Recent good news on two fronts has been peace in our time in Sri Lanka and sanity prevails in Thailand.
Both have long been favourite, rewarding destinations not only for me but for countless thousands - especially those prepared to do more than scratch the surface and get away from the tried and true tourist track.
I hasten to add a note of cautious optimism at the apparent return to at least-near normalcy in both countries. How often it has, in the past, been a case of …just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.
And end to the bloody conflict which effectively put the brakes on Sri Lankan tourism time and again, denying the beautiful country and its beautiful people a seam of prosperity they could use.
Do not be swayed, one way or the other, by events in Australia, supporting or decrying Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's stated confidence “the war is over”.
We can only hope unresolved issues can be negotiated and addressed rationally and peacefully so the world can once again enjoy the glories that are Galle, the high country beauty of Kandy, beaches and resorts with few peers and food without par.
Sri Lanka is rolling out a massive communication campaign and infrastructure projects in readiness to welcome tourists for the winter season.
Tsunami-devastated coastlines have been rebuilt and the herculean task of reclaiming areas of old Serendip's north and east which had been out of bounds during the conflict.
“From Arugam Bay, Sr Lanka's Surfers Paradise, to Batticaloa where many cultures meet, going further up the coast to Trincomalee and Nilaveli, where one finds Sri Lanka most pristine beaches, we are focusing on recovering former visitors and attracting new tourists,” a Sri Lanka Tourism official said.
“We are looking to a future of promise and to greet visitors from near and far, to our island of many treasures,” he said.
For information within Australia email kohinoorcentre@yahoo.com or visit the website: http://www.srilankatourism.org
Trust us, we’re Thailand
Insurance to provide more peace of mind
Delegates to a major international conference - among them the Australian PM and his group - being turned around mid-air to avoid strife-torn Thailand dealt a body blow to the Kingdom.
The Land of Smiles had only just begun to smile after earlier politically-driven upheaval when it was on again for young and old, undoing months (years, if you think it through) of wonderful confidence rebuilding by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
No good protesting tourists were never in danger: when you have guns in any street, mobs on any corner, international airports shutdown, it is a deplorable situation.
The resilient Thais are back again.
Now, we are assured, new laws and safeguards are in place to protect the country's airports and meeting venues. “New insurance policies in place for all international visitors should give business event organisers and tourists additional peace of mind,” Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief Puripan Bunnag, said.
The bureau has three strategic initiatives to boost awareness and confidence in Thailand as a dynamic business event destination.
A ‘Meetings More Memorable and Meetings Plus’ campaign will target smaller groups of 25-50 delegates from long-haul markets by offering value added golf, spa, welcome receptions and cultural shows.
A new cluster marketing drive will aggressively promote the advantages of holding events in five distinct geographical areas of Thailand: Bangkok/Pattaya, Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai, Nakon Ratchasima/Khon Kaen, Cha-am/Hua Hin, and Phuket/Krabi/Phangnga.
Thirdly, TCEB will emphasise testimonials from organisations with first-hand experience of holding recent business events in Thailand.
All being well, the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Thailand will bring in US$1.24 billion this year and attract half a million participants.
We hope so.
Airfares, room rates, package holiday prices have never been more attractive than they are at the moment.
Talk to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (9247 7549) if you need reassuring, then talk to your travel agent.
I expect to be up that way soon and will report back. | 
