A large-scale tourism promotional Seminar on Sri Lanka was organized by Time Voyage, the biggest tour operator of Belarus jointly with DMC operator Luxury Holiday Travels, Belavia Airlines, and Imkliva insurance company in the framework of the inauguration of direct charter flights connecting Minsk and Mattala,
The promotional event took place on October 29 at the Renaissance Hotel in Minsk and gathered 170 participants. Representatives of the Sri Lankan hotel companies, namely: Tisara Hotels and Resorts, Koggala Beach, CEYLON Hotels Corporation, OakRay Hotels and Resorts, and Clove Resorts Wadduwa also participated in the event.
Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera addressed the audience promoting Sri Lanka as a year-round tourism destination with developed infrastructure for both luxurious premium class vacations and those who prefer budget tours with accommodations in affordable, comfortable hotels. Highlighting its compactness, diversity and authenticity, she stated that beyond golden beaches Sri Lanka offers excellent opportunities for MICE tourism, weddings, wellness, nature & wild life, heritage & cultural sightseeing including 8 UNESCO heritage sites, sports, along with the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankan people. Ambassador Gunasekera also underlined that Sri Lanka is focusing its efforts on sustainable development and responsible tourists to preserve the island nature and heritage for future generations. Olga Eremenko, Deputy Director of Time Voyage tour operator, said at the opening of the presentation that "it was an unforgettable experience, a source of pride and joy to attend the opening ceremony of the new destination at the airport and to see the first airplane depart fully loaded — which is undoubtedly a credit to the entire Belarusian market." Dmitry Morozov, Director of the National Tourism Agency of Belarus, spoke about the potential for increasing the flow of tourists from Sri Lanka to Belarus. "Sri Lankans know and love our country! Currently, a large number of Sri Lankan students are studying in Belarus. Their relatives represent a significant opportunity for increasing inbound tourism. Belarusian travel agencies should target this group of potential visitors. They are eager to visit Belarus, including for sightseeing trips. Direct flights offer this opportunity. Combined programmes could be created – Belarus and Russia. We hope that passenger traffic will grow in both directions, and we wish everyone success! Olga Mukha, Belavia representative, spoke about the aircraft capacity and the privileges that passengers can enjoy during the 9 and a half flight to Sri Lanka. Jeromie Daniel, DMC - Luxury Holiday Travels, a representative of Time Voyage tour operator in Sri Lanka, spoke about comfort, service, and the optimal itinerary for a stay in Sri Lanka at the presentation: "We offer Belarusian tourists the best vacation opportunities! They can stay near local villages and observe how the locals live. There are hotels located on 1.5-kilometer-long golden beaches, and there are also hotels immersed in the tropical greenery of central Sri Lanka or in one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful cities renowned for its unique blend of colonial architecture, historical heritage, and picturesque landscapes with UNESCO World Heritage Sites". The direct charter flight from Belarus to Sri Lanka was seen as a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations when our countries celebrate 25th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A direct flight is more than just a connection between airports; it promotes tourism, strengthens economic relations, and establishes friendly ties between the two nations. Below is the link to the publication by Republican Union of Tourism Organizations, Belarus https://www.toursoyuz.by/2025/10/31/malenkoe-chudo-turoperator-tajm-voyazh-provel-prezentacziyu-shri-lanki-v-minske Photos courtesy of Time voyage Tour operator
