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Sri Lanka Tourism revenue up 62 percent in 2010

Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue hit a record high in the first ten months of 2010, with October arrivals jumping 39 percent as the country continues to enjoy a post-war surge, tourism board data showed on Wednesday.

Earnings from tourism have jumped 61.8 percent in the first 10 months of this year to a record $437.9 million, the central bank’s latest data shows. The previous record of $416.8 million was set in 2004 when a peace accord between the government and separatist Tamil Tigers was in place. Arrivals have risen every month since the government defeated the Tigers in May 2009.

The hotel and travel index .CSEHT on the Colombo Stock Exchange has almost tripled since then, outpacing the overall stock index’s .CSE near-doubling.

Tourism is one of the main foreign exchange earners of Sri Lanka’s $42 billion economy along with remittances, garments, and tea. Tourism revenue was $326 million in 2009, according to the revised numbers given by the tourism board. Following table shows tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka:

* The government expects arrivals to hit a record high of 600,000 this year, exceeding a previous peak of 566,202 in 2004.

* In the first 10 months, arrivals from North America surged 66.5 percent year-on-year.

* Visitors from Western Europe, the island nation’s largest market, have risen 49.3 percent year-on-year.

* Arrivals from the Middle East rose 58.0 percent.

* Tourist arrivals from East Asia, South Asia, and Australasia have risen over 33 percent.

* Sri Lanka has imposed a tax of $20 per room night on five-star hotels if they fail to charge a minimum rate of $125.

* Sri Lanka is targeting 2.5 million arrivals and $2 billion in earnings by 2016.

Sri Lanka

Ceylon Hotels Corporation to refurbish two top properties

Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC (CHC), a member of the Galle Face group of companies, plans to invest heavily ahead of the widely expected tourism boom despite substantial accumulated losses in its balance sheet. The company’s Chairman, Mr. Lakshman Samarasinghe, said in the recently released annual report for the year ended March 31, 2010 that the CHC has now commenced refurbishing Tissa Resort which will cost approximately Rs.200 million in time for the World Cup and Lihiniya Surf Hotel which will cost approximately Rs.300 million.

“At Tissa all rooms will be upgraded to 4-star level while the kitchen, public areas will be refurbished. A new mechanized laundry, sewer and water treatment plants will be installed. A computerization system will also be installed,” Samarasinghe said. “At Lihiniya Surf all 88 rooms will be upgraded to 4-star level while public areas will be refurbished and air-conditioned. There will be a fully equipped kitchen while a fully mechanized laundry and a computerized system will be installed.”

He said that hotel, rest houses and eateries and snack bars after refurbishment will be re-branded as CHC Prestige, CHC Heritage, CHC Rest and CHC Avanhala.

The company has already begun investing in its string of well located rest houses countrywide with ten rooms at Tissamaharama refurbished at a cost of Rs.6.4 million with substantial investment at the Kitulgala Rest House too.

The Ambepussa Rest House and Avanhala was re-launched in July/August last year after a Rs.9 million refurbishment and the company has recruited an experienced hotelier as Vice President Strategy and Development, directly in charge of refurbishing CHC properties.

During the year under review CHC posted a group loss of Rs.39.1 million, down from a loss of Rs.86.6 million a year earlier while at company level, the bottom line read a loss of Rs.39.4 million against a loss of Rs.89.6 million the previous year.

Revenue was up both at group and company level to Rs.535.9 million and Rs.325.8 million from the previous year’s Rs.486 million and Rs.318.1 million.

CHC has a stated capital of Rs.1.22 billion, reserves of Rs.4 billion and accumulated losses of Rs.268.7 million.

Total assets were running at Rs.6.49 billion while total liabilities stood at Rs.763.5 million.

As at March 31, 2010, group net assets per share stood at Rs.27.57, down from Rs.28.32 a year earlier while the company’s net assets per share stood at Rs.8.59, down from Rs.8.98 the previous year.

Curlew (Pvt) Ltd with 52.54%, the Galle Face Hotel Co. Ltd with 34.73% (in two accounts) and Cyril Gardiner Ltd with 3.39% are the major shareholders of CHC. Curlew too is a Gardiner company.

Brazil

Mangue Seco Tour from Salvador

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From £69.50
Location: Salvador, Brazil

Enjoy the perfect combination of beaches, nature and adventure on a full day guided tour to Mangue Seco, 135 miles (220km) north of Bahia. Experience the quiet village atmosphere, amazing beaches with tall white sand dunes or take a break and relax in the hammock and listen to the waves crashing near you. A perfect family friendly day trip when visiting Brazil!

Inclusions:

* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Professional guide
* Conducted in English

Located amongst mangrove swamps on the edge of a peninsula between the sea and the river, Manue Seco cannot be accessed by road so you’ll be crossing the “Real River,” which separates the states of Bahia and Sergipe, in enclosed canoes!

Once on the other side of the river, you’ll take a buggy car for a 40 minute ride around the tall white sand dunes with stops for photograph opportunities. The ride finishes at the beach where you can spend time swimming or relaxing while enjoying the restaurants, hammocks and local facilities.

