Research about Sri Lanka and Thailand Tourism
Introduction About our company
We hope to start a tourist Business in Sri Lanka. We named our company as Serendib Tours ( pvt ) ltd. It is fully Sri Lankan private limited company. Relevant industry is tourism. Business activities are leisure, travel & tours. We hope to locate our head office at Colombo-07 Rosmed place.
Our vision is,
“To be the greatest tourist Service provider in the Asia”
Our Mission is,
“To contribute to the economic and social development of our country with the fully support and while ensuring our national identity among the global tourists”
Our Objectives are,
- To be the represented of essence of Buddhist philosophy for the benefit of international community
- Contribute for development and protection of our national heritage
- Attracting domestic and international community towards our religious places
- Creating number of job opportunities for the domestic unemployed people while ensuring maximum satisfaction of our customers.
Organization Structure
In our organization structure the top position is held by the Board of Directors. Under the Board of Directors there is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Under him we hope to established mainly three divisions under our company. They are Thailand Division, India Division and Chinese Division. Under these three divisions there are division managers.
Introduction to Thailand
Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma.
In Thailand Various Thai kingdoms were founded from the 13th century on, frequently coming into conflict with neighboring Burmese and Cambodian powers. Siam remained an absolute monarchy until 1932, when the king was compelled to accept a constitution, and the country was renamed Thailand in 1939. Thailand was occupied by the Japanese in World War II, and most of its numerous postwar governments were controlled by the military.
The country is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, who has reigned since 1946, making him the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. The king is officially titled Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, an Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.
The largest city in Thailand is Bangkok, the capital, which is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Population: 65,100,000Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of total area with a surface area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and the 21st most-populous country, with approximately 64 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, 14% is of Chinese origin, and 3% is ethnically Malay; the rest belong to minority groups including Mons, Khmers and various hill tribes. There are approximately 2.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand. The country's official language is Thai. Its primary religion is Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95% of all Thais.
Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1995 and is a newly industrialized country with tourism, due to well-known tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui, and exports contributing significantly to the economy.
Thailand Profile
Official Name Kingdom of Thailand
Capital Bangkok
Official Language(s) Thai
Demonym Thai
Currency Baht
Government Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy
Monarch Bhumibol Adulyadei (Rama IX)
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva
Legislature National Assembly
Area 513,120 km2, 198,115 sq mi
Population (2010 estimate) 63,525,062
Race
- Ethnically Thai 75%
- Chinese origin 14%
- ethnically Malay 3%
Religion:
- Buddhism 94.6%
- Islam 4.6%
- Christianity 0.7%
- Others 0.1%
GDP (PPP) 2009 Estimate
Total $539.871 billion
Per capita $8,060
Ancient relationship with Thailand and Sri Lanka
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand mainly relate with the Theravada Buddhism. Theravada the "Doctrine of the Elders," is the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tipitaka, or Pali canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha's teachings. For many centuries, Theravada has been the predominant religion of continental Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, Cambodia, and Laos) and Sri Lanka. Today Theravada Buddhists number well over 100 million worldwide. In recent decades Theravada has begun to take root in the West.
About 1153 A.D. (B.E. 1696) Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A.D.) became king of Sri Lanka, known in ancient days as Lanka. A powerful monarch and a great supporter of Theravada Buddhism, Parakramabahu did much to spread and consolidate the Dhamma of the Lord in his island kingdom. He it was who caused (according to some scholars of Southern Buddhism) the Seventh Buddhist Council to be held under the chairmanship of Kassapa Thera, of Dimbulagala in order to revise and strengthen the Doctrine and the Discipline (Dhamma and Vinaya).
