Tag Archives: Sri Lanka

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s wild coastal frontier, Jetwing Jungle Lodge, launches, emerging as a beacon of sustainable luxury. Adjacent to Yala National Park, this exquisite retreat offers an unparalleled experience of coastal luxury set amidst the untamed beauty of nature. Featuring ten private Jungle Dwellings, each residence stands as a sanctuary of serenity, complete with expansive wooden terraces that serve as perfect vantage points for observing diverse wildlife roaming freely around the property. Recent enhancements at the once-safari camp transcend aesthetic upgrades. With the introduction of a stunning rooftop infinity pool providing a tranquil oasis, guests can now bask in panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the lush jungle canopy. The lodge’s culinary offerings celebrate Sri Lankan heritage infused with international flavours, presenting a diverse dining palette, from The Thicket restaurant to unique experiences at The Hive rooftop bar and beach dining on the dunes. To further enhance the guest experience, a team of skilled butlers is on hand to provide personalized service and curate exclusive excursions. Jetwing Jungle Lodge’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its strides towards becoming Sri Lanka’s first ‘Net Zero’ resort. A significant 125kW solar photovoltaic system has been installed, aiming to offset the resort’s direct and indirect emissions entirely. Further, the lodge has installed an on-site generated biogas and biomass. For those seeking an escape that harmonizes luxury with ecological consciousness, Jetwing Jungle Lodge offers a guilt-free retreat into the wild, where every moment contributes to a more sustainable future. Jetwing Jungle Lodge is an addition to the brand’s diverse portfolio of luxury hotels and villas. A leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism in Sri Lanka, Jetwing Hotels has established …

SriLankan Airlines, aiming to capture travellers’ attention with its safety protocols, has launched a brand-new onboard safety video featuring a range of Sri Lanka’s most mesmerising scenic locations. In the air travel industry, disseminating safety information is a regulatory pre-requisite, as well as a precaution to ensure that every passenger is aware of safety provisions and protocols. The new safety video transcends this basic requirement by incorporating the island’s aesthetics and the signature warmth and care of SriLankan’s onboard service, to create a cinematic experience that is both informative and captivating. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, said, “We are delighted to launch our brand-new onboard safety video, which we premiered to over 200 international travel trade partners at the Global Sales Conference. This video replaces the one we have had for over a decade and offers a fresh perspective on the island home we proudly share with the world.” While drawing the viewer’s attention to vital safety details, the video unveils the tourist attractions of SriLankan Airlines’ hub, Sri Lanka. It transforms the flight cabin into various scenic ambiances, conveying that a journey aboard SriLankan Airlines to Sri Lanka is a visually captivating experience in itself. As the regulatory body, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) worked closely with the airline, where the input and valuable insights of the former were immensely helpful to deliver an accurate and universally comprehensible safety demonstration. The Inflight Entertainment system (IFE) version of the video includes subtitles in Sinhala and Tamil, enhancing the clarity and engagement of the safety guidelines being demonstrated. SriLankan Airlines has always been in the forefront of marketing quintessential island attributes to its global network, both …

Underlining the role of Indian outbound in Sri Lanka’s economy, Sri Lankan MP, V Radhakrishnan, said, “The country depends on tourism. 60% of the people come from India,” on the occasion of Kumbhabhishekam puja at the Seetha Amman Temple. In fact, even in 2023, Indians top the list of key contributors to Sri Lanka’s tourism with 3,02,844 arrivals.

Jetwing Hotels, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry for over five decades, remains dedicated to fostering positive change for people and the planet. In line with this commitment, Jetwing Hotels has invested over one million USD to expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 1.6 megawatts (MW) by the end of July 2024. Installation work commenced in December 2023 and has made significant progress, currently standing at 65% completion. Jetwing Hotels has been at the forefront of integrating renewable energy into its hotel operations since 2010, when a 20-kilowatt (kW) system was installed specifically for guest room lighting at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. In the past 14 years, Jetwing Hotels has strategically implemented solar PV systems amounting to 925kW across its various properties along with the corporate office (Jetwing House) in Colombo which features its own solar PV system with a capacity of 40kW. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated 1,069-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar energy across its properties; equivalent to providing power for 13,490 households and mitigating the release of 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The forthcoming solar PV system installations will enhance the current capacity up to 2.6 MW, achieved by incorporating new installations and expanding existing systems. Jetwing Hotels currently meets 8% of their electricity requirement through solar PV installations. The new expansion will triple that contribution, resulting in 24% of their total electricity usage being covered through solar power. While most systems are roof-mounted, certain properties of Jetwing are embracing innovative approaches to PV installations. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, situated amidst the serene countryside of Wellawaya, solar PV systems …

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, has launched its second property in beautiful Sri Lanka, this move puts the chain well in place to enter into the luxury leisure segment and increase the brands international footprint further. Celestial Hills, a boutique luxury resort, is nestled in the picturesque city of Kandy, the resorts blending in seamlessly with nature, features 11 luxury private villas, each with their own private plunge pools, an outdoor shower and a large balcony all looking into Hatana and Knuckle mountain ranges. The resort also features a local cuisine restaurant, where guests can experience local flavors looking over some fabulous views. The spa, consists of 2 treatment rooms with a range of therapies that our guests can choose from. The pool, nestled in between the trees, is a perfect afternoon spot to relax. The visitors can explore Kandy, which is  a cultural jewel with UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant markets, and tranquil lakes and immerse in a cultural odyssey with the rhythmic beats of Kandyan drums and engagements with local artisans. Mr. Rahul Deb Banerjee, Vice President of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, ‘Our strategy involves both national and international expansion. With our unique property in Sri Lanka, we aim to provide travellers with exceptional experiences. As the Sri Lankan government promotes tourism and domestic interest grows, we anticipate a surge in tourism. We are actively promoting Sri Lanka as our new international destination, offering Indian travellers our renowned hospitality globally.’

