‘Colombo Bike Week’ to boost recreational tourism

Friday, 18 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The ‘Colombo Bike Week’ event is another boost to the recreation tourism product lined with a growing global trend where affluent people indulge in an interest or passion which is an opportunity for countries to attract top dollar tourists provided the country has the unique terrain to meet the expectations of the visitors.

There is a growing interest from bikers groups around the world to explore Sri Lanka over the past three years with an increased number of Harley Davidson and Big Bikers groups seeking opportunities to visit Sri Lanka for recreational tours. The latest tour with over 20 Harley Davidson bike riders consisting of top businessmen, doctors and affluent people from Malaysia and United Kingdom are not just a group of motor cycle riding enthusiasts but actually are a set of deeply passionate people where riding is a top recreational activity having the potential to spend over $ 500 a day. According to Harley Davidson company demographics, today’s median Harley Davidson owner is a white male about 47 years old, with an income of around $ 90,000.

The Colombo Bike week also brings repeat visitors from the Malaysia Friendship Bike Tour held last year as well. The tour will cover over 1,000 km over a period of seven days around Sri Lanka from 14 to 19 March revving the streets of Sri Lanka.

The experience of the Colombo Bike Week 2016 has a great potential to attract high end tourists who are searching for unique adventure and experiential travel resulting in positive word of mouth.

The riders are set to commence the tour from Kalutara covering main cities of Hikkaduwa, Matara, Udawalawe, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Habarana, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Chilaw, Negombo and Colombo.

On the final day of the Tour, the sophisticated Harley Davidson branded bikes will be showcased from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Galle Face Green for public display and interaction with the riders who will make a tour around the City of Colombo revving up the engines for a rare sight on Colombo Streets.

Colombo Bike week organised by Buzzword Sdn Bhd and Motor Adventure Sports (MAS) Ceylon and is supported by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau with the intention of encouraging recreation tourism among high end tourists.