Tourism Breaking News
The transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, Advantis announced a partnership with India’s cruise line, Cordelia Cruises to usher in a new wave of in-bound luxury tourists to Sri Lanka. Advantis Travel and Aviation will serve as the General Sales Agent, while Advantis Group subsidiary Clarion Shipping will serve as Port Agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka.
Cordelia Cruises aims to revolutionise the tourism market in the region by offering an extraordinary cruise experience that exudes style and luxury through its crown jewel – “The Empress”, an iconic vessel with 796 cabins in 5 distinct categories filled with state-of-the-art amenities, the ship is capable of accommodating 1,800 passengers. The luxury cruise line will embark on its inaugural sailing to the island, in June 2023.
The collaboration marks a milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to revitalise inbound tourism and capitalise on the island’s significant untapped potential as an international hotspot for cruise tourism. Embarking on a cruise journey to Sri Lanka opens up a world of thrilling shore excursions for travellers, with Jaffna, Hambantota, and Trincomalee serving as bases. These exceptional locations offer an opportunity to embark on unforgettable adventures that showcase the very best of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant cultural diversity. A significant boost to the Sri Lankan tourism industry is anticipated, attracting an estimated 80,000 tourists within the first four months alone.
This surge is set to unlock significant commercial opportunities for the tourism value chain, drive economic growth and position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for discerning travellers, providing a timely impetus to the country’s travel and tourism industry.
Cordelia Cruises President and CEO, Jurgen Bailom stated: “Sri Lanka is truly one of the most uniquely diverse holiday destinations in the Asian region. We are proud to be the very first cruise operation to incorporate this paradise island into our growing offering of exceptional cruise holidays. Combined with the invaluable support of our local partners Advantis, and the Hayleys Group, we see immense growth potential in synergistically integrating Sri Lankan and Indian destinations into a single, unforgettable luxury travel and hospitality experience.”
Hayleys Group Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage noted the collaboration with Cordelia Cruises would inject much-needed energy into the country’s tourism sector. “One of Sri Lanka’s most urgent national priorities is to ensure a rapid increase in tourist arrivals. We believe that this partnership holds the potential to significantly boost arrivals, and over the medium-long term, attract an entirely new segment of travellers to our shores.”
Commenting on the partnership, Advantis Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne said: “We are pleased to partner with Cordelia Cruises as their General Sales Agent and Port Agent in Sri Lanka. This partnership promises to channel much-needed support for Sri Lanka’s resurgent tourist industry, and we are confident that this partnership will help our nation to promote its attractions year-round. As a pioneer in transportation and logistics, with special expertise in maritime services, we are focused on supporting all opportunities for generating growth in travel and tourism.”
Passengers aboard Cordelia Cruises will be cruising through the island on exotic 5-night itineraries starting from Chennai.
