SriLankan Airlines has recorded its first profitable fourth quarter (Q4) since 2006 for the financial year that ended on 31 March 2022 with a group net profit of USD 1.7 million despite pandemic challenges. SriLankan’s expansion initiative saw the launch of flights to several new destinations in the last year including Seoul; Moscow; Kathmandu and Paris. Frequencies were also gradually increased across the airline’s network in line with the recovery of the global travel industry and demand. The airline has also carried out major campaigns to boost tourism to the country including a major initiative in India, roadshows supporting new routes and most recently sponsoring the popular French annual adventure trail, Raid Amazones, in March of this year. The airline is now back to 75 per cent of the passenger revenue it made pre-pandemic in Q4 of 2019-20. Correspondingly, passenger numbers also rose to near 700,000 for the quarter. Ashok Pathirage, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines stated, “I am pleased to note that we ended 2021-22 on a high note, given our first quarterly profit in many years. The passenger demand remained strong, and revenues continued to recover from the setbacks of the pandemic during the quarter. Our annual expenditure remained within expectations. I am thankful to all our valued employees for contributing towards this achievement.” “We anticipate some headwinds in the first half of this financial year with high fuel prices and a short-term dip in demand to Sri Lanka. We have factored in these challenges and are working towards minimizing the impact with a strong business plan and a sound turnaround strategy to return to full-year profitability. Traffic is expected to recover fully by the end of the year …

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, a book launch of Novella titled ‘Healing Strings’ by Manmohan Sadana, Ex-Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India was done recently. The chief guest of the occasion was Koji Yoshida, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, who launched the book along with other prominent dignitaries. Talking of his book, Sadana, said, “My book will serve as a great tool to build a stronger connection and also to promote tourism between different countries.”

Tourism New Zealand has relaunched its travel trade website with the aim to deliver the best information, education, resources and support to inspire and help travel agents to sell New Zealand. The new website provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop for online training and inspirational content, as well as all sales tools and resources. The updated design and layout are more intuitive and user friendly for the agents. The website content is dedicated to informing them about New Zealand tourism product news, travel industry events and providing training opportunities to them.

Ministry of Tourism has released a digital booklet of 75 destinations to rediscover India. The book features destinations ranging from spiritual centres to cultural hubs, from royal palaces to ancient cities, these sites reflect our rich culture and heritage. The booklet comes in line with the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, through which travellers can explore 75 incredible sites in India.

Tourism Malaysia has kicked off its first roadshow to six major cities in India from 18th until 30th April 2022, after more than two years of hiatus. The roadshows are in line with Malaysia lifting sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022. Starting in Delhi, the roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of three (3) Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four (4) hoteliers, and four (4) product owners.

Travel trade In India can learn to sell Europe, America, Asia and Australia again. Get the on-ground situation report and updated travel protocols of these destinations in Hindi at the Thomas Cook webinar today at 3pm IST. To attend register on https://event.webinarjam.com/register/385/8v79mirn or contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +919650196532.

Galle Fort Hotel, which is Sri Lanka’s most iconic heritage hotel, has opened its doors to tourists once again on 23rd February 2022, after an extensive two-year restoration process. The ultra- luxe boutique property is located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort. It’s a Dutch mansion that dates back 300 years and was once a warehouse, which served as the residence of a renowned family of gem merchants during the British era. It was also used as Royal Air Force barracks and even a cricket pitch. The heritage restoration of the Galle Fort Hotel was done, working in line with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Archaeology to ensure that the building’s 300-year-old Dutch walls and facade were conserved as authentically as possible. The revamped Galle Fort Hotel features 11 luxurious suites with varying themes and decor. The Loft Suites have been given an entirely new look inspired by the Dutch East India Company, while the newly introduced Garden Suite draws its theme from the illustrations of a Dutch botanist. The Admiral Cheng Ho Suite features a Chinese-inspired decor, to reflect Galle as a historic crossroads of trade, while the entry- level Garden Room stands out with its massive hand painted wall, commissioned to a local artist. Expert restorers were brought in to work with the antiques, which are seen across the hotel and suites. One of the structural highlights of this property is the stunning Palladian colonnade verandah, which houses the Galle Fort Hotel Bar, with its exclusive selection of gins from across the globe. The adjoining gourmet restaurant is one of the best tables in the Galle Fort and serves up Western fusion cuisine. The architect who has …

Food and hospitality in Oman contribute with their presence to its economic development and also serve as a showcase for the hospitality industry in terms of growth, development and latest trends. The business and networking platform for companies and stakeholders is used by the industry to introduce the newest products and services in the areas of food, beverage, agriculture, fishing, cooking, and processing. Hotel chains across Muscat are famous for revving up dishes that are nothing short of gastronomic delights. The quality of food that you will receive on your holiday in Oman and the Gulf region has improved, especially when you are outside Muscat. One such hotel where guests find themselves in the lap of luxury is the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, which is nestled amongst the rugged mountains. The hotel has a plethora of amenities that make for a comfortable stay for its guests. The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, apt for a family vacation or an adrenaline-pushing romantic adventure, has two wings—Al Waha, “The Oasis,” and Al Bandar, “The Town.” While Al Waha is ideal for families, Al Bandar is the heart of the resort, catering to business and leisure travellers alike. Meetings and conferences take place in the latter. Both hotels boast a gamut of activities ranging from watersports to a kids’ club, a secluded spa, and several dining options. Overlooking 500-metres of coastline, it is difficult to pull oneself away from the AL Bandar. Like its name suggests, it is akin to a town with a mélange of restaurants. After you savour the exquisite Arabian flavours of tender roasted meats at Al Tanoor restaurant, you decide to take home a piece of Oman with the intricately-designed …

Get ready to sell Europe, America, Asia and Australia again. Learn more about the on-ground situation and updated travel protocols of these destinations at the Thomas Cook webinar today at 3pm IST and also get a free Rs.2000 Holiday Voucher.  Register for free at https://event.webinarjam.com/register/381/3v7k1iv1 or contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com; +91 9650196532.

N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, has been officially appointed as the Chairman of Air India. The national airline was recently acquired by Tata group from the government. The appointment was cleared at a board meeting held by Air India. Alice GeeVarghese Vaidyan, former CMD of General Insurance Corporation, will also be inducted as an independent director on board