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Asia/Singapore Saturday, 25th April 2026
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InterContinental celebrates diamond anniversary with unique offers

By TTG Asia
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As InterContinental Hotels & Resorts turns 75 this year, guests are invited to join in the celebrations through a series of limited-time offers, ranging from sparkling anniversary cocktails to exclusive stay experiences.

The offers are available from now till April 2022 and across numerous properties worldwide. Participating properties in Asia-Pacific include Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, South Korea; InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Maldives; InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam; and InterContinental Phuket Resort, Thailand.

InterContinental Phuket Resort, Thailand’s anniversary special deal promises a luxurious stay and destination experience

At InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, for instance, the exclusive Diamond Anniversary luxury experience (priced from US$75,000++ for six adults) begins with a private seaplane charter from Malé to the resort, where guests will enjoy a five-night stay in one of the spectacular Three-Bedroom Residences with specially curated private dining experiences throughout the stay.

Exclusive use of the resort’s luxury yacht offers a chance to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Raa Atoll, nestled close to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Those looking to get closer to nature will relish the opportunity to swim with the country’s largest known population of manta rays, alongside the resort’s resident marine biologist.

At InterContinental Phuket Resort, Thailand, a three-day/two-night experience in a three-bedroom villa awaits (US$15,500 for two guests), along with a chauffeured ride to and fro the airport by Maserati, in-villa champagne breakfast, 90-min signature Sati Spa treatment by HARNN, a fine-dining Thai dinner, a day cruise with exquisite lunch paired with more champagne, and more.

InterContinental’s celebratory drink, named InterContinental75, will be served at over 130 hotels and resorts in the global portfolio. It is a reimagination of the classic cocktail, French 75, and is created in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. Select hotels and resorts will also craft cocktail variations inspired by their destination and local ingredients.

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations and IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow commitment, the hotel company will donate US$75,000 to Water.org, supporting 15,000 people to gain access to clean water through sustainable, locally owned and run projects.

Governments’ response to Delta variant hampers August domestic traffic recovery

By TTG Asia
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Recovery in air travel has decelerated in August 2021 compared to July 2021, as government actions in response to concerns over the Covid-19 Delta variant cut deeply into domestic travel demand.

Total demand for air travel in August 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 56.0% compared to August 2019. This marked a slowdown from July, when demand was 53.0% below July 2019 levels.

Concerns over Covid-19 Delta variant hindered air travel recovery in August

This was entirely driven by domestic markets, which were down 32.2% compared to August 2019, a major deterioration from July 2021, when traffic was down 16.1% versus two years ago. The worst impact was in China, while India and Russia were the only large markets to show a month-to-month improvement compared to July 2021.

International passenger demand in August was 68.8% below August 2019, which was an improvement compared to the 73.1% decline recorded in July. All regions showed improvement, which was attributable to growing vaccination rates and less stringent international travel restrictions in some regions.

“August results reflect the impact of concerns over the Delta variant on domestic travel, even as international travel continued on a snail’s pace toward a full recovery that cannot happen until governments restore the freedom to travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

“In that regard, the recent US announcement to lift travel restrictions from early November on fully vaccinated travelers is very good news and will bring certainty to a key market. But challenges remain, September bookings indicate a deterioration in international recovery. That’s bad news heading into the traditionally slower fourth quarter,” Walsh added.

Among international passenger markets, Asia-Pacific suffered the heaviest tumble in August 2021 against the same month in 2019

International passenger markets
European carriers’ August international traffic declined 55.9% versus August 2019, significantly bettering the 63.2% decrease in July compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity dropped 45.0% and load factor fell 17.7 percentage points to 71.5%.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw their August international traffic fall 93.4% compared to August 2019, barely improved over the 94.5% drop registered in July 2021 versus July 2019 as the region continues to have the strictest border control measures. Capacity dropped 85.7% and the load factor was down 44.9 percentage points to 37.9%, by far the lowest among regions.

