Sri Log

Ebert Silva Holidays offer another unique package to Trincomalee on ‘Ocean Safaris’; their latest brand introduced for responsible Whale and Dolphin watching in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has gained international acclaim as the number one hotspot in the world to see Blue and Sperm Whales and is known to be an ideal location for close encounters with the largest mammal ever to live on earth and to witness numerous other varieties of Dolphins.

An exclusive tour of 2 nights and 3 days is scheduled for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of June.

The tour itinerary includes a whale and dolphin watching cruise on a Sri Lankan naval vessel on day 2. The cruise will take off in the early hours of the day, where guests are able to utilize the expertise of professionals and sail in comfort. There will also be lifesaving teams and medical personnel on board with snacks and bar facilities adding further enjoyment to the memorable experience.

The tour includes sightseeing of Pigeon Island, Kinniya hot wells, the Koneswaran Temple, city area and other places of interest. The package includes comfortable A/ C accommodation on full board twin sharing basis, luxury A/ C transport with day 1 breakfast and day 3 lunches at the Ambepussa Hotels Corporation Avanhala en route.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, was awarded ‘Best Business Class Airline, Middle East’ at the prestigious Business Destinations Travel Awards 2012.

The Business Destinations Travel Awards are voted for by readers of Business Destinations magazine, which is published in the UK every other month. The magazine has a worldwide readership of more than 100,000 and is distributed in premium aircraft cabins and airport lounges, to travel professionals and is sold through retail outlets.

Wayne Pearce, Oman Air’s CEO, said, “We are delighted that Oman Air has been named as ‘Best Business Class Airline, Middle East’ in the Business Destinations Travel Awards. This follows on from last year’s win by Oman Air of the ‘Best Luxury Airline, Middle East’ category, so we are extremely pleased that the quality of our premium service has been recognised for the second year running.

My thanks go to Business Destinations’ readers and to all our staff, throughout Oman Air, who have played a vital role in transforming the airline into the luxury carrier it is today, and ensuring the success of our outstanding and internationallyrecognised business class offering.”

The award follows the introduction over the last two years of a brand new fleet of Airbus A330′s to the airline’s long haul routes, the launch from March 2011 of Embraer 175s on short haul routes, the pioneering of onboard mobile phone and Wi-fi connectivity and the unveiling of superb new business class and first class lounges at Muscat International Airport. A state-of-the-art new Business Class lounge was also opened in Bangkok.

Oman Air’s Business Class provides a luxurious travel experience for every passenger, rivalling many other airlines’ first class offering. With seats in a 1-2-1 configuration which offers every passenger direct aisle access, they convert to an 82-inch long, fully lie-flat bed at the touch of a button.

Each seat also has a 17-inch video screen offering the latest inflight entertainment packages with a great selection of movies, music, games and live satellite TV, as well as USB ports and ipod sockets which allow passengers to personalise their entertainment choices. Awardwinning amenity kits and delicious a la carte menus, served by highlytrained crew attired in Balenciagadesigned uniforms, add that extra touch of refinement.

The best hotels, hotel architecture, interiors, construction and design across the entire Asia Pacific region were celebrated at the J W Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on April 27.

The leading companies behind these winning hotels and hospitality projects were invited to attend to receive prestigious awards. The Asia Pacific Hotel Awards in association with HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad is a hotly contested competition, which includes categories for specific types and sizes of hotel.

The Fortress Resort and Spa which has registered a strong presence at the awards ceremony over the years was once again the recipient of prestigious international recognition; the resort was awarded the Best Resort Hotel in the Asia Pacific region, the Best Resort Hotel in Sri Lanka and the Best Resort under the Small Hotels Sri Lanka category.

Expressing his pleasure over the success, Sumith Adhihetty, Managing Director stated, “The Fortress has once again made an impact on the international stage. This is not only heartening news but is also an encouragement for us to continue to uphold the high standards that the resort is synonymous with. The Asia Pacific region is firmly placed on the global tourism map and winning accolades among such noteworthy competition is truly encouraging.”

A subsidiary of the dominant Vallibel One group, the Fortress Resort and Spa has played an important role in shaping the economic landscape of the South of the country and putting Sri Lanka on the map. “Having a presence in the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards is not just a personal win for the resort or the group. It is a win for the nation, which is gradually reaching 5-star status among the tourism stalwarts of the world”, says Dhammika Perera, Chairman of ‘The Fortress Resort Spa’. He went on to say that although the resort is built along the lines of the most exclusive international hotel franchises, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality and warmth form its base.

