July 1 - A group of Saudi journalists left Riyadh for Colombo this week on a familiarisation tour.
The programme was organised by the Sri Lankan embassy in coordination with the country's tourism promotion bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines, to attract more tourists from Saudi Arabia, according to Sri Lankan Ambassador Ahmed A. Jawad.
There has been a significant increase in Saudi tourists visiting Sri Lanka. In 2009, 7,900 visited the island. "This is expected to increase this year," Jawad added. "With the end of the ethnic conflict, more people like to visit the island since peace has been restored in all parts of the country."
As part of their programme, the five journalists will visit famous landmarks including those in the north central part of the country, which boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Locally called San Zanipolo, this Dominican church is very large and contains valuable works of art. Near the side entrance is a 15th-century stained-glass window in which brilliant colors have been used to give life to the beautiful drawings by Bartolomeo Vivarini and Gerolamo Mocetto. After San Marco, this is the second official church of the Italy and is the Venetian conterpart of London's West...
This is the perfect destination for leisure and fun. Take a ferry to the Islands and enjoy sunbathing, cycling and amusement rides. The Harbour offers breathtaking views of downtown Toronto. Ferry Fee: C$ 6 [Adults] C$ 2.50 [Children]-roundtrip fare Address: Lake Ontario Tel: 416/392-8193 ...
A prominent sculpture that has male figures at various stages of aridness descending a staircase; a line runs down the centre counts the victims of torture, exile and death which is quite sobering. Address: foot of Petrin Hill ...
Perhaps the most dominating Catholic Church in Tunis, the Cathedral of Saint Paul has been built on neo-byzantine structures with two towers that can be seen from far. The church holds a lot of importance for its followers because Saint Paul, a Frenchman was abducted by pirates to Tunis and held in prison for two years in 1605. History has it, he was sanctified by the pope in the 18th century. ...