News

By Divya Thotawatte

Set overlooking the sweeping southern coastline, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort recently unveiled the Peace Haven Bungalow, its most exclusive and luxurious event venue to date.

The bungalow was created by Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, a part of the Minor Hotels group, in partnership with Hemas Holdings PLC. With a combination of heritage, impeccable design, and a commitment to showcasing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, the Peace Haven Bungalow is aimed at becoming a leading venue for high-end events in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort General Manager Erik Billgren said: “This evening marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Peace Haven Bungalow. This venue is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for change in how we envision luxury celebrations, stories, and moments. Our signature Anantara hospitality is geared to uniquely cater to each guest from this stunning vantage point on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.”

Designed to accommodate up to 200 guests who can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while enjoying a premier luxury experience, the bungalow can be reserved for elegant affairs such as weddings, private occasions, and high-end MICE events. As the only venue of its kind along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it also answers the growing demand for world-class luxury event spaces in the region with bespoke event planning and immersive culinary experiences.

The grand opening of the Peace Haven Bungalow was celebrated with an unforgettable evening of opera. The event featured internationally renowned talents, including Concert Pianist Jean-Marc Pont Marchesi from Paris and Russian Tenor Sergei Radchenko. Internationally recognised Soprano Chrisni Mendis from Sri Lanka and Rome also performed to warm cheers and an excited crowd.

These acclaimed artists were joined by celebrated local performers Indika Upamali and Subuddhi Lakmali, supported by Sanithi Dias, Manoj Sanjeewa, Madhava Bandara, Tusith Simpson, and Anosh Ismail. The evening concluded with a lavish dinner and wine pairing experience, set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is located within a 22-acre coconut plantation. The resort is the only property in Tangalle situated on a rocky outcrop, offering a secluded and scenic retreat along Sri Lanka’s rugged southern coastline. The resort features 152 rooms and villas, including 14 Garden Pool Villas, 10 Ocean View Pool Villas, 6 Beach Pool Villas, and 2 Two-Bedroom Garden Pool Villas.

Anantara, a luxury hospitality brand offering immersive experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, was founded in Thailand in 2001. It now operates over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Unveils Vibrant National Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2025

On April 28, 2025, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) proudly inaugurated its dynamic national pavilion at the 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, themed “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” serves as a premier platform for fostering international tourism partnerships.​

The opening ceremony was graced by  H.H Sheik Ahmed  bin Saeed Al Maktoum  Chairman & Chief Executive  of Emirates Airlines and Group together with  Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, and Sampath Nissanka, Managing Director of SLTPB. They were joined by officials from the SLTPB, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the Consulate General in Dubai.​

This year, the Sri Lanka pavilion featured over 70 participants from the travel and tourism industry, marking the country’s most extensive representation at ATM to date. The pavilion showcased Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife, capturing the attention of international visitors and industry professionals alike.​

Recognizing the Middle East as a pivotal market, SLTPB has intensified its promotional efforts in the region. Prior to ATM, successful B2B networking events were conducted in Riyadh and Dammam, facilitating collaborations between Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders and Saudi counterparts. These initiatives align with Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on attracting high-end tourists, particularly from Middle Eastern countries, aiming to boost tourism revenue and foster sustainable growth. ​

Further emphasising its commitment, the press conference organised by SLTPB during ATM, inviting over 70 media representatives, will give a clear message that Sri Lanka is a great destination for Middle Eastern travellers, which is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and visitor experiences.​

These concerted efforts underscore Sri Lanka Tourism’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the Middle Eastern market and fostering sustainable growth through enhanced international partnerships.

Boutique Hospitality with a Purpose:

Nestled along the golden shores of Mirissa, Reveal the Collection isn’t just a sanctuary of boutique luxury—it’s a champion of marine conservation. Among its four beachfront escapes, both Lantern Boutique Hotel and Beach House foster something truly extraordinary: the only turtle hatchery in Mirissa owned and operated by a hotel corporation. Established in partnership with the Department of Wildlife in 2022, the hatchery is more than a conservation project; it is a lifeline for Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles, with nearly 50,000 eggs nurtured under its care since its inception.

