The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka has appointed Mark Snoxell from Exposure Downunder as the new chief executive officer.

Snoxell has been representing The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka in Australia and New Zealand through Exposure Downunder since 2019.

Travel Concierge Sri Lanka’s managing director, Laahiru Jayamanne, said that Snoxell has been instrumental in driving The Travel Concierge to be future-ready, weathering the tough times of the pandemic, and enabling the company to drive tangible digital & sustainable projects.

Snoxell said: “it’s great timing with Sri Lanka being a perfect destination for Antipodeans ready to blow the dust off their passports.”

“I believe that Sri Lanka is an absolute gem.  This is an opportunity for agents to demonstrate their value by having superb tailor made itineraries created for their clients.

“It’s easy to jump online and book a well-known luxury property.  It’s a different thing to have someone talk about the boutique properties and authentic experiences.”

When asked what are the top must-do’s in Sri Lanka post-pandemic, Snoxell said: “Support local. An agent asked me this week what can they do to help the communities. We work with locals from across the island bringing diverse product to our guests. The best thing anyone can do for Sri Lankans, is simply to visit.”

Sri Lanka’s borders have been open for tourists from selected countries since April this year as a pilot project. During this period, Sri Lanka tourism, together with the health ministry, set up a  framework for handling tourists during the pandemic with a special focus on the safety of the clients, staff and communities.

The Sri Lankan tourism industry have done a series of trainings to all industry-related personnel, established a certification process to all related suppliers, and set up an emergency response model in the event of a traveller needing assistance.

Sri Lanka have currently fully vaccinated 63.91 per cent of its population.