; big boost for MICE and business tourism; rail travel a major attraction.

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Lots of shiny stuff—and How I Learned To Love Sri Lanka

Gear Patrol is a website and magazine stuffed full of…stuff. Must-have shiny stuff, clothes, watch straps, various assorted gizmos—and even a wicked-looking titanium folding knife. It also, for a not-immediately-obvious reason, has a long, well-written, very nicely illustrated and altogether interesting piece entitled ‘How I Learned To Love Sri Lanka’.

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Lots of shiny stuff—and How I Learned To Love Sri Lanka - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

“Over the years, each return to this island that drips off the southern tip of India has brought a battle between old and new. And it’s no stretch to say Sri Lanka has drastically changed my life. My experiences help explain the island’s ancient name, Serendib, from which we get the modern English word 'serendipity,' meaning a 'happy accident.' “Sri Lanka has lived up to its moniker for centuries, beckoning travelers like Paul Bowles, Arthur C. Clarke, Mark Twain and Marco Polo, who called it “the finest island of its size in the world.” The Dutch, Portuguese and British all colonized it at one time or another, trying to capture the elusive magic of the place for themselves." Click bellow for the full story. #SriLanka #GearPatrol
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UK's Independent newspaper hails Sri Lanka capital Colombo - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

The UK’s Independent newspaper is hot on the trail in Colombo, the latest of the world’s top media to highlight the fact that Sri Lanka is one of the hottest and fastest-growing holiday destinations. It notes that “many travellers to Sri Lanka skip the capital and head straight for the coast or Hill Country – but they’re missing out on some incredible food, history and culture”. It hails our capital city as “rapidly emerging as a destination in its own right”, and “no longer just the sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the beaches and tea country”. Click bellow for the full report #SriLanka #Colombo #HillCountry
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UK’s Independent newspaper hails Sri Lanka capital Colombo

The UK’s Independent newspaper is hot on the trail in Colombo, the latest of the world’s top media to highlight the fact that Sri Lanka is one of the hottest and fastest-growing holiday destinations.

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PACE_Sri Lanka_Full Film_WEB_169

A beautiful must-watch Vogue-GAP video.
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Bloggers digest: More top posts on the best of Sri Lanka - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

Creativity With Kay has a list of things not to miss if you’re travelling in Sri Lanka, including Galle Fort, one of our eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. *** Sri Lanka has an abundance of national parks and wildlife reserves, and tucked away in the pristine paradise of Gal Oya National Park is Gal Oya Lodge, “a responsible traveler’s dream”. *** YUWEW, a ‘premium, multi-niche blog’, takes a long and appreciative look at Sri Lanka, “an excellent place to spend your vacation and attracts many people from all around the world”. *** UK blogger Joey London writes that “this is the 13th time I had been to going to Sri-Lanka, I think it’s pretty fair to say that I can call it my second home. The one place I go to getaway from life and to completely relax”. *** A Luxury Travel Blog says: “Let’s be honest – in terms of travel destinations Sri Lanka is hot right now. And there’s a lot to love about Sri Lanka, from stunning beaches to world heritage sites and luxurious hotels.” Click bellow to read more #SriLanka #GalleFort #GalOya #Tourism
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Bloggers digest: More top posts on the best of Sri Lanka

Creativity With Kay has a list of things not to miss if you’re travelling in Sri Lanka, including Galle Fort one of our eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Meanwhile, ppochers have turned gamekeepers at Gal Oya National Park.

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Sri Lanka tourism up 15%, targets 2.2m arrivals and $3.5bn by year end - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

The Daily News reports that tourism has seen a 15% increase over last year, which Tourism Minister John Amaratunge attributes to “participating in 46 trade fairs, road shows and all the major travel fairs in the world”. The paper notes that “as at end of September over 1.5 million tourists have arrived in the country, which is a 15 % increase year on year and the ministry targets 2.2 million by the year end”. The minister said that tourism has brought in US$2.5 billion to date, and that the government is targeting revenue of US$3.5billion by the end of 2016. Click bellow for the full report. #SriLanka #Tourism
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Sri Lanka tourism up 15%, targets 2.2m arrivals and $3.5bn by year end

The Daily News reports that tourism has seen a 15% increase over last year, which Tourism Minister John Amaratunge attributes to “participating in 46 trade fairs, road shows and all the major travel fairs in the world”.

