United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Former Sri Lanka Tourism director becomes villa ‘ambassador’
Former UK director of Sri Lanka Tourism, Jean-Marc Flambert, has taken on a new role as UK ambassador for Taru Villas.
Created by interior designer Nayantara Fonseka, Taru has 14 boutique properties in Sri Lanka, where it is planning to expand.
Flambert said he intends to find tour operator partners to work with to promote Taru in the UK.
“I can’t wait to start meeting with the UK luxury industry,” he said. “I plan to hand-pick a few partners, making sure we carefully curate the right experiences to the needs of their client.”
The UK is Taru’s biggest source market. Fonseka said: “The decision to engage a UK Ambassador stems from our belief in the power of human connection.
“We need to build on our partnerships with tour operators, agents and influencers. The decision to engage Jean-Marc, is based on our belief that his network, his relationships and his passion for Sri Lanka can add value to what we do.”
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
NCL cancels dozens of sailings on three ships
FBI investigate cruise ship death
Flight attendant killed during layover in ‘senseless crime’