FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I go about organising a sports tour for my team?

Try to have a good idea of what most interests you — and what doesn’t. All the pre-planning you do is to your advantage as it helps us provide the exact holiday you need. Changes of mind are inevitable, but it can be frustrating for you when hotels and flights can become unavailable while itineraries are being fine-tuned. However, if you have no ideas at all, tell us your budget and we will make suggestions. Some of the factors below would be a useful guide in your pre-preparation.

  • Dates or approximate month of tour
  • Budget
  • Approximate tour numbers
  • Accommodation preference
  • Travel option
  • Number of Fixtures
  • Extra excursion options

How can Red Dot help to organise a sports tour for my team?

Organising a sports tour takes up a lot of time, effort and money. There is a lot of pressure on you to organise the tour flawlessly whilst getting the best possible value for money. You also have to worry about government travel regulations; insurance and liability so our advice is leave it to the professionals. Our dedicated team of consultants can arrange as much or as little of your tour as you need, from accommodation and fixtures only to an all-inclusive cricket tour. We can arrange:

  • Flights and transfers for full tour.
  • A range of accommodation options from budget to boutique hotels
  • Competitive fixtures at Test and international venues
  • A fun and exciting range of days and nights out
  • Travel insurance
  • A Red Dot representative throughout the tour

Does Red Dot have a background and experience in sports?

Red Dot began in 2000 with cricket tours run by its founders, David Hopps and Charlie Austin, who were both respected cricket writers and sports journalists and who implanted their vast experience travelling the world of sport. We have built from there and all our team are good players and keen supporters of cricket and other sports. We combine our wealth of knowledge of the island with a day to day interaction with Sri Lankan cricket to design and organise innovative tours whether your group is a club, University, school; young or old; or just a random collection of friends.


How do I know I’m getting the best value for money on my sports tour?

Red Dot has built strong relationships with a diverse set of suppliers of hotels, coach companies, attractions, airlines and more. As one of Sri Lanka’s most respected holiday companies you would expect nothing less. As a result we are able to get competitive rates which we pass on to our clients. It is always our aim to organise your cricket tour efficiently and as economically as you could organise it all yourself. The advantage is you don’t have to do all the running around finding accommodation, opposition, insurance, flights or solving the snags that our bound to occur both before and during the tour.


I’ve got a quote from another sports tour company, can you better it?

We are confident that our cricket tours are always competitively priced. However, if you’ve got a quote from another tour company for a comparable tour then we are glad to try and match or better it. Our cricket tours focus on superior value and the personal touch.


Can you prepare tailor-made tours?

Whatever your requirements, we always strive to tailor your itinerary to your group’s wishes. We recognise the yearning of many independently-minded teams to experience Sri Lanka “unpackaged.” We offer total flexibility and provide knowledgeable and independent advice and committed personal service.


Which countries can Red Dot organise cricket tours to?

Red Dot is a specialist in cricket tours to Sri Lanka.


When is the best time to play cricket in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate generally offers warmth and sunshine throughout the year. Figures vary widely from region to region. For the purposes of your tour, the south-west monsoon (Yala) brings most rain during May/June. There are also inter-monsoon rains, usually in October/early November. For schools, a good time to tour is just before or after the school term season. Easter is popular and, for clubs, September offers sharp prices. Alternatively, there is a buzz and fine weather all over the island in December, January and February time when tourism is at its peak.


What is the weather like during our tour?

Sri Lanka is a hot tropical country. We have detailed knowledge of the best times to our and how to contend with the special challenge of cricket in the tropics.


How long do you recommend we tour for?

Red Dot recommends at least a two week tour to any of our cricketing destinations; flights usually take up one day each either way. The rest of the time would be used for touring.


Is Red Dot able to organise tours for all budgets?

Yes. We cater to all budgets and do not let that stop you from considering going on tour.  Red Dot has identified and works with a wide range of properties to cater to all budgets.


Is Red Dot able to book flights?

Yes, Red Dot is able to book flights at the most competitive rates on any airline.


Is Red Dot ATOL bonded?

Yes. Red Dot Tours offers full ATOL protection to UK customers who buy flight-holidays from us. Our flight prices are shown independently and are highly competitive. Our ATOL no is 5517. The Air Travel Organisers’ Licence is the UK government-backed scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority and gives security for all air packages sold by UK tour operators. If a company stops trading, you’ll get a refund. If you’re abroad at the time, you’ll be able to finish your holiday and fly home. Discover why you should protect yourself at Click Here Like a large majority of independent, small travel company, we are not members of ABTA. Please note that non-flight deals are not covered by ATOL-bonding.


