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Mega Tourism Road Show Successfully Promotes Sri Lankan Tourism in Russia & Ukraine
17 to 31 March 2013
The “Mega Tourism Road Show” which was conducted in the Russian Federation and Ukraine for three weeks concluded its journey on 31 March. This epic campaign under taken by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russia, under the personal supervision of the Ambassador Udayanga Weeeratunga, with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was a huge success in promoting Sri Lanka Tourism and opened enormous avenues to all Sri Lankan participants to expand respective business ventures.
Further, it also facilitated to further the existing political and cultural relations between Sri Lanka – Russia and Sri Lanka – Ukraine as Ambassador Weeratunga very successfully managed to harness the Diplomatic Corps in both political and cultural spheres, Leading Travel and Tour Operators, High Profile Media Officials, Senior Officials of both public and private sector of both countries and most importantly the General Public. The lectures, presentations, press briefings, public addresses and interactions of the Ambassador were the major contributing factors in harnessing people of all walks of life.
Saint Petersburg, the “Venice of the North” posed an ideal launching pad for this campaign. Promotional activities which started on 17 March were conducted for three successive days with shopping mall activation in Mega Dybenko, Sri Lankan Cultural Night and Photo Exhibition at Moscow Hotel, Workshop and one to one meetings at the Hotel Oktyabskaya and other associated activities.

Moscow which has the largest community of billionaires in the world was the second stop of the campaign. Successful promotional activities conducted with the participation of fifteen leading Sri Lankan Travel and Tour Operators in the legendary Moscow International Travel and Trade Exhibition was the main event in Moscow. Sri Lankan Night, the cultural show dedicated to the Diplomatic Corps and shopping mall activation at Mega Belya Dacha for the general public were also well attended and received in Moscow.

For the first time from its commencement the management of the Ukrainian Travel Forum recognized Sri Lanka as the partner country of this annual event which is the most renowned in the Eastern Europe. The exuberant opening and closing addresses delivered by the Ambassador with scintillating performance of Sri Lankan Dancers in sidelines added more glamour and pomp to the forum. Participation at the Ukrainian International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, Reception and Sri Lankan Night to the Diplomatic Corps, Shopping Mall activation at Caravan and Dream City were the other major events in Kiev, Ukraine.

After successfully completing the Mega Tourism Road Show in Russia and Ukraine, His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga hosted the participants for a dinner at the residence, in which there was also a gift presentation as a token of appreciation to all the participants. H.E the Ambassador appreciated the efforts of all the participants including the dancers and other exhibitors representating various authorities assisted to make the Roadshow a success. Maj.Gen N. Udawatta, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Viranga Bandara, Junior Manager of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Chandana Wickramasinghe also spoke in the event. Later the participants enjoyed a delicious Sri Lankan meal and Ceylon Tea.

Participation of Laksala, Siddhalepa, Leading Travel and Tour Operators of Sri Lanka and the unparalleled performances by the Dancing Guild of Maestro Chandana Wickramasinghe were the main anchors of this accomplishment. Collaboration and sponsorship of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the persevering and resolute leadership of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga duly supported by the staff enabled this mammoth campaign to become a reality and a success.

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Sri Lankan Night at the Ukrainian House
29 March 2013
On Friday the 29 March the public of the Kiev saw another enticing Sri Lankan traditional dancing performance and appealing photo exhibition at the Ukrainian House, Kiev. The cultural show of three hours performed by the Dance Guild of the maestro Chandana Wickramasinghe, enthralled and pleased the audience with many a traditional dancing, drum fusion, mask dancing, drum orchestra and medley of folk songs. Delivering the opening remarks the Ambassador having welcomed all guests, spoke about the diplomatic and cultural relations between the two nations, traditional dancing of Sri Lanka and development of infrastructure in the country.
Also, he made a special introduction to the opening of the “Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport” in the Hambantota District. The photo exhibition of 120 photos covered the visits of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. It also covers major tourist destinations of the country namely; Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, Pinnawela and Nuwara Eliya along with scenic and pristine beaches along both Western and Eastern coast, Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional dancing and wild life.
The Ukrainian Dome is the location where a similar Cultural show was held in 2010 on the side lines of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksas visit to Ukraine. In 2010 also, it was well attended and received by many, who commented on their deep impressions of the performance. This monumental building has been built during 1978 – 1982 and was originally erected as Kiev affiliate of the All Union Lenin Museum, displaying materials documenting Lenin’s life. The opening of the new building of the Museum of Lenin was held in 1982 to honor the 60th Anniversary of the USSR and the current name of the building was received after the declaration of independence of Ukraine. The Ukrainian House consists of a hall spaces which covers large area. The exhibition hall provides huge space for outdoor activities, events and trade fairs. The exhibition centre having imparted its services for past so many years has now become one of the perfect venue for organizing the events, trade fairs, conferences etc. Bringing buyers and exhibitors together for so many years the International Exhibition Centre is the most complete business display platform of many leading industries. The events held at the “Ukrainian House” attracts large number of visitors from all over the world, who are basically related to the industries like business development, building and construction, cosmetics, gas and petroleum.