Between January and February alone, 9,000 turtle eggs were safeguarded under the Reveal the Collection team’s watchful care, alongside wildlife officials. The hatchery stands as a vital refuge against the growing threats of habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and climate change. Each nesting season, dedicated wildlife experts and the properties’ passionate team work in tandem to monitor nesting sites, protect fragile eggs, and ensure hatchlings safely reach the ocean.

For guests, this is more than just an experience—it is a rare once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature’s resilience. Watching a hatchling take its first determined steps towards the waves is a moment that lingers in the soul—a humbling reminder of the delicate balance of marine life. The hatchery isn’t just about conservation; it is about connection. Through interactive sessions, community education programmes, and direct guest participation, Reveal the Collection Mirissa fosters awareness and inspires action beyond its shores.

Sea turtles are more than just a wonder of the natural world – they play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. From keeping seagrass beds balanced to supporting thriving coral reefs, their survival is intricately linked to the ocean’s wellbeing. Yet, threats like entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and coastal development continue to push them towards the brink. Recognising this urgency, Reveal the Collection Mirissa’s conservation initiatives extend beyond protection—they strive to create a lasting impact.

At Reveal the Collection Mirissa, luxury intertwines with purpose. Guests don’t just revel in breathtaking ocean views; they become part of a movement to safeguard marine life. Every stay directly contributes to conservation efforts, ensuring future generations can continue to witness the awe-inspiring journey of these gentle navigators.

“At Reveal the Collection, we believe true luxury lies in experiences that leave a lasting impact—not just on our guests but the world around us. Our commitment to marine conservation is deeply woven into our identity, and through the turtle hatchery, we strive to create a meaningful difference. Each hatchling that takes its first swim represents a future we are helping to secure. As part of Browns Hotels & Resorts, Reveal the Collection remains deeply committed to sustainable initiatives that protect wildlife, preserve the environment, and uplift local communities.” said Arul Ambikaibalan, General Manager of Reveal the Collection.

The exquisite Reveal the Collection, which falls under the flagship of Browns Hotels & Resorts, features four stunning beachfront villas in Mirissa: Ubuntu Beach Villas, The Lantern Boutique Hotel, and The Beach House. Additionally, it includes The Lavender House, a colonial bungalow in the hill country, and Ayr Castle 1922, a heritage bungalow in Padukka.

A pivotal discussion was hosted recently at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to explore innovative ways to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination for weddings.

Organised jointly by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the event brought together key stakeholders from the tourism, events, and hospitality sectors.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, offering immense potential to generate significant revenue. Among its segments, destination weddings have emerged as an increasingly lucrative opportunity. Sri Lanka aims to attract 20-25 destination weddings annually, potentially generating approximately $ 6.25 million in revenue through high-profile events that attract wealthy guests from around the world. Key objectives and insights the event focused on establishing Sri Lanka as a hassle-free destination for weddings.

Topics included: Raising awareness about Sri Lanka’s unique appeal, blending scenic beauty, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality; Addressing challenges such as approval delays, lack of standardised processes, and operational inefficiencies and Developing solutions through stakeholder collaboration, including streamlined approvals, single-window systems, and enhanced public-private partnerships. During the event, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Cabinet Minister Vijitha Herath emphasised the significance of identifying and developing emerging trends and opportunities within the tourism industry. He highlighted how such initiatives can greatly benefit the country’s economy while fostering stronger social engagement. Minister Herath also stressed the necessity of teamwork across government institutions, underscoring that collaboration will be a cornerstone of the government’s vision for the future. He assured attendees that this vision includes steadfast support for investors, guests, and stakeholders alike. Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe echoed this sentiment, emphasising the crucial role of government institutions in ensuring the success of this significant business opportunity. He underlined the importance of fostering understanding and interaction among government bodies and highlighted the indispensable role of public-private partnerships. According to him, overcoming challenges and achieving success in promoting destination weddings requires close collaboration and dedicated efforts from all stakeholders.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, further emphasised how promoting destination weddings not only serves as a sustainable tourism endeavour but also contributes to social development in the country. He envisioned aligning the wedding tourism industry with broader environmental and community-driven goals.

