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ECO TEAM WINS BIG AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TOURISM AWARDS
Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd, a pioneer in Eco Tourism in Sri Lanka was awarded the coveted Presidential Award for Eco Tourism under the Niche Market Operator category at the Presidential Tourism Awards 2009, which concluded last Tuesday. The Niche Market category was introduced into the Awards in 2009 and aims to encourage and recognize new concepts of Tourism in Sri Lanka. Eco Team is the first recipient of this award for the Eco Tourism category.
In addition, Anuruddha Bandara, Managing Director / CEO , Eco Team was awarded prestigious Exceptional Individual Of The Year award for his many achievements in Eco / Adventure and Community based Tourism projects and contributions towards sustainable development of rural communities through livelihood development and conservation efforts.
Eco Team has pioneered many alternative tourism concepts and activities in Sri Lanka and was the first company to be recognized in this sector by Sri Lanka Tourism authorities as a licensed Safari Camping Operator. Their flagship product Mahoora Camping offers Luxury Safari Camps in many locations around Sri Lanka which includes camping experiences in Sri Lanka's many nature reserves and parks.
Whilst Eco Team caters to almost every Eco / Adventure tourism need in Sri Lanka, they also have a strong focus on the MICE sector. Their unique activities and alternate accommodation options combined with novel entertainment concepts are helping Sri Lankan Tour Operators to reach out to the global market with a completely different set of products. Furthermore Eco Team also includes specialist tours of Sri Lanka such as photography and filming missions, rock climbing and study tours dedicated to Sri Lanka's flora and fauna, all of which offer a unique perspective of Sri Lanka.
Anuruddha Bandara , Chief Executive Officer of Eco Team commented that "We are naturally delighted and proud of our achievements at the Awards this year. At Eco Team we are passionate about preserving our ecosystem through sustainable tourism, and it is this persistence and drive that has got us this far. Convincing the trade of the potential of Eco / Adventure tourism has been a tremendous challenge, and I would like to thank all our business partners for giving us an opportunity to prove ourselves. Our resolve to offer a wholesome Tourism experience to visitors to Sri Lanka has gained in strength with this award".
Established in Year 2000, Eco Team revolutionized the Tourism industry by moving into Eco / Adventure and enabling Sri Lankan tourism industry to offer experiences that they could never offer before. Operating at twenty four locations offering twenty six exciting activities, today Eco Team has its own team of dedicated professionals and infrastructure to conduct any kind of nature or adventure related tour in Sri Lanka.
You may visit www.srilankaecotourism.com to check out how you could work together with them to promote Sri Lanka or to plan your next exploration.
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The Under Water wonders of Sri Lanka
With the Maldives only a hop, skip and jump away, it is often forgotten that Sri Lanka itself is a paradise for scuba-divers and snorkellers alike. Magnificently colourful coral reefs and fascinating ship wrecks can be explored at several locations off the south coast, such as Hikkaduwa, Tangalla and Kirinda.
Sri Lankan waters are rich in its under water fantasies and from the West - to the East, the opportunities and locations along the coast line are a plenty.
In the west, head to 'Bar Reef (Sri Lanka's largest reef, easily accessible from the Puttalam district town of Kalpitiya, spanning an impressive 3 nautical miles in length and 1 nautical mile in breadth). But for the country's 'piece de resistance', head to Pigeon Island, off Nilaveli (north of Trinco) where the turquoise-coloured waters and abundant fish and coral life make it the ultimate underwater experience.
Due to the monsoon seasons, west coast diving and snorkeling is generally best from November to April whilst the east coast waters are at their calmest from April - September.
It is the season for the Eastern waters and is time now to explore!
For more information on Diving Locations click here
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The 9th batch of Baby Elephants Released to the Wild!
Since 1998, we have promoted camping in National Parks. Eco Team had sent out thousands over the last 12 years to various camp sites in Sri Lanka in a very sustainable set up of mobile camping units, and Udawalawe National Park – Sri Lanka's renowned grounds for Elephants, have been our hot favorite throughout. There are many elephants that get orphaned in Sri Lanka due to the increasing Elephant- Man conflict. The department of Wild Life Conservation has a special program to safe guard the well being of this wild animal at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe.
We at Eco Team feel extremely proud – every time a batch of orphaned elephants is released to the wild. Because, from every tour we take in to the National Park , each and every one of our guests have contributed to the welfare of this graceful and largest land dwelling mammal, through ticket contributions.
So far 64 elephants have been released to the wild in 8 batches and the 9th batch got released in to the wild from the Udawalawe Elephant Transit home, on the 22nd of March. A group of 10 young elephants, who are over five years old, was released to the wild, to find a new home in their natural habitat.
We must also congratulate and thank the Department of Wild Life Conservation, for their determined and passionate efforts to safe guard and sustain the elephant population in Sri Lanka, against all odds.
Share our joy on this occasion!
Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka is born
Sri lanka is known for its top class waves and lovely beaches, and had remained a frequented destination for passionate surfers. Arugam bay – popularly known as "A-bay" has carved a name for itself as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Beaten many times over with a ravaging war – which has come to an end, this eastern coast surfer paradise is increasingly becoming a hot spot for the water sport lovers.
The surfers from Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa have formed the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL). The mission of the SFSL is clear – to create a national body that will direct, govern, control and guide the sport in the country for the first time.
The Surfing Federation will take in charge the future development of surfing for all Sri Lankans and both encourage and foster a platform of national surfing competitions, improved water safety, plus environmental protection and conservation of the coastal surfing resources of the country. The decision is welcomed and supported by the Sri Lankan Olympic Committee Vice President Joseph Kenny and the local government Sports Ministry who saw the need for organising the rapidly growing sport.
We at Eco Team, who promotes Surfing to her visitors to Sri Lanka, welcomes the move and wishes all the best to the newly formed Federation!
Source: http://www.globalsurfnews.com
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Sinharaja - "A fascinating treasure trove of bio-diversity"
Dense, dark, wet and mysterious; the 11,187 hectare Sinharaja pre-medieval forest is a rich treasure trove of nature home to a great diversity of eco-systems inhabited by a vast repository of Sri Lanka's endemic species. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the world; the total vegetation density is estimated to be a staggering 240,000 individuals (trees, shrubs, herbs and seedlings) per hectare.
One of the most interesting and colourful spectacles to be witnessed at Sinharaja are the mixed species feeding flocks, which are the largest of their kind in the world. Whilst the number of participants typically averages 41, as many as 59 species of birds have been observed to have contributed in the feeding flocks in Sinharaja including endemics such as the Red-faced Malkoha, the Ceylon Hanging Parrot, the Yellow-fronted Barbet and the Ashy-headed Babbler.
Indeed, as many as 95% of Sri Lanka's endemic birds are found in Sinharaja; of the 25 species, others include the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the White-headed Starling and the Green-billed Coucal, the rarest of Sri Lankan birds. There is also a high degree of endemism among the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Many woody plants are also endemic to the region which is also famous for its fossil age plants.
Visit Sinharaja with Eco Team!
Check out our programs in Sinharaja here or visit if you want to arrange a day excursion to Sinharaja |
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 "Sri Lanka Day Tours" is the newest venture introduced by Eco Team. It is a short excursion program covering a range of adventure and eco activities, operating from all major cities in Sri Lanka.And our team is extremely excited about this new development!
This project is sure to fill the existing gaps in the market for short excursions, offering a range of short duration tours (mostly one day) for tourists who arrive to the country for holidaying or on business trips. The program will allow tourists to experience the exceptionally diverse range of Eco / Nature & Adventure tourism activities in Sri Lanka such as white water rafting, Sinharaja rainforest nature walks, ascending Adam’s Peak, lake/river & deep sea fishing, Whale and Dolphin watching, caving, kite surfing, river safari, diving & snorkeling, canoeing & trekking, rock climbing, safaris in Yala National Park, safaris in Udawalawe National Park, cycling tours and many more!
All the programs will be facilitated by trained professionals, assisted by the communities in respective areas. Stay tuned for more news on this latest venture from our team!
Visit www.srilankadaytours.com for more information |
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Eco Team has now introduced an Adventure Trekking camp at Horton Plains and this is certainly not for the faint hearted, even though one might muse that the setting is utterly romantic despite the weather at times!
At 2000 meters above sea level the weather condition in this camp site can be quiet harsh and unpredictable at times. You could face extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain and biting cold in the night. Vehicle access is limited and you would need to trek about 2 km to the camp site! The trekking camp gives you the basic comforts in terms of accommodation and food, and is really for the holiday seeker, seeking a bit of a challenge. The reward is well worth it, since Horton plains is unique to Sri Lanka in many ways.
If this is your idea of true camping – talk to us – we guarantee that you will have a fabulous time at Horton plains.
Click here for more… |
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Anuruddha Bandara – CEO of Eco Team won the Award for Environmental Leadership at the HSBC JCI TOYP Awards held recently.
 HSBC JCI TOYP Awards serve to formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and exemplify the best attributes of the country’s young people. By recognizing these young people, TOYP awards encourage them and others to seek excellence and serve others.
Anuruddha was chosen as this year’s winner for Environmental Leadership, for his innovative projects such as the Mahoora Luxury Safari Camps, nature weddings concept and many more community based tourism activities and conservation projects. A couple of key projects includesProject Panthera- a leopard conservation project and a Forest conservation project in Belihuloya
If you are interested to learn more above our community and conservation projects click here for more… |
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This year's MICE training program of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau was held at Earls Regency for the seventh consecutive year. The three-day residential course was targeted at personnel engaged in planning, organizing and handling meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events.
The program was conducted by specially flown MICE experts viz Jill Henry from Malaysia, Scott Campbell from the UK and Marcel Ewals from Thailand, with local inputs from Rention de Alwis (Destination Marketing), Dharni Soza (Incentives) and Anuruddha Bandara (special activities).