As a result of the efforts of King Parakramabahu the Great, Buddhism was much consolidated in Sri Lanka and the news spread to neighboring lands. Buddhist monks from various countries, such as Burma, Pegu (Lower Burma), Kambuja, Lanna (North Thailand) and Lanchang (Laos) flocked to Sri Lanka in order to acquaint themselves with the pure form of the Dhamma. Thailand also sent her Bhikkhus to Sri Lanka and thereby obtained the upasampada vidhi (ordination rite) from Sri Lanka, which later became known in Thailand as Lankavamsa. This was about 1257 A.D. (B.E. 1800). Apparently the early batches of Bhikkhus, who returned from Sri Lanka after studies, often accompanied by Sri Lankan monks, established themselves first in Nakon Sri Thammarath (South Thailand), for many of the Buddhist relics bearing definitely Sri Lankan influence, such as stupas and Buddha images, were found there. Some of these relics are still in existence today. News of the meritorious activities of these monks soon spread to Sukhothai, then the capital of Thailand, and King Ram Kamhaeng who was ruling at the time, invited those monks to his capital and gave them his royal support in propagating the Doctrine. This fact is recorded in one of the King's rock inscriptions, dated about 1277 A.D. Since then Sri Lanka (Sinhala) Buddhism became very popular and was widely practiced in Thailand. Some of the Thai kings, such as King Maha Dharmaraja Lithai of Sukhothai dynasty and King Borom Trai Lokanath of the early Ayudhya Period, even entered the Holy Order or Bhikkhu Sangha according to the ordination rite of Lankavamsa Buddhism by inviting a patriarch from Sri Lanka, Maha Sami Sangharaja Sumana by name, to be the presiding monk over his upasampada (ordination) ceremony. Many monasteries, stupas, Buddha images and even Buddha footprints, such as the well-known one at Sraburi in central Thailand, were built in accordance with the usage popular in Sri Lanka. The study of Pali, the language of Theravada or Southern Buddhism, also made great progress, and in all matters dealing with the Dhamma the impact of Sri Lanka was perceptibly felt.
However, there had been no antagonism between the different forms of Buddhism already in existence in Thailand and the Lankavamsa which had been introduced later from Sri Lanka. On the contrary they seemed to have amalgamated peacefully, and all had adjusted themselves to one another's benefit. This is evident in all religious rites and ceremonies of Thailand. Indeed, somewhat characteristic of the Buddhists, there had been a spirit of forbearance in all matters. For instance, even today Brahmanic rites thrive side by side with Buddhistic ceremonies in Thailand and Cambodia, especially in the royal courts.
History repeats itself. Years after, when in Sri Lanka under King Kirtisri (1747-1781 A.D.) the upasampada ordination was lost due to a decline of Buddhism and upheavals in the country, Thailand (during the reign of King Boromkot, 1733-1758 A.D.) was able to repay the debt by sending a batch of Buddhist monks, under the leadership of Upali and Ariyamuni Theras, who in the course of time established in Sri Lanka what is known as the Siyamopali Vamsa or Siyam Nikaya, or Siamese Sect, which still is a major sect in that country. Upali worked and died in Sri Lanka, the country he loved no less than his own.
Today, for all purposes, Thailand can be termed a Theravada Buddhist country. There are, of course, a few Mahayana monks and monasteries, but they are mostly confined to foreign communities, chiefly the Chinese. All, however, live at peace and cooperate with one another.
In addition to that Sri Lanka and Thailand had initiated more formal diplomatic relationship in 20th November 1955. Now both countries experienced more than 50 years with diplomatic relationship. However two countries have had close relationship cultural, political and trade relationship for over thousands of years.
After establishing formal diplomatic relationship within the both countries they build strong relationship with each other. Some regional cooperation also helps to strength this relationship. Such as BIMSTEC, ASIAN etc...
Trade ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand too has grown rapidly. Currently it amount to 15 billion Sri Lanka rupees. Trade ties will be further strengthened by the signing of a bilateral PTA agreement.
Time to time both countries organize some event for the strength up relationship with each other. Such as
Ø Sri Lanka participate annual Royal Katina ceremony in Thailand.
Ø Mutual legal assistance with both countries
Ø Exposition of Buddhist relics from Sri Lanka to Thailand
Ø Sri Lankan products stall at YWCA fail in Thailand
Ø Tourism within the both countries
The Global Impotence of Tourism
Creating job and wealth
- Travel and tourism is the world largest industry and creator of jobs across national and regional, directly and indirectly, 3.8% of GDP and nearly 200 million jobs in the world wide economy. These figures are forecasted to total
- Jobs generated by Travel and Tourism are across the economy – in retail, construction, manufacturing and telecommunication as well as directly in travel and Tourism companies. These jobs employ a large proportion of women, minorities and young people: are predominantly in small and medium size companies; and offer good training and transferability. Tourism can also be one of the most effective drivers for the development of regional economies. These patterns apply to both develop and emerging economies.
