Sri Lankan Ayurveda Takes Center Stage at Netherlands Tourism Event
The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Netherlands, in collaboration with Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spa, recently hosted a vibrant tourism event highlighting the island nation’s ancient healing practices.
The event, held at the Embassy on October 22, 2024, drew industry representatives and enthusiasts eager to discover the allure of Sri Lankan Ayurveda. Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera expressed her gratitude for the support in promoting Sri Lanka as a top travel destination for Dutch tourists. She highlighted the impressive surge in Dutch visitor numbers this year, placing the Netherlands amongst the top ten source markets for Sri Lankan tourism.
Ushan Edirisinghe, Senior Marketing Manager of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa, captivated the audience with a presentation exploring the rich history of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and the unique offerings of Siddhalepa. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to sample authentic Sri Lankan delicacies alongside Siddhalepa products. A memorable raffle concluded the event, awarding one lucky attendee a week-long full-board stay at the luxurious Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa.
This event underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to showcasing its cultural heritage and natural healing traditions to the global travel market.
Interview: Immersing in Tradition – Sri Lankan Ayurveda Takes Center Stage
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Ushan Edirisinghe, Senior Marketing Manager of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa, following the recent tourism event hosted by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Netherlands. Ushan, thank you for joining us!
Ushan Edirisinghe: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: The event on October 22 was a great success. Can you share what inspired the Sri Lankan Embassy and Siddhalepa to host this tourism event focusing on Ayurveda?
Ushan Edirisinghe: Absolutely! Ayurveda is an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and holistic healing practices. The aim of the event was to introduce this ancient tradition to a wider audience, particularly the Dutch market, which has significantly increased its visitor numbers to Sri Lanka this year. By showcasing our rich history and unique offerings, we hoped to inspire more Dutch tourists to explore the therapeutic benefits of Ayurveda while visiting our beautiful island.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen an impressive rise in Dutch visitors becoming interested in Sri Lankan tourism. What do you think are the key factors contributing to this growth?
Ushan Edirisinghe: Several factors play a role in this trend. Firstly, the Netherlands has a strong appreciation for wellness tourism, and Ayurveda aligns perfectly with that. Moreover, post-pandemic travel has sparked curiosity in alternative healing methods, making our wellness offerings even more appealing. Additionally, our collaboration with the Embassy to host events and engage with the community has amplified awareness of Sri Lanka as a premier destination for holistic health and wellness.
Time.news Editor: During the event, there was a focus on both historical aspects of Ayurveda and the unique offerings from Siddhalepa. Can you elaborate on how Siddhalepa stands out in the field of Ayurveda?
Ushan Edirisinghe: Certainly! Siddhalepa has a long-standing legacy in Ayurveda, dating back over 80 years. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We integrate traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern wellness practices in our resort experiences. Our therapists are highly trained, and we source natural ingredients for our treatments from trusted local suppliers. Moreover, our properties are designed to immerse guests in the serene environment of Sri Lanka, enhancing their overall experience.
Time.news Editor: The event featured authentic Sri Lankan delicacies and a raffle for a week-long stay at Siddhalepa. How do you think these experiences contribute to promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism?
Ushan Edirisinghe: Sharing authentic cuisine is crucial in promoting cultural tourism. It allows guests to engage with our culture in a sensory way. The raffle provided an exciting opportunity, generating enthusiasm and interest in experiencing our resort firsthand. Engaging attendees through both food and potential experiences highlights the engaging journey Sri Lanka offers to its visitors—combining healing, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see how Sri Lanka is promoting its cultural heritage and natural healing traditions. What practical advice would you offer travelers considering a wellness-focused trip to Sri Lanka?
Ushan Edirisinghe: I would recommend doing thorough research on various wellness offerings available across the island. Look for places that prioritize sustainability and use authentic Ayurvedic practices. Planning your itinerary to include not just treatment sessions but also opportunities to explore local culture, nature, and cuisine can enrich your experience tremendously. immersing yourself in the serenity of the environment will enhance the healing process, so choose resorts that foster tranquility.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ushan, for sharing your insights! As Sri Lankan Ayurveda gains traction on the global stage, we look forward to seeing how this ancient practice continues to inspire travelers and contribute to the tourism industry.
Ushan Edirisinghe: Thank you for the opportunity! We appreciate your support in promoting these timeless traditions.