Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and SriLankan Airlines have tied up with Renaissance Hotel Dubai to launch the fourth Sri Lankan food festival.

The event will be held from April 7 to 21 at the Spice Island restaurant in Renaissance Dubai Hotel.

“In spite of its tiny size, Sri Lanka boasts an amazing variety of food and styles of cooking,” said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East director of SLTPB.

“The island has a rich heritage of indigenous dishes and its regional cooking is strongly individual and varied.”

Al Mansoori added that the Sri Lankan food festival was an excellent way of showcasing Sri Lanka’s attractions to the clientele of the restaurant.

“As part of the Sri Lankan food festival promotion, those having a meal at the restaurant will be eligible to win two round trip tickets to Sri Lanka and other prizes via a raffle draw,” said Shiran Perera, UAE manager of SriLankan Airlines.

“Diners just need to drop their business cards to participate in the raffle and avail the opportunity,” he explained.

Hassan Yazbek, director of Food & Beverage, Renaissance Dubai Hotel said: “We are delighted to celebrate the Sri Lankan new year through our Sri Lankan food promotion which is now in its fourth straight year. This year, our cooperation with the SLTPB and SriLankan airlines will bring it to a whole new exciting level.”

“Our very own Sous Chef Chandana Kathriarachchi with his award winning culinary team including Assistant Pastry Chef Achala Weerasinghe who was recently named best pastry chef of the year at the Salon Culinaire will be preparing an array of fiery hot, rich food from the rich heritage of Sri Lankan cuisine such as the distinctive curry,” he added.

Al Mansoori added: “Cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping, and dining are some of the factors that draw modern day Arab travellers to their preferred destinations and Sri Lanka offers a good product that scores on all counts and is less than four hours flying time away from the Gulf.”

The Middle East has outperformed all other regions of the world, by becoming the fastest growing source market for Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka is one of the best kept secrets in the world as a travel destination, especially for Middle East travellers. The food is exotic and wonderful, the people are gracious and friendly, the accommodation options are first rate and many of the sights are unparalleled anywhere in the world,” said Al Mansoori. – TradeArabia News Service