Adding to the discussion, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, illustrated why Sri Lanka has become one of the most favoured destinations for weddings. He pointed out the versatility of Sri Lanka’s offerings, where wedding themes ranging from cultural and heritage backdrops to nature-inspired settings like forests, beaches, or oceans can be seamlessly promoted. Additionally, Hemant Dadlani, representing the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, presented detailed statistics and data on destination weddings held locally and internationally. His insights shed light on market potential and global trends that could help Sri Lanka effectively position itself as a premier wedding destination.

Attendees discussed barriers faced by wedding planners, from securing permits for heritage and beach venues to handling specialised logistics for international guests. Proposals included introducing special immigration counters, facilitating customs processes for wedding-related items, and setting up a National Destination Weddings Steering Committee to drive initiatives.

The discussions are expected to pave the way for a transparent, efficient, and collaborative framework to promote destination weddings in Sri Lanka. With its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is poised to position itself as a preferred wedding destination, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth.

This discussion marks a vital step toward capitalising on the untapped potential of Sri Lanka’s wedding tourism sector. By fostering collaboration and addressing challenges, Sri Lanka can solidify its reputation as an ideal location for unforgettable weddings.

Sri Lanka is optimistic about achieving 3 million tourist arrival targets in 2025 after the island nation witnessed 500,000 foreign visitors into the country in the first two months.

Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka reached 530,746 up to March 5 of this year with 15.1 percent growth compared to the same period in 2024, official data showed.

The country has seen record tourist arrivals in January and February, surpassing the peak monthly arrivals in those months recorded in 2018.

“Our target for this year is attracting 3 million tourists. Since we have reached 500,000 in both January and February, we should be able to reach this year’s target,” Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said in a recorded video.

“We will be implementing tourism promotion strategies globally in March. With that, we should be able to reach this year’s target.”

Sri Lanka missed the island nation’s 2024 tourist target of 2.3 million, but recorded its third highest annual arrival of 2.05 million in the year with a 38.1 percent growth led by Indians and Russians.

Sri Lanka’s record high tourism arrival of 2,333,796 has been recorded in 2018 followed by 2,116,407 in the previous year.

The island is popular for nature with beaches and tropical climate, with most European and Western tourists choosing it as the key destination during their winter season falling from November to February.

At its peak in 2018, earnings from tourism accounted for 5 percent of the county’s gross domestic product (GDP).

However, the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and high-end hotels in 2019, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, as well as the 2022 economic crisis, hit the country’s hospitality industry.

The island nation witnessed $3.17 billion revenue in 2024, with a 53.2 percent jump compared to $2.07 billion in the previous year.

Building on the strong momentum from 2024’s record-breaking tourist numbers, Sri Lanka has welcomed 485,102 visitors between January 1 and February 27, 2025.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reports that India was the leading source market, contributing 77,381 visitors, followed by the Russian Federation with 63,337, and the United Kingdom with 46,560.

Germany, China, and France were also significant contributors, with 31,770, 28,028, and 27,682 arrivals, respectively.

In February alone, Sri Lanka saw 232,341 tourists, with February 22 marking the peak single-day arrival of 10,815 visitors.

Sri Lanka’s earnings from tourism improved to an estimated 401 million US dollars in January 2025, with arrivals recording the highest monthly level for any of January in the past, according to the country’s Central Bank.

The Central Bank said in a press release issued on Friday night that 252,761 tourist arrivals were recorded in January, reports Xinhua.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said earlier that Sri Lanka targets 3 million tourist arrivals this year.