Middle Eastern airlines had a 69.3% demand drop in August compared to August 2019, improved upon the 73.6% decrease in July, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity declined 55.0%, and load factor deteriorated 26.2 percentage points to 56.2%.

North American carriers experienced a 59.0% traffic drop in August versus the 2019 period, much improved on the 61.7% decline in July compared to July 2019. Capacity sank 48.5%, and load factor dipped 18.0 percentage points to 70.3%.

Latin American airlines saw a 63.1% drop in August traffic, compared to the same month in 2019, improved over the 68.3% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity fell 57.3% and load factor dropped 11.4 percentage points to 72.6%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the eleventh consecutive month.

African airlines’ traffic fell 58.5% in August versus two years’ ago, somewhat improved over the 60.4% decline in July compared to July 2019. August capacity was down 50.1% and load factor declined 12.7% to 63.0%.

An August outbreak caused China’s domestic traffic that month to fall 57% against the same month in 2019

Domestic Passenger Markets
China’s domestic traffic dropped 57.0% compared to August 2019 – a huge deterioration from the 2.5% fall in July. However, overall cases were low, and outbreaks were mostly under control by the end of August, suggesting numbers will improve in September.

India’s domestic traffic reversed the trend, as demand fell 44.8% in August, improved from a 58.9% decline in July versus July 2019, owing to positive trends in new cases and vaccination.

The Bottom Line
Walsh said: “The rapid slowdown in the domestic traffic recovery in August, owing to a spike in the Delta variant shows how exposed air travel continues to be to the cycles of Covid-19.

“For governments that should send two messages. The first is that this is not the time to step away from continuing support of the industry, both financial and regulatory. The second is the need to apply a risk-based approach to managing borders – as passengers are already doing in making their travel decisions.”

Tourism industry icon Stanley Tollman passes on

By TTG Asia
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Stanley Tollman, chairman of The Travel Corporation (TTC), has died at the age of ninety-one following a battle with cancer.

Celebrated as one of the architects of the global tourism industry and a devoted philanthropist, Tollman’s visionary leadership, innovative approach to travel experience development, innate understanding of excellence in hospitality, and commitment to employee care nurtured TTC’s development into one of the most innovative and respected privately held travel companies in the world, with offices in numerous countries.

Stanley Tollman built The Travel Corporation into one of the most innovative and respected privately held travel companies in the world

Tollman’s life’s work has embedded a spirit of family across the over 10,000 employees working within TTC’s portfolio of 40 award-winning brands operating in 70 countries worldwide.

His death represents a great loss that will be felt throughout TTC, and the travel industry at large.

Tributes to Tollman have been many, most notably from highly respected industry leaders including Geoffrey Kent, founder, co-chairman and CEO of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent.

Kent said: “One of the most amazing figures in travel and tourism has left us. His name is Stanley Tollman. I have known him and his lovely wife Bea since I met them for the first time in 1972 in the Tollman Towers, a brand-new hotel they had just built in Johannesburg in 1970. Our travel paths have been closely linked over the years. Stan and his lovely family were always on the cutting edge in the travel industry and continually creating new products run with consummate style. They made so many people so very happy.”

Tollman closed the final days of his life in France, surrounded by his close-knit family.

Japan shortens quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers

By TTG Asia
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Fully vaccinated travellers from non-high-risk destinations entering Japan from Friday (October 1) will have their mandatory quarantine shortened from 14 to 10 days, said the government on Monday.

“As the vaccination rate increases, the government will revise entry restrictions in phases. This will be the first revision we will make,” chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato was quoted by The Japan Times as saying during a news conference Monday.

Japan eases quarantine rules for fully vaccinated arrivals; travellers with face mask waiting at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya pictured

The new policy will require travellers to provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, and they will be able to observe the shortened quarantine period at home or an accommodation of their choosing.