Contribution to sustainable development
- The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the rio Earth Summit, identified Travel and Tourism as of the key sectors in the economy which could make a positive contribution to achieving sustainable development. The Earth Summit lead to the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive program of action adopted by 182 governments to provide a global blueprint for achieving sustainable development.
- Travel and Tourism is able to contribute to development which is economically, ecologically and socially sustainable, because it:
o Has less impact on natural resources and the environment than most other industries;
o Is based on enjoyment and appreciation of local culture, built heritage, and natural environment, as such that the industry has a direct and powerful motivation to protect these assets
o Can play a positive part in increasing consumer commitment to sustainable development
o Principles an economic incentives to conserve natural environments and habitats which might
Otherwise be allocated more environmentally damaging land uses, thereby, helping to maintain bio -diversity.
- There are numerous good examples of where Travel and Tourism is acting as a catalyst for conservation and improvement of the environment and maintenance of local diversity and culture.
Providing infrastructure
- To a greater degree than most activities, Travel and Tourism depends on a wide range of infrastructure services- airports, air navigation, roads, railheads and port, as well basic infrastructure services required by hotels, resultants, shops, and recreation facilities (eg: telecommunication and utilities).
- It is the combination of tourism and good infrastructure that underpins the economic, environmental and social benefits. It is important to balance any decision to develop an area for tourism against the need to perceive fragile or threatened environmental and cultures. However once a decision has been taken where an area is appropriate for new tourism department or that an existing tourist site should be developed further then good infrastructure will be essential to sustain the quality, economic viability and growth of Travel and Tourism. Good infrastructure will also be a key factor in the industry’s ability to manage visitor flows in ways that do not affect the natural or built heritage, nor counteract against local interests.
Challengers for the future
- Travel and Tourism creates jobs and wealth and has tremendous potential to contribute to economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development in both countries and emerging nations. It has a competitive advantage in that its start up and running cost can be low compared to many other forms of industry development. It also one often of the most few realistic options developments in many areas. Therefore there is a strong likelihood that the Travel and Tourism industry will continue to grow globally over the short to medium term.
- Of course, if Travel and Tourism is manage badly, it can have a detrimental effect – it can damage fragile environmental and destroy local cultures. The challenge is to manage the future growth of the industry so as to minimize its negative impacts on the environment and host communities whilst maximizing the benefits it brings in terms of jobs, wealth and support for local culture and industry, and protection of the built and natural environment.
Need Analysis
We have identified the needs of pilgrimage as short term and long term. We focus on pilgrimage need short term and long term needs and meditation needs in long term. Here, we have considered how to attract pilgrimages after fulfilling their basic needs. If they want to participate mediation program than pilgrimages need this is vital opportunity for them. As well as they want to study regarding Buddhism philosophy, we arranged facilities for them.
Need analysis is important to motivate the intoners. We are able to attract more pilgrimages by addressing their needs individually.
Pilgrimage needs
We have arranged our packagers based on their economic condition and their category of needs. We have Pilgrimage package and tourist package. Under economic and luxury packages are provided. Pilgrimage package is consist only religion places like Habarana, Anuradhapura, Polonnruwa, Dhabulla, Kandy.
Tourist package consist of other places like Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Trincomalle, Nilaweli beach, Kandy, Paradeniya botanical garden, Nuaraelliya, Pinnawala.
Meditation Need
If pilgrimages need to meditate, we have arranged meditation centers to them. We are going to participate them to following meditation centers.
- Madakada / Nachchimale Aranya Senasanaya – Maha Ingiriya
- Dhamma Sotha vipassana Meditation Center – Kosgama
- Sri Dalada Thapowanaya, Udawaththa kala – Kosgama
- Meethirigala Nissarana Wanaya – Meethirigala
- Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya – Tissamaharama
- International Samantha Vipassana Meditation Center – Colombo -07
We have organized one week, two week, one month and three months meditation programs for them.