Apart from the Cultural Show, the promotional programs were carried out at the UITT — 2013 exhibition centre and shopping mall “Caravan”. In both locations distribution of leaflets, liquid tea service, video shows, competitions etc were conducted.

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Diplomatic Corps Enjoys the Sri Lankan Scenic Beauty, Traditional Dancing and Cuisine at the Ramada Encore, Kiev
28 March 2013
For the fourth consecutive day the “Mega Tourism Road Show” continued in the historical and beautiful green city, Kiev. This picturesque and scenic city is the major tourist destination of the Ukraine which enjoys a heavy influx of tourist arrivals annually. Ukraine attracts more than 20 million foreign citizens every year and visitors primarily come from Eastern Europe, but also from Western Europe and USA, Israel and Canada. The country is the 8th most popular tourism destination in Europe. It has mountain ranges — the Carpathian Mountains suitable for skiing, hiking, fishing and hunting. The coastline on the Black Sea is a popular summer destination for vacationers.
On Thursday 28 March, the main event was the reception hosted to the members of the diplomatic corps of 70 Foreign Missions in Kiev, key travel and tour operators collaborating with Sri Lankan counterparts and the Sri Lankan delegation. The reception was held at the Hotel Ramada Encore, Kiev. During the reception, His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga delivered a presentation that covered salient points such as History of Sri Lanka, Socio – Economic Developments, Tourism Industry, Diplomatic Relations that were established in 1993 and Bilateral Agreements between two countries. He also mentioned about the visit of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to Ukraine in 2010 which facilitated the establishment of strong bilateral relations between two nations. In addition the Ambassador invited the audience to visit the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.
The “Sri Lanka Night” held in the evening added splendor and color to the reception with the amazing performance of the Sri Lankan dancing troupe. Further, the cultural show was well attended and received, especially by the Members of the Diplomatic Corps. The photo exhibition arranged by the Embassy, with 120 photos covers the visits of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. It also covers major tourist destinations of the country namely; Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, Pinnawela and Nuwara Eliya along with scenic and pristine beaches along both Western and Eastern coast, Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional dancing and wild life.Ramada Encore Kiev is an exciting new hotel experience. The concept is simple; fresh, stylish, vibrant and upbeat, with comfortable, contemporary accommodation, delicious food and innovative design. It is an ideal venue for conferencing and meetings. The hotel is located in the modern 20-storey building in 15 minutes from the Kiev city centre on the right bank of the Dnepr River. Borispol International Airport is about 35 km and 30 minutes by car and for those choosing an easier method of transport, a free shuttle service is available for guests from and to Borispol Airport and the city centre where visitors have an easy access any other destinations in Kiev area.

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Mega Tourism Road Show in Karavan and Dream Town
26-31 March 2013
Continuing with its successful tour the “Mega Tourism Road Show” will roll over Kiev, the capital city of Ukraine for next six days with Tuesday 26 March been the second day. Kiev is one of the oldest cities of Eastern Europe and has played a pivotal role in the development of the medieval East Slavic civilization as well as in the modern Ukrainian nation. It is believed that Kiev was founded in the late 9th century. The origin of the city is obscured by legends, one of which tells about a founding-family consisting of a Slavic tribe leader Kyi, the eldest, his brothers Shchek and Khoryv, and also their sister Lybid, who founded the city. According to it the name Kyiv/Kiev means to «belong to Kyi».
On 26, March main promotional events were conducted at the Shopping mall “ KARAVAN” one of the most popular and largest shopping malls in Kiev. KARAVAN” shopping mall had become a favorite place for leisure and shopping in Kiev since its opening. “KARAVAN” shopping mall includes food hypermarket KARAVAN, hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes and entertaining. Shopping mall occupies area of 57 620 sq. m. The approaches to shopping and entertainment centre “KARAVAN” are well equipped for buyer’s comfort. The mall has large on-ground free car park. For those people who arrive to us by public transport we provided free shuttle buses going to mall from metro stations Petrivka and Minskaya. KARAVAN Mall offers for its visitors a shopping for any taste. The number of visitors had been more than 30 000 on workdays and more than 60 000 on weekends and holidays. The shopping mall has more than 200 shops that are representing the best brand names of Ukraine and world.
On Saturday and Sunday, main promotional events were conducted at the shopping and entertainment center “Dream Town”. Shopping and entertainment center “Dream Town” is the place that meets all the criteria of shopping and entertainment. It has everything and more; many brand shops, where you can find everything from mobile phones to jewelry and fur coats, cafes, restaurants, bistros, pizzerias, it also is suitable for outdoor activities such as bowling, billiards, curling, and an ice ring, all in one place. The pride of the location is a unique water park «Jurassic.» It is the largest indoor water park in Europe with an area of ​​24 thousand square meters. Shopping center Dream Town is for the whole family where there are a lot of interesting activities. Dream Town is unique not only for its location but also the interior design with each entrance atrium been decorated in the style of the most popular tourist destinations of the world namely; Paris, Greece, China, Brazil and Hollywood. Within just a few hours a visitor can travel around the world and can purchase gifts for the whole family. If you want to spend time in style and quality holiday shopping, the shopping center Dream Town is exactly what you need.

