Once an island known for its vibrancy and grandeur, Sri Lanka is now facing the aftereffects of a country recovering from economic and social turmoil. Though improvement has been a slow burn, there is still hope for revival. While the country turns towards every option and opportunity in the direction of financial and civic stability, can a certain cruise ship, hailing from the southernmost Indian state, boost the island nation’s depleted foreign reserves?
The majestic MS Empress neared the Hambantota Port in the Sothern Province of Sri Lanka on the 7th of June 2023, with 1,600 passengers onboard. The maiden journey from Chennai to Sri Lanka proved to be a milestone in Sri Lankan and Indian tourism history, opening doorways to a new trend of ‘cruise tourism’ in both countries.
India’s first international cruise from Chennai to Sri Lanka, the MS Empress belongs to Cordelia Cruises by Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, India’s premium cruise line.
“We anticipate 80,000 tourist arrivals in the first 4 months of our operation and to pump in around USD 18 million to Sri Lanka from this operation,”, Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom said.
Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, (a blue-chip Sri Lankan conglomerate company) will oversee all operations in Sri Lanka in relation to the MS Empress cruise and has successfully partnered with Cordelia Cruises to strengthen the position of both Sri Lanka and India as top-tier travel destinations in South Asia. The arrival of the luxury cruise vessel will uplift the local services and trades which center around tourism while creating a demand for goods and supplies.
“By seamlessly integrating these unique and diverse holiday destinations, we aim to chart new horizons for tourists and stimulate economic growth for both nations,” Jurgen Bailom, Cordelia Cruises President and CEO stated.
Addressing the media on the newly forged collaboration with Cordelia Cruises, Advantis Managing Director, Ruwan Waidyaratne stated that this opportunity will enable Sri Lanka to unlock its true commercial potential while creating the space to capitalize on the island’s undiscovered treasures.
He further commented, “As an island nation, Sri Lanka has attracted maritime trade and travel for centuries. However, in the modern age, our nation is yet to leverage its natural advantages to the best of our ability. We look forward to working in close partnership with the Cordelia team to attract at least 80,000 visitors within the next four months alone.”
