Twenty-three beautiful young finalists of the Miss Universe China pageant have been touring Sri Lanka since the beginning of August 2014, and made a stopover at the historic Lake Hotel in Polonnaruwa recently. The participants have chosen Sri Lanka as their destination getaway, following regional selections that will culminate in the Grand Finale of the Miss Universe China pageant, scheduled to be held in September in Shanghai. 

Accompanying the contingent is Yue-Sai Khan, the Chinese American Emmy-winning television host and producer, successful entrepreneur, fashion icon, bestselling author and humanitarian who has a mammoth following in China. The Miss Universe China is organized by Yue-Sai Khan Productions, and is one of the most glamorous events in China gathering business leaders, celebrities, international VIPs and media.

“The Sri Lanka tour is the first overseas trip Miss Universe China has embarked on with all of the final contestants. We look at it not only as a holiday but as a great experience for the girls to get a glimpse of what Miss China's role entails as a cultural ambassador who represents their own country as well as in learning and embracing all new cultures,” stated Yue.

The sheer scale and the significant growth of Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the last two years has made China the second largest source market for the country. From 55,000 arrivals recorded last year, the number has already exceeded 100,000 to date this year, and is expected to grow further by end 2014. In addition to the increase in tourist traffic, it has also been noted that the Chinese are now trending towards selecting popular and fashionable destinations for their holidays, and rely on celebrity experiences and endorsements when doing so.

Commenting on the Ceylon Hotels Corporation’s involvement in the tour itinerary Omer Idroos, Assistant Director Sales, Ceylon Hotels Corporation notes, “It is this insight that made us partner with this initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Sri Lankan Airlines so that we together can enhance presence for both the destination and brands in this market effectively”.

The ladies were treated to a signature “Rice and Curry Luncheon” prepared with fresh local ingredients by master chef Thusitha, and was complimented by inherent Sri Lankan hospitality and an exceptional level of service that is synonymous with the Ceylon Hotel’s Corporation properties.

About the Galle Face Hotel: The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka. Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka. 

Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp. 

The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor. 

The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy. 

About the Galle Face Hotel Group: The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC. 

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses. 

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection, Galle Face Hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy. Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds. 

The Resorts Collection: 4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country.

The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa. 

Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors. 

The Heritage Rest House Collection: The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island; Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama. 

Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka. 

Photo caption: The Finalists at Lake Hotel

[caption id="attachment_4568" align="alignnone" width="640"] The Finalists enjoying the tradiotional Lake House Luncheon[/caption]