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts strengthens its footprints in Sri Lanka by opening The Albatross Golf Resort in Kandy. They are aiming to promote the country to the Indian travellers, and take advantage of the growing Sri Lankan business and leisure travel market. The brand is aggressively looking for expansion in the neighboring country by opening properties in different key locations in Sri Lanka. The Albatross Golf Resort Digana, Kandy by The Clarks, is perched on top of “The Coconut Hill” and has a backdrop of Pidurutalagala Peak. The property is in close proximity to a 18 hole Golf Course with breathtaking views of the hills and the Victoria reservoir. It is centrally located, and is in close proximity to temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium. The resort is frequented by many well-known international golfers, celebrities, business tycoons, entrepreneurs, and international test cricketers. This upscale property has 8 modern rooms divided into three categories – The Royal Albatross Suite, The Tee off Suite and Deluxe Rooms catering to guests from all over the globe. The Royal Albatross Suite provides a fascinating wide-span view of the famed Hunnasgiriya, Hanguranketha, Galaha and Piduruthalagala mountain ranges, with the Golf Course, Victoria Waterways and Dam. The magnificent suite boasts of a private balcony, jacuzzi, rain shower, butler service, and equipped with other modern amenities. They have an in-house bar serving strong and exotic mocktails and cocktails. The multi-cuisine restaurant located on the premises offers Indian, Sri Lankan and international cuisines. Further to meet the requirements of MICE and corporate, the property has an arrangement to cater to fifty persons. Rahul Deb Banerjee, Vice President, The Clarks Hotels …

LINKIN Reps has been appointed the India sales, marketing, and public relations representation office for Haritha Villas+ Spa, Sri Lanka. LINKIN Reps will be responsible for driving holistic sales, trade marketing and PR Strategies in India for Haritha Villas+ Spa, Sri Lanka. “India has always been a very important market for us, not only as it is the number 1 inbound market to Sri Lanka, but also due to them being our closest regional neighbour. The long-standing friendship and support rendered to Sri Lanka by the people of India have been pivotal in supporting us in this very difficult time of unprecedented economic uncertainty as well as the global pandemic and other international shocks. Keeping this in mind, we are happy that LINKIN Reps will represent us, with their vast tourism experience and through their large network of travel agents in the country to promote our little island and Haritha Villas + Spa to the luxury travel segment in India”, said Thanuja Weerasinghe, Sales & Marketing. “India has always been a very important market for us, not only as it is the number 1 inbound market to Sri Lanka, but also due to them being our closest regional neighbour. The long-standing friendship and support rendered to Sri Lanka by the people of India have been pivotal in supporting us in this very difficult time of unprecedented economic uncertainty as well as the global pandemic and other international shocks. Keeping this in mind, we are happy that LINKIN Reps will represent us, with their vast tourism experience and through their large network of travel agents in the country to promote our little island and Haritha Villas + Spa to the luxury …

SriLankan Airlines adorns one of its aircraft with customized livery to reaffirm its status as the official airline of the much-awaited ‘Raid Amazones 2022.’ Raid Amazones 2022 is an annual sporting event in which a large number of French female athletes compete in a number of sports and activities against the backdrop of an iconic tourist site. Every year, the event highlights an attractive tourist destination by highlighting inherent elements such as its ecological beauty, residents’ way of life, and culture, which are publicly displayed to the world through worldwide media following the athletes on their tour. The event’s 20th edition will take place in the areas surrounding the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, which are rich in ecological beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic Sri Lankan village life. The first leg will be held from March 13 to 23, 2022, and the second leg will be held from March 27 to April 6, 2022. The event is likely to attract over 550 participants, including athletes and officials.

New measures to boost bilateral travel between Sri Lanka and India came under review yesterday at the third meeting of the Joint Working Group. The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Ministry of Tourism Secretary, S. Hettiarachchi from Sri Lanka and Ministry of Tourism, Joint Secretary, Rakesh Kumar Verma from India. Almost two-thirds tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in the month of September 2021 were from India, the High Commissioner mentioned that the easing COVID-19 situation in both India and Sri Lanka and the tourism promotion activities undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka had been instrumental in the resumption of large number of tourist arrivals from India to Sri Lanka.

The Philippines will lift travel restrictions on passengers coming from 10 countries beginning September 6, Malacañang announced on Saturday.”President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to lift the current travel restrictions in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia starting Sept. 6, 2021,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.