The successful workshop for key tour operators in Kazan at “Hotel Mirage”
3 June 2014
The successful conduct of the Shopping Mall Activations on 2 June 2014 in Kazan city no doubt paved the way for the successful conduct of a workshop for key tour operators in Kazan at “Hotel Mirage” on the 2nd day of the visit of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Kazan, 03 June 2014. The principle partners in this endeavour were the tour operators; Russkij Express, Intaer and GTV. With impressive track records in the field of tourism, these partners played an important role in making the event a success.
The selection of Mirage Hotel for this event was based on its unique location and the splendor surrounding it. Overlooking the World Heritage site Kazan Kremlin and ideally situated close to many attractions in Kazan, this 5-star hotel is an ideal location for events of this nature.
During the workshop after extending a very warm welcome to all participants Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga conducted a very informative and an educative presentation on Sri Lanka Tourism. During the presentation he provided insights into Sri Lankan history, culture, society, climatic conditions, major tourist attractions, important cities, visa procedures and recent infrastructure developments in the spheres’ of socio – economic and tourism. The eye catching dancing performances of the Dancers Guild directed by maestro Chandana Wickramasinghe was a major attraction at the workshop.
The turn-out for the workshops exceeded 140 participants. During the workshops the participants were issued with tourism promotional materials such as leaflets, booklets, and audio CD’s and many more. The package of two Audio CD’s gives an exclusive commentary on 49 important tourist locations and covers Colombo, Kelaniya, Pinnawela Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mihintale Polonnraruwa, Euwara Eliya, Kandy, Yala nad Galle. The package which is been published in Russian language is an excellent tour guide to the tourist from Russia and CIS countries.
The enthusiasm and the keenness with which the participants indulged in the activities of the workshop was a testimony to its success. One factor which cannot be overlooked in this instance is the fluency with which H E Udayanga Weerathunga explained the details in Russian language to all the participants. This no doubt was a major contributory factor to the successful conduct of the workshop for tour operators and their agents in Kazan. He was ably supported in this endeavour by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The tourist board identifying the potential the CIS countries have towards positively impacting on the Sri Lankan Tourism sector, provided extensive support to MEGA Caravan 6 programmes.
The other Major participants in the event “Laksala”, “Siddalepa” and ‘Sri Lankan Airlines” too made significant contributions towards the success of the programme.
