Surf Champions at Arugam Bay. Again.

Arugam Bay back to life event

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

One of the most sought after destinations in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay, will once again burst with life when it will host the international Windsurfing Championships and beach carnival next July.

Arugam Bay last hosted an international event of this magnitude in 2004 and it was a major intentional tourist attraction. By hosting this event Arugam Bay will once again enter to the international tourist map giving value to the destination.

Managing Director, Crystal Holidays (Pvt) Ltd, Wasana Hettiarachchi said that his company has tied up with an UK based company to host this event. “We have already spoken to the SriLankan airlines and the Tourism Authority and they have pledged their support to assist us,” he said.

The event will also bring in over 200 foreign visitors to the venue and hotels around would get an opportunity to earn extra revenue. The foreign press too would be in large numbers that would give the much-needed additional exposure to the country.

He said that Sports tourism is gaining popularity and this is why he is taking a lead to promote the event. “A Veterans English Cricket tour too is on the cards for next year,” he added.

Director UK, Professional Surfing Tour, Dave Reed said Arugam Bay is one of the best locations in the world to host surfing events. “We have spoken to leading Surfers who are ready to come to Sri Lanka,” he said. These surfers are from Australia, South Africa, London, Germany and other European countries,” he said.

Since there is peace in the region the venue should be promoted more aggressively to the international market. The contest will also offer prize money totaling British Pounds 5,000.