Group director of business development, Sun Siyam Resorts, Evgenia Boyankova exclusively speaks to Natalie Hami about the indulgent Sun Aqua Pasikudah and Sri Lanka’s blossoming tourism industry.
TTG: Tell our readers a bit about Sun Aqua Pasikudah?
The Sun Aqua Pasikudah resort is a five-star boutique resort situated in the northeast on Pasikudah Bay. It is a scenic seaplane flight or drive from the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
In January 2017, one-hour domestic flights will operate daily to the region, shortening the transfer time considerably and allowing guests to enjoy Pasikudah much sooner after arriving in Sri Lanka.
TTG: What tourism segments are you currently focusing on?
We are currently focusing on FIT, family, small high-end groups, small weddings, small meetings, small incentives, among others. We cannot focus on big numbers beyond 60 guests due to the number of guestrooms at Sun Aqua Pasikudah resort.
We can also organise small social and corporate events due to the type of exclusive boutique-style property it is.
TTG: Tell us about the latest tourism trends in Sri Lanka.
MICE tourism is growing really well in Sri Lanka and we are focusing on small MICE groups since Sun Aqua Pasikudah is a small boutique hotel.
We are also focusing more on the families with a family package during the off- season, with children aged below 12 years staying, playing and dining for free.
Sri Lankans themselves are high spenders and they consider Pasikudah to be a destination that they need to visit at least once. Therefore, we have many credit card offers and other incentives to encourage referrals.
TTG: How do you believe tourism has been positively affecting Sri Lanka and its economy?
Currently, tourism is the fourth biggest foreign revenue earner for Sri Lanka, after the manpower, tea and fashion industries. The country’s tourism USPs are its culture, wildlife and beach resorts. Due to this, many Europeans, Asians and clients from the Middle East are visiting and spending time here, so this certainly strengthens the economy.
Now we need to increase awareness of the attractions of Sri Lanka in more regions across the world, and in doing so, we must make sure that the correct rules and regulations are put in place in order to protect our unique USPs.
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