Dear valued partners and friends,
How are you doing? Sri Lanka is currently abuzz with excitement and anticipation as the Esala Perahera Festival in Kandy is nearing, a cornerstone of our country's cultural heritage. This festival, characterised by its vibrant procession, is a celebration deeply rooted in reverence for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, believed to embody divine blessings that extend to our nation and its people.
The festive atmosphere has prompted me to contemplate the nature of blessings — how they often grace those who cherish and safeguard what holds true significance. In this edition of our newsletter, I am eager to explore the theme of blessings, particularly those bestowed by nature, with you.
We are thrilled to unveil the splendour of our new offerings in the enchanting city of Kandy and the picturesque Maldives — with a fresh perspective viewed from the kaleidoscope of nature blessings. These ventures, made possible by the bountiful blessings of nature, beckon your guests to take on unforgettable journeys that awaken the senses and soothe the soul. But beyond the allure of these destinations lies a deeper calling — a responsibility to honour and preserve the natural world that sustains us.
We invite you and your travellers to join us in this journey of preservation and appreciation, where every new adventure is a testament to our commitment to the planet, its people, and its enduring legacy of beauty and wonder.
Subha gamanak vēvā! Hih'heyo kollaathi!
Yours,
Suranjith
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EcoVista Ride
A new hop on adventure awaits your travellers to unveil the secrets of Kandy in a truly unique and eco-friendly way; introducing our EcoVista Ride! This exhilarating e-cycling journey begins near the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. A nature’s paradise spanning over 147 acres of diverse collection of flora, making it one of the largest and most impressive botanical gardens in Asia. As guests set off, they will be greeted by the majestic Mahaweli River, flowing gracefully beside them and offering a serene backdrop for their ride. As your adventurers further pedal with the assistance of e-power, they will experience the thrill of gliding through clean winds and lush landscapes.
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Continuing their journey towards the prestigious University of Peradeniya, travellers will be captivated by the scenic beauty that surrounds them by encountering iconic landmarks and architectural marvels such as the Senate Building, known for its striking colonial-style architecture — adding to the charm of their ride.
Their journey will reach its crescendo with an enriching stop in the historic farming village of Doluwa, nestled near Gampola, where travellers will immerse in the rustic charm and timeless beauty of rural life. What distinguishes Doluwa is its profound connection to agriculture, which serves as the backbone of the local economy and way of life. Visitors to Doluwa have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the various stages of farming, from ploughing and planting to harvesting and post-harvest processing.
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Kandyan Legacy
Still in the land of Kandy, your travellers can explore the vibrant tapestry of Kandy's cultural heritage with our Kandyan Legacy program, a sweet odyssey through the city's storied past. Here, they can delve into the world of traditional art and craftsmanship, where every brushstroke and chisel mark narrates centuries-old tales of cultural richness.
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Craft enthusiasts will be captivated by the artistry of Traditional Woodcarving, as skilled artisans demonstrate the transformation of raw wood into exquisite works of art. A unique aspect of this craft is its significance in preserving the country’s religious and cultural heritage. These carvings are not merely decorative but serve as important symbols of protection, spirituality, and cultural identity — often depicting religious icons, mythical creatures, and cultural motifs that hold deep significance in Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
Art aficionados can immerse in the intricate patterns and vibrant colours of Batik Art, reflecting the island's natural beauty and cultural diversity. The experience will also give guests an insight to the country’s local plants, flowers, and bark — as natural dyes are derived from these ingredients. The natural makeup of the said dyes give the fabrics rich and earthy colours. This practice not only preserves traditional methods but also ensures eco-friendly production.
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Alternatively, they can step into the world of Ola Leaf Manuscript making, where delicate leaves are transformed into timeless literary works. Guests are invited to use a distinctive script called Sinhala script or Pali script, and to scribe using a pointed metal stylus to etch the text onto the treated leaves. After writing, the leaves are often treated with natural ink to make the text more visible.
With our extended program, guests can choose two experiences from this array of cultural treasures, each offering a glimpse into the soul of Kandy and the enduring legacy of its people. Join us as we journey into the heart of Kandy's cultural heritage, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with the past and celebrate Sri Lanka's vibrant traditions.
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Dhigufaru Island Resort
This hidden gem is nestled within the pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. The name "Dhigufaru" translates to "a long reef," emphasising the island's stunning natural feature — an expansive and vibrant coral reef encircling the island, stretching over 35,000 square metres.
Your guests will have the opportunity to dive into this underwater wonderland, exploring the thriving marine life within the reef, teeming with colourful corals, tropical fish, and other fascinating sea creatures. Whether one is an avid snorkeler or a seasoned diver, Dhigufaru offers an ideal destination to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Maldivian waters.
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The resort also offers a luxurious retreat, where elegantly designed villas blend seamlessly with the island's breathtaking scenery. Your guests can relax on pristine white sandy beaches, partake in exhilarating water sports, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun — the choice is theirs to make!
Beyond its natural beauty, Dhigufaru Island Resort is dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation, ensuring the protection of Baa Atoll's delicate ecosystem for generations to come. It's not just a holiday destination; it's a sanctuary where the wonders of the natural world are cherished and safeguarded.
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Founder and President of World Travel Awards Graham Cooke (right) presenting the award to the Director of DTH Travel Maldives Howard Brohier (left) | |
Thank You, Partners!
We're thrilled to announce that DTH Travel Maldives have been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination Management Company (DMC) at this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA)!
WTA President Graham Cooke gave the trophy to DTH Travel Maldives Director Howard Brohier in an awarding ceremony at the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai earlier this month. Congratulations to the team!
This win speaks volumes about the strength of our partnership and the steadfast support you have given us as we curate authentic experiences across Asia. We are truly grateful for your continued support!
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Marine Tourism: Master Plan to be Launched in Mid-May
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is set to launch the Marine Tourism Master Plan in mid-May to sustain Sri Lanka’s marine environment alongside marine tourism activities. SLTDA Director of Tourism Planning, Development, and Investor Relations, Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya, stated that the final draft of the plan has been completed and shared with the Steering Committee. The plan, which includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term action points, covers water bodies from Kalpitiya to Trincomalee and from Mannar, Jaffna, and Mullaitivu back to Trincomalee. It aims to develop marine tourism while protecting the aquatic ecosystem, addressing issues such as dynamite fishing, and setting regulations to protect water resources.
Sri Lanka to Declare 49 New Tourism Zones
The country is set to designate 49 additional official tourism zones as part of the ongoing efforts to boost tourism. "Through this initiative, we aim to bolster tourist arrivals in our country and promote its diverse attractions," said State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage. Currently, Sri Lanka has identified 15 tourism zones, all located in coastal areas around the island. The new tourism zones will include many non-coastal areas that tourists prefer due to the unique nature of these locations.
Chongqing Airlines Resumes Flights from June 24
After ceasing operations due to the global pandemic, the airlines will finally resume operations between Chongqing, China and Colombo from June 24. The airline will operate three flight services per week.
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