Study Needs
If we need to obtain the degree regarding Buddhism and Pali. We have organized a program for them. We enter them to University of Pali and Buddhism. As well as Abayagiri Viharaya is another place to study Buddhism. Thought this we are able to attract the pilgrimages long term.
SWOT Analysis
As one of the leading tourist service providers in the world, we have already identified our strength, weaknesses, threats and opportunities which are directly relating with attracting Thai people in to Sri Lanka. As a well established tourist service provider, we have to following strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
- Separate and exclusive divisions to each country to address the exact requirements
- Further oriented strategic thinking Pattern
- Team oriented work force
- Network with strong transport and hotel service providers
- Heritage and good reputation
- Stability of the company [Serandib Tours (Pvt) Ltd.]
Weaknesses
- Financial limitation and insufficient expansion capacity
- Quality of service depend on external parties like transport and hotel service providers
On the other hand, we have to face a huge global competition and challenges as we are a company which providers traveling and other tourist services. Therefore we have to be aware of our external factors too. Following threats and opportunities can be identified.
Threats
- Competition from local and foreign agencies
- Competition from India ( Load Buddha was born and lived in India, they have more historical and religious places)
- Economic crisis
Opportunities
- Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
- 95% of population are Buddhists
- Long team relationship between two countries
- Most precious Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Political stability with end of terrorism and war
- Sri Lankans are more hospitable
- Lot of Buddhist religious places to visits of load Buddha to Sri Lanka
PESTEL Analysis
As a leading tourist travel and service provider, we have to make sense of an uncertain world (business environment) around our organization. The PESTEL frame work categorizes environmental influences in to six main types. We have identified factors which have the potential to influence our business as follows.
Political
- Political stability
- Tourism rules and regulations
Economic factors
- Higher interest rate
- Higher inflation
- Reduction of disposable income
Socio Cultural Factors
- Income distribution disparity
- Lifestyle changes
- Levels of education
- Attitudes to work and leisure
- Sri Lankan hospitality
Technological factors
- New discoveries and developments
Environmental factors
- Topical Climate
- Environmental protection laws
Legal factors
- Employment law
Packages we provide to tourists
As a Tourist service provider, we offer following types of tourists packages. All the packages include a luxurious traveling and accommodation facilities.
Religious Luxury Package
- Day 01
o Arrival at the Colombo Airport. You will be met by our Driver/Guide and Airport Staff and offer assistance. Thereafter leave to Habarana with a comfort stop en.
o Route. (km – transfer time 4 hours)
o Habarana. This small village is a central location for all the ancient city sites and has a hotel complex principally for package tourist, also many better –
o Heeled independent visitors also use it.
o P.M. at leisure or optional elephant back safari through the jungles of Habarana or Jeep safari to Minneriya National park to witness the wild Elephants. Minneriya National Park sitting in the center of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it’s easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visits the 8890 hectare park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards. The hungry bird flocks include cormorants and painted storks. Minneriya, closest by car to the ancient city Polonnaruwa, was upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park because of the increased number of tourists coming to see the elephants.
o Diner & overnight The Cinnamon lodge Habarana. (4star)
- Day 02
o After breakfast excursion to Anuradhapura. (One way 60km – transfer time 1 hour 15 minutes)
o Anuradhapura is a Sri Lanka’s first capital city, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km from Colombo. Attractions worth seing are :- The sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.
o Thereafter visit Mihintale.
o Mihintale The temple of Mihintale is where Thero Mahinda, the son of Great Indian Emperor Asoka introduced Buddhism to the king of Sri Lanka Thissa. Mahinda’s sister Their Sangamitta carried a off shoot of ‘the holy Bo tee that gave shelter to Budda to attain Nibbana. Sr Maha Bodhi ‘. The Bo tree was planted at Anuradhapura, where it still grows as the oldest tree with a recorded history in the world.
o Dinner & Overnight the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Day 03
o After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa. (one way 46 km – transfer time 45 minutes)
o Polonnaruwa. The island’s medieval capital is situated 216 km from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. There is the largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra. See also the ruins of the King’s Council Hamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vantadage Relic House, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka’s un-restored dagavas; Gal Vihare – the most impressive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images.