Is Red Dot able to organise the best venues?

Red Dot has close relations with the various sports board of Sri Lanka and this gives us the advantage of offering some of the historic international test venues & first class venues in both countries. Local school and club grounds are also used to provide a unique experience for the touring teams.


Are you able to organise practice sessions and coaching days?

Yes. Red Dot always incorporates practice sessions before the start any tour. Also we arrange coaching clinics with past cricketers especially for school groups.


Can Red Dot make sure the matches are competitive and not too one-sided?

Red Dot always believes in creating a competitive sports tour. We always look to match your teams experience, skill and overall standard when organising local opposition, and we will respond to indications of respective strengths as the tour develops.


What type of transport can be organized?

Red Dot Tours believes in providing the best in comfort and quality, we are able to provide modern 15 to 40 seater a/c coaches and mini-vans.


Are you able to organise the travel arrangements for parents?

Yes, Red Dot will be glad to help with other arrangements you require. We can organise all accommodation, transfers and excursions on your behalf.


Will we have a cricket liaison officer for the full trip?

Red Dot offers a knowledgeable liaison officer for the full tour to help with all aspects of your tour.


Are we best booking on a B&B, Half Board or Full Board basis?

Red Dot can offer your holiday bookings on any above the meal plans. Generally bookings are made on BB basis for tours and where necessary additional meal plans could be booked. We organise delicious buffet lunches on match days.


Are you able to organise community days for school tours?

Red Dot encourages an interactive and constructive relationship with the community in which cricket breaks all boundaries. Red Dot is close friends with the Foundation of Goodness community near Galle. The charity is championed by Muttiah Muralitharan and supported by cricketers the world over. Red Dot has also supports a Kandyan orphanage in the hill country. If there is another specific charity project your team wish to visit, Red Dot would be delighted to arrange this in your itinerary.


Do you provide Risk Assessments?

We have a detailed Risk Assessment available. This is regularly checked and updated.


How much spending money will we need to bring?

Red Dot recommends that one brings enough amount funds for the entire duration of you holiday. As a guide approximately £40 to 50 per day would be spend on meals, local transfers and shopping. Credit cards are widely accepted in bars and restaurants. However, credit card fraud is increasing worldwide and so minimising risk in any country in the world is always advisable. We advise on where to stay and where to go. Booking in advance with Red Dot and paying in cash for extras if you are ever unsure is your safest alternative. Red Dot also operates a strict anti-fraud policy; ask for details.


Should players or supporters buy travellers cheques or use ATM’s?

In Colombo, and other major centres such as Galle and Kandy, there are now ample ATM machines. You should not rely on this option in more far-flung destinations. Note that Scotland and Northern Ireland notes are NOT accepted. Traveller’s cheques have almost died out and are not accepted as direct transactions in bars and restaurants. If you are cashing a traveller’s cheque, bank rates are better than hotel rates but the process can take longer. The banks in the airport arrivals hall offer excellent value and our ground agents will wait until you have made the transaction. As anywhere in the world, guard your money, credit cards and travellers cheques safely and use safety-deposit boxes if possible. You cannot buy Sri Lankan rupees in advance.


Do I need a visa in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has introduced a compulsory online visa system for all travellers arriving in Sri Lanka from January 1, 2012. Visitors must apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization via www.eta.gov.lk established in the Department of Immigration and Emigration. There is a small fee for the visa. Citizens from Singapore and The Maldives are excepted. More details at Visas Immigration. The Sri Lanka Tourism Board website lists countries exempt from visas at Visa Rules.

it is advisable to have more than six months left on your passport at time of travel.


What vaccinations are required?

You are strongly advised to contact your own GP or vaccination centre in respect of required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. Check on recommended inoculations as least a month before travel. Malaria tablets, plus inoculations for tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio are all recommended. Top hotels can advise on reputable local doctors, or private hospitals in the event of serious illness.


How can I register for your next supporter’s tour?

You can register interest for an upcoming series by sending an email to us at [email protected].


What is the best way to make contact about our sports tour?