The tour will leave the beach at 3:00pm and head to the village to visit Tieta’s House (famous character of a Jorge Amado’s novel). Here, you’ll freshen up with some ice-cream or enjoy an optional tour that returns to Salvador at 4:00pm.

Schedule

Departure Point: Central Salvador hotels

Departure Time: 7:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

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Brazil

Praia do Forte Day Tour from Salvador

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From £45.50
Location: Salvador, Brazil

Soak up the beauty and colours of the beautiful Brazilian landscape on this full day tour from Salvador to Praia do Forte. Find out exactly why Praia do Forte has been named the “Brazilian Polynesia”. This wonderful tour also includes a visit to Tamar Project, a program dedicated to the continuous conservation of sea turtles.

Inclusions:

* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Local Guide
* Lunch
* Conducted in English

After travelling a scenic 44 miles (70 km) from Salvador, you’ll arrive at a paradise known as Praia do Forte. With a 7.5 mile (12 km) stretch of beautiful beaches which provide a full range of leisurely activities, this tropical heaven truly is the “Brazilian Polynesia”.

Choose to visit the Tamar Project, (entry not included) a sea turtle conservation program. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a local fishing village and swim in the sea at Praia de Guarajuba. Enjoy the warm waters and tide pools before returning to Salvador in the late afternoon.

Schedule

Departure Point: Passengers will be picked-up from your hotel

Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

BOOK HOTELS IN SALVADOR DA BAHIA, BRAZIL

Brazil

Tour Salvador da Bahia by Night

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From £62.00
Location: Salvador, Brazil
Rating: 4 star based on 2 reviews

Tour Salvador da Bahia city by night! See an authentic Afro-Brazilian culture show, enjoy a delicious dinner and be amazed at traditional forms of Capoeira – the fight, the game and the dance! For an unforgettable night out in Salvador, book this night tour today!

Inclusions:

* Transport by air-conditioned coach
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Local Guide
* Dinner
* Conducted in English

A night of magic, mystery and fun is all displayed through an authentic folkloric show. By encompassing dance, music and theatrics, this show portrays the complete history of the Afro-Brazilian culture. Experience the colorful Candomblé, Maculelê, Puxada de Rede, Dança do Caboclo, Samba de Roda and a wonderful show of Capoeira (traditional slave fighting).

This tour is both educational and fun, and will give you a subtle history lesson and leave you with unforgettable memories. The tour includes your transport, a bilingual guide and an international or typical Brazilian dinner.

Schedule

Departure Point: Central Salvador hotels

Departure Time: 7:30pm – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time – see booking voucher provided for details.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Tour guide and driver were very friendly, helped us find the best seats and took the time to explain everything to us even if it was not related to our tour. Very nice people!

Reviewed by: Elisa R

BOOK HOTELS IN SALVADOR DA BAHIA, BRAZIL

Airport/Resort Transfers

Rio de Janeiro Airport Roundtrip Private Transfer

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From £71.00
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Arrive and depart from Rio with the minimum of fuss and enjoying value for money with a Rio de Janeiro Airport Roundtrip Transfer. Forget negotiating unfamiliar streets in a rental car, or battling the crowds on public transport, travel in comfort to the door of your downtown Rio de Janeiro hotel.

Inclusions:

* Roundtrip private transfer
* Conducted in English

Operating daily, transfers are available to and from Antonio Carlos Jobim International or Santos Dumont Airport. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Rio de Janeiro city hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Transfers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At time of booking, you MUST include the following details for BOTH your arrival and departure:

* Airline
* Flight number
* Time
* Full hotel name and address

Please note: Pick up from the cruise ship port is not available.

Schedule

Departure Point: Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport or Santos Dumont Airport. Passengers will be met just outside the restricted area

Departure Time: Your chosen time (transfers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

BOOK HOTELS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Airport/Resort Transfers

Rio de Janeiro Airport Roundtrip Shuttle Transfer

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From £25.75
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating: 4 star based on 12 reviews

Enjoy convenience and peace of mind when you book a round trip Rio de Janeiro Airport Transfer. Avoid the hassle of local transport and high cab fares, when you book your seat for a comfortable ride to your Rio de Janeiro hotel.

Inclusions:

* Roundtrip shared transfer
* Conducted in English

Transfers are available daily from Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. When making a booking, you’ll need to advise your flight details and your Rio de Janeiro city hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Transfers operate every hour on the hour between 8:00am and 7:00pm.

Upon arrival, simply present your departure details to the transfer operator and you’ll be all set on the day you leave Rio de Janeiro! You will be picked up from your hotel and taken directly back to the airport, wasting no precious holiday time.

These convenient shuttles operate out of both Terminal 1 and 2 every hour to transport you to either your South Zone or West Zone Hotels. For a complete list, please click on the “View Map” icon.

At time of booking, you MUST include the following details:

* Arrival Airline
* Arrival Flight Number
* Arrival Time
* Full Hotel Name and Address

Please note: Pick up and drop off from the cruise ship port is not available.