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Big boost for tourism as Sri Lanka hosts French travel agents - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

A big boost for tourism in Sri Lanka has been signalled by its winning bid to stage the French Travel Congress, when 500 members of Les Journées des Entrepreneurs du Voyages (JEV) arrive in Colombo. Sunday Times writer Vipula Winigasekera reports that “this would be a huge turning point in this segment of MICE [meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions] or what they call ‘I’ of the MICE”. JEV represents 1,400 tour agencies across France, of which most have sizeable stakes in MICE, which Sri Lanka tends to regard as separate from the normal run of holiday tourism. Click bellow for the full report. #SriLanka #Tourism #Mice #JEV #France
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Big boost for tourism as Sri Lanka hosts French travel agents

A big boost for tourism in Sri Lanka has been signalled by its winning bid to stage the French Travel Congress, when 500 members of Les Journées des Entrepreneurs du Voyages (JEV) will arrive in Colombo.

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Media digest: Sri Lanka explored, the best of what the papers say - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

The Huffington Post UK extols our wildlife, food and beaches—“Herds of serene elephants … golden palm-fringed sandy beaches … where scuba divers can explore underwater coral gardens”, while “rarely seen blue whales can be spotted on seafaring day trips in the south”. *** Our own Sunday Times hikes the Devil’s Staircase, a 14 km route “famous for being a 4WD route with its craggy twists and turns earning its rather frightening name. It is a wonderful hike with breathtaking views of the Southern plains of Sri Lanka and the Bambarakanda falls, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka”. *** The Himalayan reports that Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, has launched twice-weekly Kathmandu-Colombo direct flights after a break of 28 years. *** The Times of Oman reports that “the ancient Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has far too much diversity to cover in a single long weekend … vast tea plantations … luxurious beaches … as well as an area in the central part of the country known as the Cultural Triangle”. *** The Australian highlights an elephant safari on a recent cycling tour of Sri Lanka, and that “when you’re cycling around the island’s interior, a 3m-tall Elephas maximus — 5 tonnes of unpredictability — is not something you really want to encounter”. Click bellow for the full report. #SriLanka #DevilsStaircase #Himalayan #Oman #TheAustralian
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Media digest: Sri Lanka explored, the best of what the papers say

The Huffington Post UK extols our wildlife, food and beaches, our own Sunday Times hikes the Devil’s Staircase, Himalaya Airlines has launched twice-weekly Kathmandu-Colombo direct flights, Sri Lanka "has far too much diversity to cover in a single long weekend", and The Australian highlights an elephant safari.

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Little England Cottages cap the quintessential Britishness of Nuwara Eliya - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

It’s not for nothing that Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is known as Little England. The posher parts of this former summer retreat for British colonial rulers are quintessentially UK Home Counties, and proud of it. Even more so now that the 40 properties of the US$20m Little England Cottages gated development are providing lifestyles that are entirely in keeping with the neighbouring upscale Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and Royal Turf Club. Click bellow for the story. #SriLanka #NuwaraEliya #LittleEngland #LittleEnglandCottages
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Little England Cottages cap the quintessential Britishness of Nuwara Eliya

It’s not for nothing that Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is known as Little England. The posher parts of this former summer retreat for British colonial rulers are quintessentially UK Home Counties, and proud of it.

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Blog digest: the best international travel writers find the best of Sri Lanka - Pledge Holidays Travel Blog

Glamourous Vanilla Sky Dreaming veteran travel writer and blogger Hofit Kim Cohen was delighted to get the chance to visit Ella, the spectacular Hill Country town famed for Adam’s Peak, waterfalls and tea plantations. *** Petra at Restless Girl has put together a Sri Lanka travel guide “to the one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Endless tea plantations, beautiful, positive people on every corner, amazing wildlife, herds of elephants, monkey kingdom and spiritual energy are just some of the Sri Lankan wonders!” *** For Two Monkeys Travel founders Jonathan Howe from the UK Kach Medina Umandap from the Philippines, “while white sand beaches and wild camping in the safari park were very tempting … Sri Lanka’s mix of rugged mountain ranges, misty tea plantations and craft culture was the biggest draw”. *** Iona at ionabackpack headed south from Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo to see the sights at Galle, one of our eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, where “the beaches are stunning. White sand, blue sea, palm tress and big boulders in the ocean make it very picturesque”. *** Sri Lanka Travel Blog says that “with a long stretch of sandy beaches and the sapphire ocean kissing the shore while the tall palms sway with the breeze, Nilaveli is a stunning travel destination in the tropical paradise”. Click bellow for the details #SriLanka #Tourism #Ella #Galle #Nilaveli
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Blog digest: the best international travel writers find the best of Sri Lanka

Exploring Ella: Adam’s Peak Hike, waterfalls and Jetwing hotels Glamourous Vanilla Sky Dreaming veteran travel writer and blooger Hofit Kim Cohen was delighted to get the chance to visit Ella, the spectacular Hill Country town famed for Adam’s Peak, waterfalls and tea plantations. She says that “the hike up the actual Adam’s Peak was a […]

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