Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranathunga (third from left) and ZBO Chairman Alexandre Dabanne holding a document at the International French Travel Market (IFTM) last week, affirming the 20th edition of Raid Amazones will be held in Sri Lanka in 2022. Also in picture (from left): Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Nimesh Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Siri Hettiarachchi, (second from right) Connaissance De Ceylan Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe, and (extreme right) Connaissance De Ceylan Director Maxime Wickramasinghe

Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape will receive the much needed international spotlight next year with the world’s biggest female adventure challenge, ‘Raid Amazones’ held in the island nation.,

The 20th edition of the ‘Raid Amazones’ will be held in Sri Lanka in two legs where the events will be spread around the cultural triangle showcasing the beauty of the nature and culture of the country.

The 18th edition of Raid Amazones was also held in Sri Lanka and was focused on Passikudha, Thoppigala, and Kalkudah.

For 2022, the challenges are conceptualised to be held around the Sigiriya, Habarana, Kaudulla, and Moragahakanda regions.

A total of 600 participants are expected to participate in the event that will kick off on March 2022. The first leg will be held from 10 to 19 March 2022, while the second leg will be held from 24 March to 2 April 2022. The Raid Amazones will bring international media coverage for the event via print, television, radio, internet, and social media, and will expose Sri Lanka as a country and tourism destination.

The international event is held once a year in a different country with around 500 to 600 participants competing in a week-long multi-sport adventure challenge.

The 20th edition of the world’s biggest female event is organized by French-based ZBO and their local partner Connaissance de Ceylan.

The official Sri Lanka Tourism endorsement to facilitate the event was given in Paris during the International & French Travel Market (IFTM) by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranathunga to ZBO Chairman Alexandre Dabanne. ZBO is currently in discussion with SriLankan Airlines to utilise the services of the national carrier for the international event.

Held annually, over 600 female participants will compete in teams of two or three in challenges such as, Orienteering Cycling; Canoeing; Running and Archery. All the activities are designed to test the skill, determination, and teamwork of the contestants.

The 100 percent female event provides an opportunity for women to test their mental and physical endurance, all whilst enjoying the beautiful environment and enthralling culture of the host country.