However, the relaxed rules will only apply to those who have received one of the three Covid-19 vaccines approved by the Japanese government: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Currently, all visitors to Japan, regardless of vaccination status, are required to undertake a pre-departure Covid-19 test, be tested on arrival, and serve a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

With the new ruling, vaccinated travellers will be able to take a Covid-19 test on the 10th day of quarantine at their own expense, and will be permitted to end their self-isolation if they test negative. However, travellers will still be required to undergo tests prior to departure.

The shortened quarantine policy will not apply to travellers arriving from countries and regions that are deemed as high-risk due to a high number of cases involving the Delta variant, even if they are fully vaccinated.

These travellers will be required to serve the first three, six or 10 days of their 14-day quarantine at designated facilities. If they test negative at the end of that given period, they can then serve the remainder of their 14-day quarantine at home or at an accommodation of their choosing.

These include arrivals from more than 40 countries including Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mozambique, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the UK.

Non-vaccinated arrivals from regions that are not on the list can self-isolate at home or at an accommodation of their choice for 14 days.

PATA partners with Switch Asia project to promote sustainable Thai tourism supply chains

By TTG Asia
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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has partnered with a European Union (EU)-funded TourLink project that recently kicked off under the EU Switch-Asia programme.

TourLink is a Thai tourism supply chain initiative, linking EU buyers with Thai tour operators and suppliers, aiming to increase competitive advantage by raising sustainability performance.

PATA, TourLink partner to help Thai tourism suppliers achieve common standards for sustainability

Faced with the realities of climate change, systematic sustainability management will be a required mark of quality, safety and professionalism, and a key to doing business with EU outbound tour operators.

In the post-Covid tourism landscape, tourism professionals with the skills to deliver positive results for profit, planet and people will be more employable.

TourLink unites the experience, expertise, and energy of Thai-EU sustainable tourism pioneers: the European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism (ECEAT), Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), PATA, Thai Eco and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), and Thai Hotel Association (THA).

The partners will work until April 2024 to raise sustainability performance along Thai tourism supply chains and boost market demand for sustainable product choices.

Partners will build the capacity of Thai tour operators and suppliers, such as hotels, transport, and activity providers, to achieve common standards for quality, safety, and sustainability. The outcome will lead to internationally recognised Travelife certification for the suppliers and market benefits for their businesses, as well as showcase Thailand as a leading sustainable tourism destination.

TourLink will also improve Thai tourism businesses’ access to Green Finance initiatives and contribute to key challenges of plastic reduction and food waste, and decreasing carbon emissions.

Tour operators which engage with Travelife’s sustainability management system now can benefit from free membership for 2021-22; use Travelife’s online platform, criteria, training tools and tips; and receive personal coaching to help them to meet the standards, according to TourLink project manager, Peter Richards.

PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “PATA is focused on supporting the industry recovery with tangible in-market projects that can demonstrate practical, responsible solutions. Our goal is to develop and/or share business models that combine sustainability with profitability. Creating strong sustainability development plans will bring competitive advantage and generate long-term success for your business.”

The TourLink team is reaching out to collaborate with other public and private sector organisations. One exciting opportunity is collaboration with the Thailand Carbon Balance project, managed by TEATA, DASTA, TGO, TCEB and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. This cooperation can enable an end-to-end EU-Thai tourism supply chain approach towards carbon calculation, management, and offsetting carbon credits.

PATA is also building on their pioneering BUFFET Toolkit, which provides step-by-step guidelines for reducing food waste, and Plastic Free Toolkit for Tour Operators to develop new standards, tools and innovative training which will help Thai tourism professionals to harness sustainability as an opportunity for well-paid work during Covid-19 recovery.

More information can be found here.

Spectrum of the Seas returning to Singapore in October 2022

By TTG Asia
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Royal Caribbean is now accepting bookings for three- to nine-night sailings from Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam onboard Spectrum of the Seas, marking the comeback of cruising to destinations.

