Greetings !
There appears to be one urgent message from all Tourism Industry experts.
In one voice they are calling on the Government to expedite the national Branding and global marketing campaign. The latest to call on it is the President, Sri Lanka Association of inbound operators, Nalin Jayasundera who is on Boards on either-side of the divide, public and private. He is seated todayon our own “Hot Seat’ on page 31.
After the announcements made by the Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism, Buddhika Hewawasam who sat on our very first Hot Seat in our very 1st issue, Sunday Observer Explorer gave the Hot Seat to the Industry experts to air their views. In one voice they have outlined some common factors that yet hamper the path to the set targets for Tourism.
In order to have a balance in views, as good journalism would call for, after 8 “Hot Seat” interviews of the private sector, that conveyed very strong statements on the status of Tourism in our country, we gave the seat also to the Govt. side again to respond with their views on the current impasse of the much awaited Branding conference and the global campaign itself.
Today SLATO President has responded and advices that there is no time to lose. “The Govt. having made Tourism a priority Industry, must cut through the blocks as we cannot be slaves to those obstacles”. You can read more on his stance and the solutions he suggests and much more in the ‘Hot Seat’ this week. He gives some effective suggestions to boost Tourism in the country, which he believes has the potential to be the highest foreign exchange earner of our country.
What needs to be taken note of the most is his call for urgent action in the sphere of branding and global marketing, he emphasizes has become crucial for Sri Lanka.
NEWS FLASH !!!!
Ironically just before we went into print a news flash from Sri Lanka Tourism was received saying -; “Exciting News for Our Valued Media Partners!
With the following announcement-;
“Sri Lanka Tourism is set to unveil its most anticipated Nation Branding Campaign, on the 3rd week of June. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey to elevate Sri Lanka’s global presence”. The news flash added, sent from SLTPB.
This campaign announced almost 4 months ago has been in the back burner for months, it would indeed be refreshing if this is finally to see the light of day, and very welcome at this stage. It would seem as though they heard our strong call made this Sunday in general and effectively made through servaral Hot Seat interviews, in particular.
Beauty at its best
Meanwhile, Anudi Gunasekera who made a mark for herself with her lovely presentation of herself overseas and as great representative of Sri Lanka was seen being warmly welcomed back. Although she did not win the crown, she won the crowd. The ‘crowd’ that appreciates her amazing efforts in presenting herself and the country at her best.
Thanks to her, pageantry has now resurfaced amongst the society, as it should- for much discussion. Those who represent in the future will have better prospects in terms of sponsorship and also support during the process of selection in Sri Lanka as well as support internationally at the International pageants.
We wish Anudi the very best in her contribution to the country with her skills, in any area she picks to serve in the future. Indeed, a brighter future awaits her.
The Miss World 2025 winner, Miss Thailand, popularly known as Opal has an extraordinary story, Sunday Observer Explorer decided to bring those facts to the fore for a better understanding of the young lady who outshone all 108 candidates. The story will also tell you why. Being Beautiful is one thing, but at the age of 21 she has taken some major decisions which luckily paid off. Do read all about this lady who is ‘Bold and Beautiful’ on page 35.
Last but not least with the steam off on Miss World, with it concluding with Miss Thailand winning the crown comes the news on the next most prestigious Beauty contest which is held in high esteem, on equal par to Miss World- which is Miss Universe.
Miss Universe International pageant is to take place in Thailand in November, and all 190 countries being represented are making preparations for their respective representatives. In Sri Lanka the process has gathered steam and the 33 finalists participated in the mini pageant – Miss Fitness last week.
With amanté, a leading intimate apparel brand on board as the main sponsor, their support to the pageant organizers and contestants, have assited its’ progress.
Sunday Observer Explorer and ANCL as print media partners have got you the readers involved in the excitement in the build up and run up to the grand finale here to choose the Miss Universe, Sri Lanka scheduled for the 2nd week of July.
The readers can now participate in choosing the lady you feel will win the pageant here to represent Sri Lanka. You can pick the person and the respective candidate’s number which we have published alongside the picture of the finalists (On page 35)You must fill the coupon and mail it to reach us at Sunday Observer Explorer.
Wonderful gifts from amanté, HANG LA – the Ocean Lounge await you. There are new additions to the Prizes Galore this week for the main ‘Beauty Wins” winner and the 15 selected for consolation prizes. They will also have gifts from TITANITE Bags & Travel Gear, Richard Books & Stationary. This is indeed a win-win situation, where you stand to win with ‘Beauty Wins’.
We will have more interesting news for you next week
Until then, wish you Happy Reading !