o P.M. excursion to Ritigala (one way 20 Km transfer time approx. 40 minutes) Ritigala Sri Lanka has many varied sites of historical and cultural importance. While the ruins of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have a grandeur that is hard to surpass, there are lesser – known sites with an ambiance all of their own. One such site is the monastic complex on the lower slopes of Ritigalakanda the Ritigala Mountain – situated 40 kilometers south – east of the ancient city of Anuradhapura. These ruins are some of the most distinctive Sri Lanka has to offer. Here at Ritigala you will not find the Buddhist dagabas (domed relic chambers) of the sanctuary of Anuradhapura and elsewhere. Instead the monastery at Ritigala largely consists of meditation platforms and walkways that are in perfect harmony with the huge boulders, trees and streams of the sylvan environment. The Ritigala summit- which has an unusual mini plateau – possesses a pocket of vegetation that is distinct from the dry zone flora of the lower slopes and surrounding plain.
- Day 04
o After breakfast excursion to Sigiriya. (one way 25 km – transfer time 30 minutes)
o Climb the Rock fortress of Sigirya.
o Sigiriya, a massive monolith of red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle to accentuate the lucid blue of the sky. How overpowering, then, this rock fortress of Sigiriya must have been when a palace crowned it 15 centuries ago. Sigiriya (say seegih-REE-yah) was no gloomy and forbidding fortification, as many other citadels are. At the brief height of its glory, a flowering of only 18 years in the late 5th century, it was one of the loveliest royal cities that ever graced the earth.
o P.M. at Leisure by the pool. Dinner & overnight The Cinnamon Lodge Habarana.
- Day 05
o After breakfast proceed to Colombo while visiting the Dambulla Rock Caves Temple en route. Dambulla, the greatest of Sri Lanka’s cave temples, dates from the first century BC and contains over 150 Buddha images, subtly lit for maximum atmosphere. Actually a series of five caves, the temple is called Raja Maha Vihara by locals, but known simply as Dambulla to visitors. The entrance is marked by a large white dagaba along a long sloping rock face, from where there are views of the rock fortress of Sigiriya, about 20 km away. Most of the caves were carved out by hand and some of the amazing arrays of Buddha statues are still attached to the wall.
o Transfer timings will be as follows.
o Habarana – Dambulla 28 Km – transfer time approx. 30 minutes one way
o Dambulla – Colombo 145 Km – transfer time approx. 3 & ½ hour one way
o P.M. city tour of Colombo including last minutes shopping. Colombo is a metropolitan city with a population of nearly one million. It is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, which keeps pace with modern developments while preserving the old world charms. Among the many places of interests in the city are the Fort, the Old Parliament House (presently the presidential secretariat), Buddhist temples, Old Churches, Hindu temples, Mosques, the National Museum, Independence Hall, Bandaranayaka Memorial International Conference Hall and the Zoological Gardens. ‘Five star’ international chain hotels and a large number of other hotels and guest houses provide comfortable accommodation to the visitors at affordable prices discotheques keep the visitors happy late in to the night.
o Dinner & Overnight the Cinnamon Grand.(5star)
- Day 06
o After breakfast transfer to the Airport for the connecting flight. (Departure)
Tourists’ package
- Day 01
o Thereafter transfer direct to Habarana with a comfort stop en route. (160 Km – transfer time 3 ½ hours)
o This small village is a central location for all the ancient city sites and has a hotel complex principally for package tourist; also many better- heeled independent visitors arrival at the Colombo Airport. You will be met our Chauffeur Guide and Airport staff and offer assistance. Also use it. There ere a couple of cheaper accommodation alternatives and Habaranais also the nearest rail way station to Dambulla and Sigiriya.
o P.M. At leisure or optional elephant back safari through the jungles of Habarana.
o Dinner and overnight at Chaaya Village Habarana.
- Day 02
- After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa. (46 Km – transfer time 1 hour one- way)
- The 11th to 13th Century capital of Polonnaruwa has more to see and less to conjecture than the older metropolis of Anuradhapura. With its comparatively brief and uncomplicated history(two centuries and a dozen rulers , in contrast with 1,400 years and 123 kings of Anuradhapura)and its far more completely preserved ruins, much more recently exposed to the ravages of time , Polonnaruwa(say Poh- loh- Naroowah) has a particular faction for the average visitors.