South zone: All hotels near Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana

West zone: All hotels near Barra

Schedule

Departure Point: Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport

Departure Time: Airport Transfer Shuttles operate daily from 8:00am – 7:00pm and operate on the hour.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

We were very happy with the overall service. The booking process was really easy and the drivers were both really friendly and helpful. It is recommended that you confirm your bookings the day before which is easier said than done! The staff on shift whenever I called did not speak english and I don’t speak portuguese (still trying to learn it),so I ended up having to use my hotel receptionists to call through to the company. If the company could send confirmation emails or texts this would make the process of re-confirming a lot easier. Value for money is fantastic. When we first arrived in Rio our flight came in too late to use the transfer so we took a taxi which was $65 (£25) with a night premium included. On the return to the airport we paid $45 (£17). Travelling both ways makes it a lot better value. Would definitely use again

Reviewed by: Merlene M

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Brazil

Buzios Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro

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From £37.50
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating: 4 star based on 9 reviews

Take this day tour from Rio de Janeiro to experience the cosmopolitan style, quaint charm and elegant architecture of Buzios. Walk through the town on a guided tour before there is free time to explore Buzios at your own leisure.

Inclusions:

* Guided walk through Buzios
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Conducted in English

You will be collected from your Rio de Janeiro hotel to cross the Rio-Niteroi Bridge for a 2-hour drive to the peninsula of Buzios. Arriving in Buzios, take a brief introductory walking tour through cobbled streets rich in history and charm. Once a quaint fisherman’s village, Buzios has become a fashionable and sophisticated city while retaining its quaint village atmosphere. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace before returning to your Rio de Janeiro hotel in the late afternoon.

Schedule

Departure Point: Pickup is available from most major hotels in the zones Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana or the cruise ship port

Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 5:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Read the other reviews before booking, booked anyway, and I don’t really see what they were complaining about. This was a great day out, definitely one of the best in Rio. The boat ride is a blast, the scenery is spectacular, the swimming is perfect. This isn’t a guided-by-the-hand experience and that’s what I really liked about it. Do it!

Reviewed by: Anonymous

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Brazil

Angra dos Reis Day Tour and Schooner Cruise

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From £52.75
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating: 4.5 star based on 7 reviews

Head out of Rio on this day tour, where a schooner awaits to take you on a cruise of the turquoise blue waters and islands of Angra dos Reis. With roundtrip hotel transportation and a buffet lunch included, a day of relaxation lies ahead.

Inclusions:

* 5-hour schooner cruise
* Buffet lunch
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Local Guide
* Conducted in English

The town of Angra dos Reis lies in the heart of an archipelago of more than 300 islands. Mountainous terrain covered in lush Atlantic rainforest and sandy beaches with crystal clear water typify the landscape on your drive to the town. Angra’s colonial past is clear with numerous old buildings from the 1500’s.

A schooner waits at the dock to take you on a 5-hour cruise of the many islands, stopping for a swim in the enticing clear waters. A delicious lunch of hot and cold self-service buffet will be served onboard before returning to the pier for your transfer back to your hotel.

Schedule

Departure Point: Pickup is available from most major hotels in the zones Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana or the cruise ship port

Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 9:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

If you book this tour, a beautiful day is awaiting for you. It starts with a three hour drive from Rio to Angra dos Reis. As soon as you arrive, you’ll board the schooner boat. The whole afternoon you’ll be cruising different islands and different beaches. You’ll have plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, walking on the beach, relaxing, etc. A plus on this tour is that your lunch is included – a good Brazilian style buffet is served versus other tours where lunch is not included and can turn out to be expensive. I highly recommend this tour and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sun lotion !

Reviewed by: Bruno C, Canada

BOOK HOTELS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Brazil

Guanabara Bay Cruise with Optional Seafood Lunch

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From £33.50
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Short Break: 3 nights / 5 days
Rating: 4.5 star based on 6 reviews

Spend half a day sailing on Guanabara Bay, for the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro with Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. Pass the bay’s islands and forts as you cruise the idyllic waters. The Guanabara Bay Cruise includes roundtrip transportation from your Rio de Janeiro hotel. An optional buffet seafood lunch is also available on your return, in a local Rio restaurant.

Inclusions:

* 2-hour Guanabara Bay cruise
* Buffet lunch
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Local Guide
* Conducted in English

Appreciate Rio from the sea, and get a different perspective of the famous sites such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and the statue of Christ Redeemer. Sail along the beaches at Niteroi. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and towel as there will be a stop for swimming and relaxing in the sun.

Additional sites include:

• Neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo and Urca
• Fort Sao Joao
• Flagstone Island
• Santa Cruz Fortress
• Rio- Niteroi Bridge

Choose to conclude your half day cruise on Guanabara Bay with a buffet seafood lunch in a nearby Rio restaurant. Return transport back to your Rio hotel is included.

Schedule

Departure Point: Pickup is available from most major hotels in the zones Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana or cruise ship port

Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pick up time.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

Was a very enjoyable trip – we were collected from our hotel as planned and given a good description of various points of interest during the cruise. The only disappointing aspect was that the cruise is advertised as 4 hours, but time on the boat is actually about 2 hours.

Reviewed by: Seymour G, United Kingdom

BOOK HOTELS IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL