Aitken Spence Travels, the leading Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka working in partnership with TUI Kazakhstan, will welcome the country’s first charter from Kazakhstan tomorrow (6) after the airports reopened for tourist arrivals.
According to the company, there will be two charters operating from Kazakhstan and it will be a first since the Sri Lankan borders re-opened for tourists. Air Astana flight will be a weekly flight operating every Saturday and is expected to continue till April 2021. In addition, SCAT Airlines will also operate weekly flights every Thursday and will continue till April 2021.
The combined passenger strength is approximately 350 passengers a week and the flights will land at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport, Mattala. All arrangements have been made ensuring that the operations are carried out conforming to the health and safety guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the Tourism Authority.
"Aitken Spence Travels as the local DMC engaged in this operation, began talks with TUI Kazakhstan when the government was making plans to re-open the airports using the ‘bio bubble’ concept," the company said.
"The charters from Kazakhstan is a result of gaining the confidence from our tour operators to promote Sri Lanka as a safe and secure travel destination to be explored and enjoyed by their holiday makers."
Aitken Spence Travels has identified Kazakhstan as a medium market that has immense potential to expand tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. The majority of Kazakhstan travelers prefer 4-star & 5-star hotel accommodation options whilst patronising other categories. They are seen travelling together as families with children. The average stay is 7 nights while 20% of the bookings are for the two weeks duration.