ECD in tie-up to market affordable tour packages to Sri Lanka and Maldives

By Cheranka Mendis

ECD Global Pvt Ltd. inked a partnership with Maldivian operator Secret Paradise Pvt Ltd. which will look to offer independent travellers, gap year students and mature travellers with unique and affordable, culture sharing, adventure tour packages in Sri Lanka and Maldives soon.

Having signed the MoU yesterday, ECD Global was appointed as the local agent for Secret Paradise guest/rest houses and would promote cost-effective and affordable holiday packages in the Maldives, ranging from US$ 300 per person upwards. Secret Paradise will in turn promote Sri Lanka in the Maldives. The long term plan is to promote a joint package for travellers which would include both destinations.

The concept, a brain child of Secret Paradise Director Sales Ruth Franklin was formulated to introduce travellers to Maldives at a less-than-exclusive price. Noting that the country was known for its white sands, relaxation and high-end resorts with the general perception being that of an expensive travel destination, the new island packages will promote the other aspects of the popular holiday islands among tourists.  During the last 18 months the Maldivian Government relaxed restrictions by introducing laws to allow guest houses to operate on all islands for the first time, allowing tourists to experience the real Maldives everywhere in the archipelago. “Through my love for scuba diving I was in Maldives for long years living mostly in safari boats or luxury resorts. With the general perception of the country being luxury, high class and expensive, Maldives was out of reach for most travellers,” Franklin said. “It was this that triggered my idea to join the scuba and underwater marine life the country is famous for with the culture and the people of the country,” she added.

Accommodation will be arranged on locally-run island guesthouses that include meals with island families. Travellers will be able to join in local crafts lessons, visit Maldivian schools and enjoy secret local beaches where alcohol and modesty laws do not apply. “We can also ensure the tourists experience all the things the Maldives islands are renowned for such as diving, snorkelling, sunset safaris, world-class spas and wellness facilities,” Franklin stated. Secret Paradise Managing Director Mohamed Ziyad said: “This combination of culture sharing is needed for most travellers. The next generation of travellers will be based more on culture than leisure. We see the same trend in Sri Lanka.”

ECD Global, one of Sri Lanka’s leading passenger transportation companies’ currently handles SriLankan Airline’s technical and cabin crew transport since 2002 and was also endorsed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka for handling over 800 VIPs from around the world in September 2012 as the official transport provider for the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The company also handles transportation for multinational corporates such as Unilever Sri Lanka, Hilton Residencies Colombo and for foreign missions, embassies, and VIP movements. “In Sri Lanka likewise, we will be in the process of formulating an affordable range on a similar line,” ECD Global GM Hans Beekmeyer said.  The local island package in Maldives, excluding international flights, ranges from three to 15 days and start from US$ 300. For travellers who wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the three-four day package offers an excellent way to combine both styles of holidays, particularly as all packages start and finish at Male International Airport.  

“We are clearly defining our market here. Our wish is to access and capture the entire market across the board,” Beekmeyer concluded.

Pic by Lasantha Kumara