During the weekend Sri Lanka was availed an atrium to display all about Sri Lanka by the management of the shopping mall “Dream Town”. The whole atrium was decorated with photos and posters exhibiting Sri Lankan culture, history, ancient cities, beaches, flora and fauna, wild life and cuisine, thus creating an atmosphere of total Sri Lankan. The performance of Sri Lankan dancers with much loved interaction with civilians was also a major attraction during the weekend. Liquid tea service, distribution of promotional material and competitions too were carried out during the program.

The importance of conducting tourism promotion in Ukraine is that, it is a potential market with space to expand the industry. If the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka are analyzed for the years 2011 and 2012, Ukraine marked an increment of 124 per cent as against the 32 per cent increment of the Russian Federation. Another important aspect that needs consideration is the commencement of direct flights from Kiev to Colombo which would certainly facilitate the influx of tourist arrivals. Having conducted an extremely successful promotional campaign in Kiev for a period of one week, the Road Show rolls back to Moscow on 1 April 2013.

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Saga Continues in the «City of Billionaires»
21-24 March 2013
The “Mega Tourism Road Show” continues in Moscow which has the largest community of billionaires in the world. Moscow is the northernmost megacity on Earth, the second most populous city in Europe and the 6th largest city proper in the world. Promotional activities were mainly conducted at the one of the most visited shopping malls in Moscow, “ Mega Belya Dacha”, which has visitor turnover of 1,20, 000 during weekends and 80,000 during weekdays. MEGA is a unique development project in Russia by IKEA Group; it is a conceptual family trade and entertainment centre, one of the largest in Russia and in East Europe.
The “Mega White Summer House” (Mega Belya Dacha), which has visitor turnover of 2,450,000 monthly. MEGA complex combines such large stores like IKEA, garden centre Belaya Dacha, Auchan Hypermarket, DIY OBI, Media Market, Hypermarket M. Video, Hypermarket of Sport Goods Dekatlon, entertainment park Crazy Park, bowling and billiard club Kosmik, 15 cinema halls, a skating ring. MEGA has the widest choice of stores under one roof which means, they offer the best shopping opportunity for visitors at competitive prices.
During the shopping mall activation; Sri Lankan traditional dancing performances, distribution of leaflets/souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and liquid Ceylon tea service was successfully carried out.

Major participants on Mega Tourism Road Show were Laksala, Siddhalepa, Concord Exotic, Nkar Tours, Geern Holidays, Delux Holidays, Royal Holidays and Bernard Tours.

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Cultural Show and Reception «The Sri Lankan Night»
20 March 2013
The “Sri Lanka Night” held in the evening of the 20 March 2013, added another feather to the cap of the tourism promotional campaign with the amazing performance of the Sri Lankan dancing troupe. Further, the cultural show was well attended and received by especially the Members of the Diplomatic Corps. Delivering his presentation the Ambassador having welcomed all guests, spoke about the diplomatic and cultural relations between the two nations, traditional dancing of Sri Lanka and development of infrastructure in the country.
Also, he made a special introduction to the opening of the “Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport” in the Hambantota District and how it would enhance the tourism industry and the economy of the island. The photo exhibition arranged by the Embassy, with 120 photos covers the visits of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. It also covers major tourist destinations of the country namely; Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, Pinnawela and Nuwara Eliya along with scenic and pristine beaches along both Western and Eastern coast, Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional dancing and wild life.

