Crucial Boost for Sri Lankan Tourism as SriLankan Airlines flies in Miss Tourism International belles

The countdown to Miss Tourism International has begun with 50 contestants flying into Colombo to vie for the coveted crown and title.

SriLankan Airlines is the official carrier for this major event, which is not only a prestigious event for Sri Lanka but a tremendous shot in the arm for the nation's tourism industry at a crucial time, with the country's peace process becoming a reality.

Franchise Director Sebastian A.C. Perera sees this as the most important international beauty pageant to be hosted by Sri Lanka after a lapse of six years.

Sri Lanka previously hosted Ms. Tourism International in 1996 and 1993. "The response we've had from the 50 participating countries has been fabulous," said Mr Perera. "There's a great deal of enthusiasm and interest on their part.

"Given the nature of the coveted title - Miss Tourism International - this event is certainly slated to be one of the biggest exposés on Sri Lankan tourism and gives Sri Lanka top billing on the world tourism map", he said. 

Manager Corporate Communications of SriLankan Airlines, Victor Abeysekera, said: "The very fact that Sri Lanka was chosen as the venue for an event of this magnitude also proves that it is a 'safe country' for international events and happenings.

"SriLankan has been official airline to several international happenings such as the recent Asian Athletic Championships and the forthcoming Singer-Sri Lankan Rugby Sevens.

"Hosting Miss Tourism International also proves that Sri Lanka is a 'happening country'. Given the high profile and hectic social lives these 50 national title holders lead back home, they are undoubtedly the best ever ambassadors for Sri Lanka in 50 nations around the world".

The grand finale of Miss Tourism International will be held on Friday 04th October at the BMICH in Colombo. The weeks leading up to the grand finale will see eight mini pageants held at exotic locations around Sri Lanka at which eight internationally accepted mini titles will be awarded.

Each of these mini pageants will also feature a 'queen' who will be crowned by the respect host hotel, eg 'Miss Trans Asia'.

The eight internationally accepted mini-titles are Miss Talent, Miss Swimsuit, Miss Personality, Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic, Miss Beautiful, Miss Rising Star and Miss Peace. They will be held at Trans Asia, Club Dolphin, Le Kandyan, The Lodge Habarana, Taj Exotica, Hotel Sinbad, Ratnaloka Tourist Inn and Golden Sun.

Abeysekera said that most contestants come from countries that are traditional markets for Sri Lanka's tourist industry, with a few new ones too. SriLankan is present in many of the countries represented, he said. "Against this scenario, the mileage Sri Lanka can harvest is invaluable," says Abeyesekera. "There's already media hype building up with the Lake House Group of Newspapers (official media) and ITN (official TV station). The contestants will experience a cross section of the many facets of Sri Lanka. They will be exposed to the local culture and lifestyles, our tourist industry and all that Sri Lanka has to offer foreign visitors. They will also experience the fine hospitality and comfort of SriLankan Airlines as they fly in and out of the country."