ETG joins 'Love Srilanka' campaign to boost the island nation's tourism

Experience Travel Group (ETG) has joined Love Srilanka campaign to boost the island nations tourism industry which was severely hit by the Easter Sunday bombings.

The tour operator is slashing the prices of deals to encourage bookings.

The campaign is launched by Sri Lanka's tourism chiefs in the wake of the atrocity, as the island declares itself open for business after the Foreign Office (FCO) lifted travel restrictions last week.

Love Sri Lanka has brought together tour operators, hotels and consumers to rekindle the islands tourism trade, one the country's major industries.

Sam Clark, co-founder and managing director of the tour operator, said: "The Sri Lanka tourism industry has come together in an unprecedented way to re-build confidence in Sri Lanka. The formation of 'Love Sri Lanka' is a cross industry alliance of hotels, tour operators and ordinary consumers who are keen to support Sri Lanka. 

"It is the birthplace of ETG and a country very close to our heart, so we are fully behind this campaign to bring tourists back to this beautiful island.

"Under the Love Sri Lanka campaign, all those involved are working together to ensure that Sri Lanka is not damaged as a tourism destination. The island's tourism industry has been booming for the past 10 years and the last five years has seen it become a mainstream tourist destination. But the terrible events of Easter brought that to a standstill as all travel went on hold and bookings just stopped as the FCO advised against non-essential travel. This has now been lifted and is a reflection that the situation on the ground is now back to a sense of normality."

Clark emphasised that the summer months are important for the island, not just in terms of visitors but for future bookings.

He added: "July and August are huge for tourism in Sri Lanka but while many have stuck with their bookings in August, the majority of those going in July either cancelled or postponed, which is going to badly hit Sri Lankans.

"This is also a key booking period for the winter season (Dec-April), so collectively we're saying that Sri Lanka is safer than it was as extra security has been put in place at hotels and major sites, while I know the Sri Lankan people will be delighted to see travellers."

The tour operator has launched a range of deals to attract travellers to Sri Lanka, which are available to book now to travel until the end of November.

A 14-night tailor-made package, including flights, private chauffeur guide, four or five star hotels, a range of immersive and interactive experiences, a beach stay on the east coast of the island will cost ?2,975 per person - while saving ?752 per person.

Visit https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/sri_lanka/ to find out more.