Two cruise ships, MS Europa 2 and MS Azamara Quest visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) on Tuesday (9th). More than 900 passengers disembarked to visit popular tourist destinations in the South. Amongst the sights were the Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Bundala National Park, Kataragama Devalaya and the Mulkirigala Temple. The visitors also had the opportunity to take a tour of the city of Hambantota and visited Shangri-La's Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa.
“We are happy to welcome these two cruise ships back. Azamara Quest visited us in December last year and Europa 2 called at the port in 2019. We are pleased to note that we are entering the cruise ship circuit and this would mean more vessels calling at the Hambantota International Port this year. The facilities for passengers and crew have been upgraded with duty-free shopping also available within the port premises. Hambantota International Port which is situated in a lush green environment, has been recognised as one of the cleanest ports in the world.” says Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).