Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The energy was electric at the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Minuwangoda, where 53 eager competitors from 10 countries composing of 20 teams decked out the start line with their costumes awaiting the official day one flag off.
This year, Large Minority (www.largeminority.travel) in partnership with Connaissance de Ceylan and Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, welcomed the 14th edition of the Lanka Challenge. In this edition, the event explores wild and less travelled territory in the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces. The self-drive Tuk-Tuk Challenge, will give teams an up close and personal experience of some of the most fascinating historical sites and views of this island paradise, all the while raising money for local charities and environmental organisations.
Responsible tourism and large minority
Julian Carnall, who is the founder of Large Minority – an Experiential Travel Operator, offering responsible travel experiences in Sri Lanka, Colombia and Cambodia said, “The company incorporates philanthropic projects and eco-friendly initiatives in their travel experiences, which not only intends to promote the destination but give back to the local communities.”
The Lanka Challenge team will continue to support its local partners; ‘the Red Cross Society of Sri Lanka’ and ‘Land Owners Restore Rainforest in Sri Lanka (LORRIS)’. A total of 10% of each team’s entry fee will be given directly to the charity partners. Julian Carnall adds, “Last year we collected over $ 8,000 which we used for different charitable projects including donating textbooks, musical instruments and planting more than 200 indigenous trees to offset our carbon emissions. In 2019 we intend to raise even more funds in Sri Lanka to touch many more lives through our sustainable initiatives.”
In addition to this, each team is encouraged to raise at least $ 500 on their own. Julian says, “The additional money raised by the teams are given to their preferred charities. We also welcome support from any individual who is unable to join but still wants to support or raise funds.”
Benefits of adventure tourism
This year Sri Lanka is especially blessed to host three different Lanka Challenge events which have an immense positive contribution to the local economy. From a statistical perspective the average spending per ‘Adventure Tour traveller’ is around $ 200 a day compared with your standard traveller who spends around $ 150 a day. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism understands this value and therefore has endorsed and supported Lanka Challenge. Sri Lankan Airlines was the main sponsor for the event and Connaissance de Ceylan is the official ground handling partner.
Event details
Dates:
20-28 April 2019
No of nights:
9 nights
No of teams:
20 teams
No of travellers:
53 people
Total km:
1,000 km approx.
Tuk Tuks:
20 Tuks (2-3 pax per Tuk)
Nationalities:
British, South Africans, Australians, French, Americans, German, Denmark, New Zealand, Swiss, Singapore
Official Travel Agent: Connaissance De Ceylan
Main Partner: Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines.
Event Facilitators: Ministry of Health and Defence Ministry
Itinerary/Route details
For the event starting this weekend, they have invited the following social media personalities. Find below their names and links:
Pix by Kumarasiri Prasad
