When Sri Lanka holds her largest ever government election on February 10, tourist arrivals – unlike in the recent past – will not be affected.
Major tourism stakeholders told TTGmice that they are confident that business would be as usual next month.
Shiromal Cooray, managing director at Jetwing Travels, asserted that there would be “no issues”.
According to Harith Perera, managing director of Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka, there is normally a level of cautious travel during elections. “This was evident during the last presidential election in January 2015 when there was tension and violence,” he said.
However, the situation is very calm this time and the election hasn’t attracted any global attention, he pointed out.
During the January 8, 2015 presidential election campaign, violence was rampant. There were also fears of post-election violence when incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa was challenged by health minister Maithripala Sirisena who defected to the opposition and eventually won the poll.
While January typically shows double-digit growth, in 2015 arrivals slowed to an increase of 6.6 per cent from January 2014, compared to a 24.3 per cent increase in January 2016 and 32.6 per cent in January 2014.
Also positive is Achini Dandunnage, senior manager, Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau, who expects business events traffic into her destination to continue as usual in February.
Offering proof of normalcy, Giles Selves, area general manager for Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Anantara Kalutara Resort and AVANI Kalutara Resort, said he signed three corporate group contracts in the week of January 8 and Anantara Kalutara Resort will welcome several corporate events in February.
“We are not seeing any negative impact. Everything we are hearing (from the ground) is that there won’t be any issues during this election, so why wouldn’t travels into Sri Lanka continue? We are also still getting enquiries for March, April and onwards,” said Selves. – Additional reporting by Karen Yue
The mission is to gather data from other fallen soldiers by travelling to different time periods and geographical locations, such as a prehistoric valley, an Egyptian tomb, or outer space.
Each game can be played by two to four participants, each given their own HTC Vive headset and a 3m by 3m room to move within. The experience can last up to 45 minutes, and has a seamless framerate – ensuring no dizziness or nausea.
TTGmice understands that Virtual Room is planning to launch another experience sometime this year.
MICE application
As expected in team missions, players are required to work together, pool their resources, and identify their objectives. An interesting condition in Virtual Room is that players are separated into individual rooms, with contact limited to in-built microphones and in-game interaction.
This system fosters clear and efficient communication between team members, as each player possesses a unique and crucial element that is required to solve every puzzle.
Some stages of the game also encourage participants to efficiently organise their line of attack while under pressure.
At the end of the mission, players can pose as their in-game avatars for “wefies” with backgrounds and props of their choice from the game.
While each game only allows two to four participants, the facility can hold up to 22 participants in total. Larger groups will be split into multiple teams.
Service
We were assisted by an experienced crew member, who walked us through essentials such as controls and how to avoid bumping into walls.
As we completed our mission with time to spare, the staff offered to let us replay certain stages and even the entire game with a speed run.
For players who have completed the experience or are awaiting their turn, the facility has a photobooth with props and a lounge. Bookings are essential in order to secure a slot.
Contact
Website: singapore.virtual-room.com
Email: singapore@virtual-room.com
Tel: (65) 6966 8060