French travel agents on a treasure hunt in Sri Lanka

A group of French travel agents visited  Sri Lanka recently to participate in the Treasure Hunt (Chasse aux Trésors), a familiarisation tour organised by Sri Lanka Tourism to position Sri Lanka as a sought after destination in South Asia.

As part of the Treasure Hunt competition, the 50 travel agents with clues found treasures in various parts in the country. The treasures were identified on the basis of their importance for promoting tourism. Lesser known sites were included in order to promote yet unexposed sites.

Each team was given a mode of transport with a set of clues. The participants had to ask directions from the local people in the area, hence creating opportunities for interaction and thus experiencing truly unique Sri Lankan hospitality. While general explanations was provided by experienced tour guides on the vehicles transporting each team, emphasis was given to alternative modes of transport and self-discovery.

They toured Polonnaruwa, Sigirya, Kandy, Pinnawela, and the botanical garden.

Sri Lanka Tourism offered its support in obtaining entrance tickets to the sites and ground facilities and hosting a gala dinner reception at Club Bentota.

Isabelle Vayron of Paris, an animator with the group said, that the tour brought moments of intense happiness and there are no words to express how when the tour came to an end. This side of the world is ‘blessed by the gods’ and was thankful to have been selected to participate to the “Chasse aux Tresors” (Treasure Hunt)”.

“From the top of Sigiriya, one could understand the concept of Sri Lanka being an EarthLung and the grandeur of the nature around Sigiriya is unexplainable,” was her

The travel agents left Sri Lanka stating that the island is “blessed by gods” with an abundance of beauty and smiling people.

Courtesy: Lankapuvath