The cruises will start from October 21, 2022, subject to approval from the Singapore authorities based on the prevailing health situation and border measures, Royal Caribbean said in a press release.

Spectrum of the Seas will visit destinations from Singapore starting October 2022

At the same time, the cruise line has further extended the Singapore season for the Quantum of the Seas through April 7, 2022.

Angie Stephen, vice president, Singapore, Royal Caribbean International, said: “We are thrilled to introduce a whole spectrum of new adventures with Spectrum of the Seas, which features groundbreaking escapades exclusively designed for the Asian market, a testament to Royal Caribbean’s confidence about the potential of the cruising industry in the region.

“We have seen a surge in repeat cruisers, as well as a significant number of new to cruise guests, and look forward to bringing the best of the Royal Caribbean experience to our guests.”

Quantum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum Ultra Class ship featuring the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests; an array of Asian-inspired cuisine; as well as Asia’s first Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure experience.

The ship also houses transformative venue Two70, which boasts 270-degree ocean views by day and transforms into a multi-dimensional theatre by night.

Other onboard facilities include a karaoke venue; as well as SeaPlex, an indoor active space featuring bumper cars, roller skating, laser tag, fencing, archery, and more.

As part of Covid-safe health and safety measures, the cruise line mandates that all guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated for all new bookings made from October 1, 2021.

New hotels: Roku Kyoto, Sunway Hotel Big Box, and more

By TTG Asia
0

Roku Kyoto, Japan
Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts marked its debut in Asia-Pacific with the opening of Roku Kyoto, which also represents Hilton’s inaugural property in Kyoto, Japan. Situated beneath the Takagamine mountains in northern Kyoto, the 114-key Roku Kyoto is nestled within the 11.57ha Shozan Resort Kyoto, a luxury enclave home to Japanese gardens, historic architecture and authentic tea houses. The expansive Roku Suite offers views of the mountains along the Tenjin River, while the Takagamine mountains can be observed from the Peak Suite. The Garden Deluxe rooms each feature a private onsen with a garden, while the Poolside Deluxe rooms are conveniently located closest to the Roku Spa and provide direct access to the outdoor onsen thermal pool from the room’s private terrace. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness room. Named after the Tenjin River, the French restaurant Tenjin serves French-style dishes made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients. At the bar, guests can sip on signature cocktails made with local ingredients or enjoy a seasonal afternoon tea.

Sunway Hotel Big Box, Malaysia
Sunway Hospitality has launched the Sunway Hotel Big Box, the first Sunway hotel in southern Malaysia. The 284-room hotel is located in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, a 728ha integrated township in Nusajaya, Johor with residential, hospitality, retail, educational and medical elements.

Opening in phases starting from October 1, Sunway Hotel Big Box is easily accessible via Senai International Airport, Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal, and the Coastal Highway Southern Link (CHSL) from Singapore, which is just 5km away.

Guests can choose from five categories of accommodation – Deluxe Room, Deluxe Plus Room, Family Suite, Executive Suite and Premier Suite – all of which come with complimentary Wi-Fi, smart flat-screen IPTV – Internet Protocol TVs, mini fridges, coffee and tea making facilities and sofa beds in select categories. During the soft-opening phase, guests will be able to book the 32m2 Deluxe King or Twin Rooms, which can host up to two adults and two children; or the 57m2 Family Suites, which feature a separate living space, two bathrooms, a bedroom with a super king or twin beds, a sofa bed, capsule coffee machine and microwave.

Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool and children’s pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and the Pool Bar. The Pendas Café serves local and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a 24-hour in-room dining menu. For corporate travellers and event planners, the hotel features three flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate between 20 and 300 people, with a 3m LED video wall and mobile 86-inch interactive touch screen Smart Panel. The Sunway Hotel Big Box is connected via a bridge to the Sunway Big Box Retail Park offering a variety of leisure activities, shopping and restaurant outlets.

Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak, Thailand
Located on a stretch of Thailand’s Andaman Coast in the province of Phang Nga, the Grand Mercure Khao Lak Bangsak offers travellers a unique and tranquil beach getaway experience. Taking inspiration from the traditional riverside villages of Thailand, a canal flows throughout the resort connecting guestrooms and shared areas. Each of the 195 guestrooms and suites at the property feature private terraces, with a wide variety of room configurations available.

All-day dining restaurant Patio features a range of Asian and international dishes, while beachfront restaurant Green Mango offers authentic Southern Thai cuisine using recipes passed on through the generations. Guests can also unwind at the Soak Pool Bar while sampling a variety of beverages and light snacks. Hotel facilities include three swimming pools, a kids’ corner, 24-hour gym, and spa. The resort is also equipped with a business corner offering computers, printing and other business services. Meetings, private parties and corporate events can be catered for at the resort’s 260m2 meeting room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Hotel Gracery Taipei, Taiwan
Tokyo-headquartered Fujita Kanko Inc. has opened Hotel Gracery Taipei in the capital city of Taiwan, representing the company’s second Hotel Gracery property outside Japan after Hotel Gracery Seoul. Situated in the centre of Taipei, a minute’s walk from MRT’s Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station, the hotel offers 248 guestrooms with layouts starting at 25m2. All rooms boast Japanese-style bathrooms with separate toilets. One distinctive feature presented at the hotel is its various concept rooms themed after Japanese and Taiwanese brands like Tokyu Hands, Katsuya and Niseko.

Marriott widens South Asian footprint with 22 new signings

By TTG Asia
0

Marriott International has signed 22 new hotel agreements in South Asia – comprising India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Nepal – in the past 18 months, expecting to add more than 2,700 rooms to its portfolio.

“In a highly unpredictable year, these signings are a testament to Marriott International’s resilience and agility in driving strong growth within a hospitality landscape that continues to evolve,” commented Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “It is a sign of confidence from our owners and franchisees who have been an integral part of our growth journey.”

A second JW Marriott hotel will open in the Maldives come 2025, following the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands (above) 

More than a third of the newly signed projects in South Asia in the last 18 months include hotels and resorts in the luxury-tier, comprised of brands such as JW Marriott and W Hotels.

Come 2024, the W Hotels brand will be making its debut in Jaipur with W Jaipur.

Meanwhile, JW Marriott properties are expected to debut across several locations within South Asia over the next five years. These include JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa located at one of India’s most prominent wildlife sanctuaries, The Ranthambore National Park; JW Marriott Chennai ECR Resort & Spa on India’s Southern coastline; JW Marriott Agra Resort & Spa in the land of the Taj Mahal; as well as the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Goa and Shimla – two of India’s most famous resort destinations – with JW Marriott Goa and JW Marriott Shimla Resort & Spa.

JW Marriott Hotel Bhutan, Thimphu is expected to mark the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Bhutan, anticipated to open in 2025.

The Maldives anticipates its second JW Marriott hotel in 2025, when the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Embhoodhoo Finolhu – South Male Atoll featuring 80 pool villas is expected to open. The signing follows the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Comprised of brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels and Moxy Hotels, Marriott’s select brands also continue to resonate in South Asia representing more than 40 per cent of the 22 newly signed hotel projects.

The Moxy brand is expected to debut in India and Nepal with Moxy Mumbai Andheri West in 2023 and the Moxy Kathmandu in 2025.

Secondary and tertiary markets remain a focus for Marriott International in India, where its Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott brands will be expanding their presence with the recently signed agreements.

Courtyard by Marriott expects to add five new properties to an existing operating portfolio of 20 hotels across South Asia. Four of these properties are expected to open in the next five years and will be located in leading tier-two markets within India: Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur, Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli, Courtyard by Marriott Goa Arpora, and Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi. Meanwhile, Fairfield expects to add two new properties in Jaipur.

In Sri Lanka, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo expects to mark the debut of the Courtyard brand in the country, slated to open in 2022.

Expected to further the growth of premium brands in South Asia, the recent signings include the Katra Marriott Resort & Spa in India and the Le Méridien Kathmandu, which will mark the debut of the Le Méridien brand in Nepal. Additionally, the Bhaluka Marriott Hotel expects to mark the entry of the Marriott Hotels brand in Bangladesh, anticipated to open in 2024.

Hilton makes two changes to its leadership team

By TTG Asia
0
From left: Paul Hutton; and Alexandra Murray

Hilton has appointed Paul Hutton to the position of head of Australasia, while Alexandra (Alex) Murray will take on the role of head of South-east Asia, with both leadership changes effective January 1, 2022.

Hutton will succeed Heidi Kunkel, who has led the Australasia region over the past 3.5ears. The move represents a return to the Australasia leadership role for Hutton, who spent the past four years as Hilton’s regional head of South-east Asia, where he built a robust leadership team and oversaw significant portfolio growth.

From left: Paul Hutton; and Alexandra Murray

As the leader of Hilton’s Australasia portfolio, Hutton will be based in Sydney where he will continue to drive Hilton’s successful recovery efforts, working closely with the company’s network of owners. In this role, he will oversee 27 operating hotels and a development pipeline of 12 hotels and resorts, with further growth plans to double Hilton’s footprint in Australasia in the next five years.

Taking up the South-east Asia leadership role is Murray, who will transfer from Hilton’s operations in Europe, Middle East & Africa. In that role, Alex oversaw a portfolio of 57 hotels with a pipeline of 47 properties.

Based in Singapore, Murray will oversee 46 open and trading hotels in the region, with a further 51 in the pipeline – including the largest Hilton hotel in the APAC region.

Both Hutton and Murray will be part of the Hilton APAC Senior Leadership Team.

Sri Lanka to lift lockdown, ease restrictions for vaccinated visitors

By Feizal Samath
0

Sri Lanka looks set to end a six-week nationwide lockdown on October 1, while at the same time easing border measures for fully vaccinated visitors.

In an announcement on Tuesday (September 28), the government said that from October 1, fully vaccinated tourists and Sri Lankans will no longer be required to take a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival at the local airport if they present a negative PCR test result at the point of embarkation.

Sri Lanka’s ongoing nationwide lockdown has been in place since August 20 to curb a raging third wave

Unvaccinated visitors, however, will be required to undergo a 14-day hotel or home quarantine.

The move represents a further easing of travel restrictions for fully vaccinated arrivals. Since July, vaccinated tourists can enter Sri Lanka without having to quarantine if they test negative for Covid-19 on arrival.

Authorities said that the relaxed rules is partly to boost tourism in the country. Tourist arrivals have been a trickle, averaging about 3,000 per month since mid-January 2021 when the airports reopened after a shutdown due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the government is also planning to end the nationwide lockdown on October 1, as the Covid-19 situation in the South Asian country has improved.

The six-week lockdown was imposed on August 20, and has been extended thrice, as the country struggled to contain a deadly third wave which began in mid-April.

With the looming lockdown lift, industry officials have said they are looking forward to a pick-up in tourist arrivals during the winter season.

In a recent interview in the Daily FT newspaper, national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines chairman Ashok Pathirage spoke of early signs of a tourism revival, “forecasting earnings of over 500 million rupee (US$6.7 million) alone in the upcoming winter season, demand for which is on the rise as the national carrier ramps up services”.

With the recent removal of Sri Lanka from the UK’s travel red list and surveys showing a rise in interest to travel to Sri Lanka, the national carrier will ramp up services to London. In 2019, the UK emerged as Sri Lanka’s second largest tourist source market, after India.

“The season ahead looks very promising and we are getting ready for a busy schedule,” Pathirage was quoted as saying.

As of September 28, Sri Lanka has recorded 515,524 Covid-19 cases and 12,786 related deaths.

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