- P. climbs the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. (20kms- transfer time 30 minutes one way)
- A massive monolith of red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle to accentuate the lucid blue of the sky. How overpowering, then, this rock fortress of the Sigiriya must have been when a place crowned it 15 centuries ago. At the brief height of its glory, a flowering of only 18 years in the last fifth century, it was one of the lovelier royal cities that ever graced the earth.
- And today, it is perhaps the single most remarkable memory for visitors to Sri Lanka. Ruins of the fabled place spread across the very peak of the “Lain Rock”, so-named perhaps, because visitors formally began the final harrowing ascent through the open.
- Jaws and throat (giriys) of lion (sinha) whose likeness was once sculpted halfway up the monolith. Only the gigantic paws remain today. Within grotto on Sigiriya’s sheer west face, beautiful bare- breasted maidens still smile from incredible fresco paintings.
- Surrounding the foot of the rock, extending for several hundred meters, are oldest serving landscape gardens, incorporating lovely ponds around Sigiriya's plinth of fallen boulders. (20 Km – transfer time 30 minutes one day)
- Dinner and Overnight Chaaya Village, Habarna.
- Day 03:
- After breakfast depart to Kandy visiting the rock cave temples of Dabulla (105 Km- transfer time 2 ½ hours)
- This Historic and Romantic hill capital of Sri Lanka is situated 115 kilometers inland from Colombo. The road to Kandy is enchanting and exciting revealing the full glory – of the tropics. The roads run round in sharp curves and looking down are the deep valleys, abysses, rocks, waterfalls and streams glittering in the sun and patterned in emerald with terraced rice fields. On the other side the mountain rice majestically against the blue sky.
- Whether one looks up or down,it's a sight to beauty, glorious beyond the power of words to express. The city of Kandy, lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains. Visit Dambulla- the great rock caves of Dambulla are 100 to 150 meters above the road and the village of Dambulla. From the caves you have superb view over the surrounding countryside. Sigiriya is clearly visible to northeast, only 19Km away.
- P.M sightseeing of Kandy including a visit to the temple of the much revered Temple of the Tooth relic. Also witness a cultural performance. Temple of the Tooth relic, Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Build in the 16th century this temple house the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King's place complex as it was the symbol Royal Authority.
- Dinner & overnight the Chaaya Citadel, Kandy.
- Day: 04
- Day: 05
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- After breakfast visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, the most beautiful in the world and begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king. Every variety tropical and temperate tree and flower is cultivated here and special houses with orchid and e cacti are beautiful to be true.
- P.M at leisure
- Dinner and Overnight the Chaaya Citadel, Kandy.
o After breakfast visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of baby elephant. (40kms- transfer time 1 hour one way)
o Pinnawela Orphanage is situate northwest of the town Kegalla, halfway between present capital Colombo and the ancient royal resident Kandy in the hills of central of Sri Lanka. It was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department. This 24 acres large elephant orphanage is also breeding place for elephant, twenty elephant were born since 1984, and it has the greatest herd of elephant in captivity in the world. (40kms – transfer time 1 hour one way)
o There after transfer to Colombo. (80km – transfer time 2 hours)
o P.M. City tour of Colombo including last minutes shopping.
o Colombo is a metropolitan city with a population of nearly one million. it is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka,which keep pace with modern development while preserving the old world charms. Among the many place of interest in the city are the Fort, the old parliament House (presently the presidential secretary), Buddhist temples, old churches, Hindu temple, mosques, the National Museum, independence hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference hall and the Zoological gardens. ‘Five stare ‘international chain hotels and a large no of other hotels and guest houses provide comfortable accommodation to the visitors at affordable prices. Several specialist restaurant serving international cosine, karaokes and distinguishes keep the visitors happy late in to the night.
o Dinner and overnight at Transasia Colombo.
- Day 06
o After breakfast departure to the airport. (37 km- transfer time 1 hour) or the respective Beach hotel of the Beach extension.
