Tourism Ministry is planning to promote nautical tourism and the luxury passenger cruise ship arrivals harnessing the potential in the economic Development of Sri Lanka.
All ingredients already provided by nature, it is time, Sri Lanka is to take a special interest in emphasising that Sri Lanka really concentrate on developing the Nautical Tourism as a special niche in its new phase of Tourism Development”.
Tourism Ministry also explores the possibility of partnering top blue-chip companies to enter the lucrative 40 billion dollar cruise line business that is estimated to carry 22.3 million passengers, with the market growing at 3.2% in volume.
Aitken Spence Travels will commence the first luxury passenger cruise ship ‘Viking Mars’ USA on 18 and 19 November.
Viking Mars will be calling over at the Colombo Port with 900 passengers on board commencing the winter season for cruise calls after the pandemic.
Aitken Spence Travel is the leading destination management company (DMC) that handles the highest cruise calls for shore excursion to Sri Lanka.
The company will be offering an array of Sri Lankan shore excursion packages that are unique and diverse allowing clients to discover our island nation.
During the excursions they will visit Kandy, Pinnawela, city tours in Galle, walking tours in Colombo, boat tours in Muthurajawela and Madu river, experience an agro-village concept, tuk-tuk tours, cultural shows, culinary experiences, art and architecture tours and taste the finest of Ceylon teas.
“Our energetic and dedicated team worked extremely hard over the past 12 months to secure these cruise calls. Shore excursion destinations are usually for 24 months in advance and it’s critical that our pricing is attractive, appealing and relevant,” Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera said.
“We appreciate the support extended by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and their security teams, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and all other key stakeholders to ensure cruise guests have a positive experience in Sri Lanka,he added.
The country needs to have a peaceful environment to attract more visitors and as DMC’s we will continue to promote Sri Lanka aggressively through our marketing and promotional work,” he added.
Aitken Spence Travels continues to be the number one DMC in Sri Lanka because of its drive and passion to curate unique travel experiences for their growing clientele.
The company has been in operation for over 45 years and the long-standing relationships, trust and reliability have helped them to continue to work with their partners to become the most sought-after DMC in the country.
