Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Advantis said it was expecting 80,000 visitors in the next four months from Cordelia Cruises which was operating a from India.
“As a pioneer in transportation and logistics, with expertise in maritime services, we are focused on supporting all opportunities for generating growth in travel and tourism,” Advantis Group Managing Director, Ruwan Waidyaratne said in a statement.
“Together with the Cordelia team, we aim to attract at least 80,000 visitors within the next four months alone, showcasing the diverse offerings of the country.
“This partnership not only promises to generate significant economic growth, but also foster intercultural connections and promote sustainable development.”
MS Empress, became the first luxury cruise liner to call at Sri Lanka’s Kankasanthurai (KKS) port in Jaffna earlier this month.
“This momentous occasion not only showcases the growing prominence of Jaffna as a sought-after tourist destination but also holds the potential to drive economic growth in the area,” Ports Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was quoted as saying in the statement.
The cruise liner also calls on Hambantota and Trincomalee.
The MS Empress has 796 cabins and can carry 1,600 passengers. The vessel embarked on its inaugural sailing to Sri Lanka from the Port of Chennai on 5th June 2023.
The travel and aviation arm of the Advantis Group is the General Sales Agent, while Clarion Shipping, a subsidiary of the Advantis Group, is the Port Agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka.