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Grand Opening of the “Mega Tourism Road Show” in Saint Petersburg
Sunday, 17 March 2013

The three week long “Mega Tourism Road Show in Russia & Ukraine” commenced its first phase on17 March in the historical city of Saint Petersburg, Russia. This mammoth task of organizing a three week long tourism campaign in three major cities of Russia and Ukraine would not have been a reality, if not for the persevering and untiring efforts of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation. His vast experience and hard earned knowledge on the tourism industry were the main attributes, which opened the portals for a mega road show of this magnitude.
The road show was declared opened at the Mega Dybenko shopping mall by H.E. the Ambassador in the presence of representatives of the SLTPB, Head of the International Desk of the Saint Petersburg City Administration and Managing Director of Mega Dybenko. Speaking to the audience the Ambassador stressed upon the need to promote tourism of Sri Lanka in Russia and CIS countries as the fifth largest tourist arrivals are from the said countries. He also stated that the very reason to commence the “Mega Tourism Road Show” at this shopping mall is that, during the visit of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapksa to Saint Petersburg in 2011, the President of Sri Lanka having visited the Mega Dybenko and been impressed, promised the management that Sri Lanka would hold a Tourism Promotional Campaign in 2012 or in the very near future, at this venue.
Saint Petersburg is a city visited by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka in June, 2011 in connection with the participation at the 15th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. It is the second largest city of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, is often described as the most westernized city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. In 1914 the name was of the city was changed to Petrograd, in 1924 to Leningrad and in 1991 back to Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg was founded by the Tsar Peter the Great on May 27, 1703. Saint Petersburg is also home to the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world.

Mega Dybenko is a unique development project in Russia by IKEA Group; it is a conceptual family trade and entertainment centre, one of the largest in Saint Petersburg. MEGA complex combines more than 250 stores and anchor tenants been the; IKEA, Auchan Hypermarket, “Everything for House and Garden” of the OBI retail chain, electronic and household appliance stores. Guests’ turnover of approximately 19000 during week days and 56000 during weekends to MEGA complex can enjoy comfortable food courts, playgrounds for kids and a skating rink.

One of the major participants of the campaign is the State owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique “Laksala” which was established under the National Skills Act of 1982. This renowned Gift and Souvenir Boutique operates through ten branches located island wide and offer the widest variety of all Sri Lankan products at a reasonable price. Most importantly, Laksala enables the numerous industries that supply goods to it to stay both profitable and in business.

During the shopping mall activation; Sri Lankan traditional dancing performances, distribution of leaflets/souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and liquid Ceylon tea service was successfully carried out. This initial event of the campaign could be termed as a successful starter where it managed gather the attention of the bulk of the visitors.

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Grand Opening of the “Mega Tourism Road Show” in Saint Petersburg
Sunday, 15 March 2013
The three week long “Mega Tourism Road Show in Russia & Ukraine” commenced its first phase on17 March in the historical city of Saint Petersburg, Russia. This mammoth task of organizing a three week long tourism campaign in three major cities of Russia and Ukraine would not have been a reality, if not for the persevering and untiring efforts of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation. His vast experience and hard earned knowledge on the tourism industry were the main attributes, which opened the portals for a mega road show of this magnitude.
The road show was declared opened at the Mega Dybenko shopping mall by H.E. the Ambassador in the presence of representatives of the SLTPB, Head of the International Desk of the Saint Petersburg City Administration and Managing Director of Mega Dybenko. Speaking to the audience the Ambassador stressed upon the need to promote tourism of Sri Lanka in Russia and CIS countries as the fifth largest tourist arrivals are from the said countries. He also stated that the very reason to commence the “Mega Tourism Road Show” at this shopping mall is that, during the visit of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapksa to Saint Petersburg in 2011, the President of Sri Lanka having visited the Mega Dybenko and been impressed, promised the management that Sri Lanka would hold a Tourism Promotional Campaign in 2012 or in the very near future, at this venue.
Saint Petersburg is a city visited by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka in June, 2011 in connection with the participation at the 15th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. It is the second largest city of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, is often described as the most westernized city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. In 1914 the name was of the city was changed to Petrograd, in 1924 to Leningrad and in 1991 back to Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg was founded by the Tsar Peter the Great on May 27, 1703. Saint Petersburg is also home to the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world.

Mega Dybenko is a unique development project in Russia by IKEA Group; it is a conceptual family trade and entertainment centre, one of the largest in Saint Petersburg. MEGA complex combines more than 250 stores and anchor tenants been the; IKEA, Auchan Hypermarket, “Everything for House and Garden” of the OBI retail chain, electronic and household appliance stores. Guests’ turnover of approximately 19000 during week days and 56000 during weekends to MEGA complex can enjoy comfortable food courts, playgrounds for kids and a skating rink.

One of the major participants of the campaign is the State owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique “Laksala” which was established under the National Skills Act of 1982. This renowned Gift and Souvenir Boutique operates through ten branches located island wide and offer the widest variety of all Sri Lankan products at a reasonable price. Most importantly, Laksala enables the numerous industries that supply goods to it to stay both profitable and in business.

During the shopping mall activation; Sri Lankan traditional dancing performances, distribution of leaflets/souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and liquid Ceylon tea service was successfully carried out. This initial event of the campaign could be termed as a successful starter where it managed gather the attention of the bulk of the visitors.

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