Seasonal packages
Adam’s peak
Adam’s peak is an ancient pilgrimage that is considered sacred by Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It is a conical mountain 2243 meters high. It is believed that Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka placed his footprint on the summit of this sacred mountain. So, the name Sripada- the sacred foot prints. Muslims believe the footprint to be that of Adam (hence the name Adam’s peak);l Christians, that of St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus; and Hindus, that of the god Siva.
This pilgrimage usually takes place about the month of April, which is the dry season just before the southeast monsoon breaks. Pilgrims try to reach the peak before dawn, as the view of sunrise from the peak is spectacular. There are several approaches to reach the peak. The main ones being thought the Hatton town and Ratnapura district.
Period December- May
Dalada Perahera
Kandy the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. (115 KM from Colombo at 465 Meters above sea level.) Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. Kandy perahara, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha’s tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itinerary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dances and chieftains.
The city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended. This bustling market town is in cultural diversity has plenty of itinerates to offer to the tourists from songs dance and handy crafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy is a good transit point to the north or hill country to the south. The city is also a good source of souvenirs or to experience many cultural performances at its various hotels in the city.
Marketing Strategies
According to porter’s generic strategy to compete, the organization can identify several strategies.
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We are going to use differentiating marketing strategy. Because we have introduced packages with have different prices for pilgrimages that are coming from Thailand. We have introduced variance packages according to their economic condition.
We are able to use 4, P’s marketing strategies. Here we have to consider the four important factors.
1. Price
2. Place
3. Production
4. Promotion
Price
Here we introduce two packages as classic and pilgrimage packages. As well as these packages are divided to Luxury & Economic packages. Luxury packages are focused on rich people & Economic packages is focused on middle income pilgrimage. We have added 10% profit margin to cost for each package.
Place
Serendib Tours is name of the company. We have formed our office in Colombo 07 in Rosemead place, because we wanted to establish our company inside the capital city. Because we found a place that has enough parking facilities (park our traveling vehicle), it is situated near office.
Production
Our main objective is attract the Thailand pilgrimages to Sri Lanka & make arrangement for visit the religion places & other important places in Sri Lanka. As well as arrange the meditation program & studies activities long term. Here we try to increase the satisfaction of the pilgrimage & attract more pilgrimage from Thailand.
Promotion
We are going to use following method to advertise our service.
- Web based advertising
Here we have focus separate web site to our company. Pilgrimage is able to get information though this web site. Also if pilgrimage wants to visit Sri Lanka they can apply though this web site.
- Thailand Buddhist magazine
Publish the advertisement regarding our company.
- Agents network
- Bulk mail
- Sri Lankan temple in thousand.
Target market comes where marketers try to distinguish differences of various customer groups & target one or more of these segments & design different marketing mixes tailored to each segment.
Target market standup for three major steps.
- Segmentation
- Targeting
- Positioning
Market segmentation
In our company we introduced luxury & economic packages. We introduce this package according to market segment, such as high income people & low income people. Specially we introduced meditation & education. According to that we hope to identify market segment.
Market targeting
Depending on above segmentation our organization can identify our targeted market customers. Market targeting is the act of selecting one or more segment to enter. Here the company has to evaluate the various segments & select the appropriate segment to target. After evaluation of market segment our company designed which segment to enter, which is called target market selection. Depending selection our “target customer” is
- People who live in Thailand
- Who are religions
- Who willing to fly
- Who want to meditation
- Who want to education
Positioning
After selecting a target market to enter next the company must think of how to differentiation and positioning its marketing offer in relation to its competitors.
Developing a clear & valued positioning strategy is not adequate at all. The marketing mix should be designed according to customer in the positioning strategy & the positioning strategy must be effectively communicated. That is why we are having several packages for various kind customers & according to their level of income. We are providing guide service with these packages.
Finally is positioning the organization have to create a new position to this service in the customer mind. So with the social and political situation prevailing in Sri Lanka our organization has to serve in very positive manner in the target market.
Sources:
http://www.walkerstours.com/hot-deals/Cultural-Triangle-Tour.php
http://www.srilanka.com/travel/traveldetail/TL00237
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Thailand
http://thailand.golfntours.com/thailand_golf_packages_courses.php
http://www.answers.com/topic/thailand
http://www.squidoo.com/travelthai
December 30th, 2010 - 05:34
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