Feel Negombo 2009 All Set To Bedazzle Sri Lanka

The event targeted for the entire family is expected to draw in large crowds into Negombo during the three day festival

December 3, 2009 /India PRwire/ -- Feel Negombo 2009- a family event is set to take place from 11th to the 13th Dec 2009 along the Negombo beach stretch. The core purpose of the event is "to create a vibrant and attractive image of Negombo as popular destination for both local and international travellers." Feel Negombo 2009, in keeping with its theme of catering for the entire family, has a host of events and entertainment lined up for all members of the family during the three days.

"The main objectives of this event are to promote Negombo as a destination for family and youth traveller (flash packers) and enhance economic development by creating employment and opportunities surrounding tourism in the region. We also want to showcase Sri Lankan hospitality and milieu along with establishing an international event in Negombo which is recognized in the international and local calendar of events. Feel will help build strong and productive partnerships with regional stakeholders and local communities in Negombo" Hon Faiszer Musthapha, Minister of Tourism Promotion

For the first time in Sri Lanka, Feel Negombo 2009 will also feature Water Walking and Zorbing (Sphearing). There is also an extensive list of activities that will span over 3 days that includes:

Water Sports - Jet Skis , Wind Surfing , Banana Rides
Boat Rides
Canal Tours
Diving / Snorkeling
Plastic Ball Bumper
Wake Boards
Tube Rides
Arial rope
Water Ski
Fishing activities
ATV Rides
Paint Ball
How fast can you bowl
Ball Pool
Water Cannon Park/ shooters
4 x 4 (Sunday)
Kids Activities
Street Parade/Opening Ceremony
Drum Sensation

"Negombo has the required infrastructure in place to make it into an upmarket beach tourist hub. It's key that with re-branding we focus on developing on various cities/towns in the island giving everyone something to treasure in Sri Lanka", Hon Nimal Lanza, Minister of Tourism-Western Provincial Council.

There is a Senior citizens Programme incorporated into the event whereby Sri Lankans abroad will have the opportunity to pay for a day trip for their parents living here. The organizers will provide transport, buffet and various activities which will entertain them. After spending an entire day in Negombo they will be taken back to Colombo.

"There is a lack of attention to the ageing people who need mental relaxation and peace of mind. We are keen to create events that appeal to all sectors of the Sri Lankan population", said Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, George Michael.

Sri Lanka tourism is constantly striving to hone and promote local talent. The Drum Festivals organized by the Bureau have always featured the best local talent. Feel Negombo 2009 will feature the following artists

Ravi Bandu Vidyapathi
Triloka
Naardo
Elephant foot
Hurricane

Feel Negombo too will feature a versatile range of international artists including:

Dj Acee (Switzerland, Hip Hop)
Dj Miss Match (Australia, R n B/Reggae)
Dj Eric Carver (Canada, House)
Manipuri Drummers
Bikram with Naadbrahma

"We warmly welcome all international and national visitors and guests to Negombo to feel the warmth, serenity and hospitality. It's a multi religious city where we work very closely with all sectors of community," concluded Hycinth Goonawardene, Chairperson, and Negombo Hotels Association.

This initiative is in keeping with H.E. the President's vision to bring in 2.5 million visitors to Sri Lanka by 2016 and thus declaring 2011 as the Visit Sri Lanka year. The projects for Visit Sri Lanka 2011 include a big PR idea, which will be launched in 2010 to encourage and entice tourists to visit Sri Lanka in the year 2011. In addition a wide range of spectacular events are planned, along with the Sri Lanka Tourism's burgeoning list of successful annual events.

For more information please log onto www.feelnegombo.com.

Notes to Editor

About Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau's ( SLTPB) goal is to promote the destination aggressively in their key markets. Apart from promotions SLTPB also engages in research and international marketing, tourism marketing and tourism product development. The Ceylon Tourist Board was established by the Ceylon Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966 in order to cater to the growing demand of international tourists. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was founded in October 2007 and is incorporated by an Act of Parliament (Act No 38 of 2005). It is governed by a Board of Directors with a Chairman appointed by the Minister of Tourism.

It was earlier a part of the Ceylon Tourist Board. Consequent to the Act of Parliament, the former Ceylon Tourist Board was divided into several institutions; Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority ( SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau ( SLTPB), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management ( SLITHM) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau ( SLCB).

SLTPB has an office in the U.K and has recently appointed destination representation companies in India, Dubai, France, Germany and Russia