The professional program covered essential areas of the meetings industry from Research and Information Gathering, Introduction to Conference Industry, Corporate Meetings and Government Meetings, Preparing and Presenting a Bid, Project Planning, Budget and Profit Making, Sponsorship, Sales/Marketing Strategies, Destination Marketing, Promotion of Events, Social Program and Protocol, Incentive Travel, Outdoor Activities for MICE, to Case Studies.
Senior Manager of the Bureau Achini Dandunnage said, 'the program was successful with 40 participants and they were able to gain an insight into the meetings industry through this program'. 'The Bureau has so far provided training to over 350 participants in the tourism and MICE tourism industry in Sri Lanka since 2003,' said Dandunnage. |
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Sri Lanka is a magical country with so much to see including the Pettah Fish Market. "It's a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to make it really good and I hope to discover what the country has to offer whenever I get to come back," said former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.
Steve Waugh said this during a surprise visit to the St. John's Fish Market in Pettah. It was barely 7 in the morning, yesterday, when Steve Waugh causally walked into the famed fish market, sending traders into a frenzy. The international star and his colleague John Wood, Executive General Manager of Navitas visited the fish market accompanied by several local friends. The Australian great not only offered an unmistakable vote of confidence for Sri Lanka but his choice of destination for an early morning stroll proves the point beyond doubt. |
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| Sri lanka Tourism launched its new logo and tagline "Sri Lanka Small Miracle" at a gala ceremony at the BMICH 23rd June 2009 ,ushering in a new era for Sri Lanka Tourism. |
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The defeat of terrorism and successful end of war in the country has certainly lifted the spirits of all and sundry. People are beginning to breathe fresh air of tranquility after the guns went silent in the North. The country’s private sector too has seen its confidence being regained and new optimism blossoming. Since last week the nation has seen an unprecedented wave of jubilation and patriotism.
There is new hope. All Sri Lankans are eager to embrace a new dawn where Singhalese, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and all races, religions and creeds unite as one around an undivided island.
Despite the conflict, Sri Lanka has continued to remain one of the most attractive travel destinations in the world, being consistently rated by travelers and tourists from around the world as one of the most charming and fascinating places to visit.
From the verdant hill country of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, to the sacred cities of Anuradahapura and Polonnorawua; the lush jungles and rainforests of Yala and Wilpattu to the tranquil beaches of the Southern Coast, Sri Lanka with bite size experiences has something to suit every taste.
With the conflict now over, Sri Lanka is looking forward to opening up the North and the East of the country, a hitherto undiscovered part of the island that is teeming with untouched beaches, idyllic villages and cultural treasures galore. The Government has already launched a 180-day rapid development plan for the North with the participation of all ministries. .
With the coastlines rebuilt for travelers and plans to develop the North and East of the island, the time is right for Sri Lanka to reap the benefits of tourism.
From Arugam Bay the ‘Surfer’s Paradise’, to Batticaloa where many cultures meet, going further up the coast to Trincomalee and Nilaveli, where one finds Sri Lanka’s most admired and pristine beaches, infra structure development has begun with the hope of attracting more tourists to these areas.
For long only accessible only to those who dared to defy caution; today these locations are being developed with heightened interest and expectation of a revival in tourism
Meanwhile a massive global communication campaign will be rolled out next month with a focus on attracting more tourists to the island during the winter season.
A local island-wide campaign titled ‘MAKING OF THE SMALL MIRACLE ‘was launched this week to draw on the ideas of people in projecting united Sri Lanka’s image to the world. The campaign is intended to bring out information on special stories, people, places and objects in each of their area enabling Sri Lanka Tourism to share the same with the world. The local campaign will lead to the launch of the new tourism brand scheduled for 23rd June 2009 . Sri Lanka Tourism has come out with a brand new set of communication materials which included new TV commercial, brochures, new internet site, memorabilia’s and other corporate gifts .
Sri Lanka Tourism is hopeful that the new Sri Lanka benefits from its renewed focus in the eyes of the world – and attracts the same tourists and travelers alike who have yet to experience the enchanting island.
Sri Lanka is looking forward to celebrating a new era in tourism |
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The Eco team offers wildlife, nature and adventure tours all around Sri Lanka. We offer Nature and Adventure trekking, Caving, Mountain biking & Cycling, Hot air Ballooning, Nature Weddings & Honeymoon Packages, Off road 4WD adventures, Camping, Photography and filming missions, Rock climbing, Scenic rail rides, Rain forest exploration, Special Study tours of flora & fauna, Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Festivals, Kayaking/canoeing, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, Surfing, Turtle watching, Water skiing, Whale and dolphin watching, Whitewater rafting, Windsurfing, Island and deep sea fishing tours and much more. These are all off the beaten track – reserved exclusively for the adventurous, nature loving and the wildlife enthusiast. |
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© 2004 Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd All Rights Reserved |
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