The sales teams for Red Dot Sports are based in Colombo. This enables us to offer up-to-the-minute advice and highly competitive prices, as well as supporting the local economy. We can deal effectively with enquiries from anywhere in the world. We prefer that you contact us initially by email on [email protected].  This method is not as impersonal as it sounds! Whenever you need to discuss your holiday with a consultant, simply phone one of these numbers:

  • International Sales: +94 117 895 810 (Monday to Friday 0900hrs to 1730hrs Sri Lanka time)
  • UK Hotline: +44 870 231 7892 (Monday to Friday 0700hrs to 1200hrs UK time)
  • Skype: reddotsales (Monday to Friday 0700hrs to 1200hrs UK time)

0900 to 1730 Monday to Friday, Sri Lanka: answer phone monitoring and call-back service on evenings Monday to Friday and Saturdays. Closed except for emergencies on Sundays and public holidays. Note Holiday Hotline calls for UK landlines normally cost 10p per minute.

Sri Lanka 5.5hrs ahead of GMT. Calls from Europe are therefore best made by lunchtime.


Can you organise tickets to watch international matches?

Yes. Red Dot can arrange tickets to international matches that take place in Sri Lanka. Please ask your consultant during your booking process.


Is the information that I provide to you safe?

Information provided in our payment centre is protected by secure servers. We never spam or pass on your information to any third party. We have a strict and clearly-stated anti-fraud policy. We shred documents holding personal information. We shall only send you occasional information, such as a free quarterly emailed newsletter, if you specifically request it. We advise you never to email us your credit card details.


When is the holiday actually confirmed?

Travel industry regulations demand that you receive a Travel Voucher once your holiday has been agreed and booked. This confirms your holiday. You must then arrange payment as laid down in our booking conditions (see next question). Until then, there is no contract between you and Red Dot. You will also receive other useful information.


Do you promote only certain hotels?

We have our favourites – everybody does. We also expect certain standards of hygiene, comfort and service. But we are not limited to a small range of hotels. We fiercely protect our independence and deal with all hotel companies and independent owners if we believe that they have something good to offer. We will seek to ascertain what hotel best suits your preferences and your budget, and we will also happily respond to your specific requests. At all times, we will seek to negotiate the best rate possible. Sri Lanka has a wonderful and varied range of accommodation choices. Take a look at our website and ask us for advice.


Can you obtain group flight rates?

When running a group sports tour, Red Dot will always seek to negotiate group flight rates at competitive prices. By booking flights with us, you have the benefit of full ATOL protection on your tour. As a holiday company, as well as a proven sports specialist, we have long-standing relationships with all major airlines to Sri Lanka. We can offer flights from Heathrow with the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, as well as options via the Middle East from a host of UK airports with carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar.


I have a medical condition that may need special assistance on the flight or during my stay. What should I do?

We recommend that you contact your doctor, at least a month before departure, and request that full details of your condition are provided in writing. We will then forward this information to the airline, ground agents, or hotels as appropriate.


I am interested in one of your specialist cricket tours, but we want to make changes. Is this possible?

Red Dot offers total flexibility and can respond to all requests to adjust itineraries. We will advise if we believe changes these to be realistic. On occasions, these adjustments will involve a change in price. We do not levy a charge to tailor-make holidays.


When will the flight tickets arrive?

Our flight etickets are either ticketed by the airline or an agent. These may only arrive about 10 days before travel, especially in peak periods. They are emailed to you and, for UK residents, are also posted to the address shown on the travel Voucher. If you require different arrangements, please give us as much notice as possible. If your address or email details change, please tell us!


Can you recommend any shopping outlets?

Reddottours.com provides information as part of a general service. But please note that Red Dot Tours never officially recommends, or accepts commission from, any Sri Lanka outlet and therefore cannot take any responsibility for the quality of goods sold. Any opinions expressed by Red Dot drivers are solely their own views and do not constitute company recommendations. The sole exception to this is where goods are ordered directly through us (eg cricket clothing). If you make a purchase, you should be aware that you may face unexpected extra costs for tax, handling charges, customs, and delivery fees. In Australia, for example, fumigation certificates may also prove a problem.


What if people need to contact me in an emergency when I’m in Sri Lanka?

We provide a contacts sheet, upon your departure, with tel nos for our team in Sri Lanka. We can also provide a list of hotel phone numbers on request. Mobile phones operate in all major areas and you can buy low-cost pay-as-you-go Sri Lankan SIM cards on arrival. We can provide a SIM card on request to anyone booking a tour with us. The Colombo office can pass on emergency messages. Leave contact numbers, plus a copy of your itinerary, with appropriate friends or relatives.