These awards, combined with the other regional hotel awards’ programmes for Arabia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, form the globally renowned International Hotel Awards. Judging was carried out through a meticulous process involving a panel of over 20 experts covering every aspect of the hospitality business. Top scoring winners of five-star awards will now go forward to be re-judged against those from the other regions to determine the ultimate World’s Best winners.

President of the International Hotel Awards, Stuart Shield, says, “Speaking on behalf of myself and the judging panel, I can say that we have been staggered by the response from the Asia Pacific region in this, the second year of the specific Hotel Awards’ programme. I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet so many professionals from the pinnacle of the Asia Pacific hospitality industry and wish them every success in the future.”

The name ‘Jetwing’ has long been associated with caring, and a commitment to hospitality as well as the environment. For almost 40 years, the family owned company has grown tremendously, from humble beginnings in Negombo in 1963. Future projects, planned to bear fruit in the next three years, include the doubling of the current room inventory.

Amidst this rapid growth, many principles have not changed. The importance placed on remaining sustainability through energy efficiency and education, has been heightened with many new initiatives in place. The soon to be unveiled Jetwing Lagoon in Talahena, Negombo, formerly known as the Blue Lagoon and honoured with the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first resort hotel as well as the maestro Geoffrey Bawa’s first hotel project will feature a central chilling system powered by a biomass boiler, as well as 100% illumination through energy saving lighting. Using the latest in technology to achieve such aims, the latest innovation to be used at Jetwing is indeed a novel one: a completely self-sustaining mobile water purification and bottling plant. Powered by solar power, and depending on city watersup- ply, the plant purifies the water and prepares bottles (which are made of 30% recycled glass). Initial plans for the plant are for operations to begin in Negombo, to supply the four Jetwing hotels in the area, and to be implemented within the other hotels as well.

The process of innovative measures doesn’t stop there however; with the recent implementation of an enhanced composting process utilizing technology from Norway’s Agro Nova. The final product from the process can either be directly used as compost, or pelletized to be consumed as fuel for the bio-mass boilers.

Saudi Arabia will receive a 12 percent boost in Emirates services this year, as the airline ramps up its commitment to the Kingdom.

Jeddah and Riyadh will benefit from the increased services, with a total of 1722 additional seats, in each direction, per week between Emirates’ hub in Dubai and the Kingdom, up almost 12 percent from the current 15,140 seats per week. The added capacity will result in an extra four weekly services to Jeddah and three weekly flights to Riyadh. The new services to Jeddah will come into effect from 1st June and to Riyadh from 1st August.

“Emirates has ambitious growth plans in Saudi Arabia and these added frequencies are an integral part of our long term strategy,” said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East and Iran. “The domestic growth within Saudi Arabia is staggering. Over 31 percent of all construction projects within the Middle East are in progress within the Kingdom and this 12 percent capacity increase, will enable Emirates to capitalise on this growth, whilst supporting the country’s burgeoning economic development.”

The new service from Jeddah will operate each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, increasing the current service from 14 to 18 flights per week. EK801 will depart Dubai at 0155 arriving in Jeddah at 0340. The return journey from Jeddah, EK802 will depart at 0515 arriving in Dubai at 0855. The service will be operated by an A330, offering Emirates’ First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

Riyadh’s current double daily service will be boosted to 17 weekly flights with the additional frequency operating each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. EK819 will depart Dubai at 0655 arriving in Riyadh at 0750. The return journey from Riyadh, EK820 will depart at 0920 arriving in Dubai at 1205. The service will be operated by an A340, offering Emirates’ First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

Since Emirates began flying to Saudi Arabia in 1989 the airline has not only expanded its operations commercially but has also invested in the country’s passion for sport through the sponsorship of the Zain Saudi Professional League, in 2011.

Carrier Wins Top Award At Dubai Event For Second Year Running.

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Qatar Airways has been honoured in Dubai for the second consecutive year with the Best Business Class in the World award by readers of the Middle East edition of the prestigious industry magazine Business Traveller.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Marwan Koleilat, pictured right, is presented with the airline’s Business Traveller Middle East award for Best Business Class in the World by renowned Michelin star Italian chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli at a ceremony in Dubai.

The Doha-based airline beat off stiff competition from neighbouring regional airlines to take home the coveted award, presented at a lavish ceremony held at the Emirates Towers hotel. Guests from across the regional and global travel, tourism and hospitality industries attended the annual event.

It was a fitting start to Qatar Airways’ week-long presence at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s premier regional travel trade show, starting today in Dubai.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Marwan Koleilat collected the award on behalf of the airline from renowned Michelin star Italian chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli, adding to the carrier’s growing list of international honours.

Voting by readers of Business Traveller Middle East was based on the strength of the airline’s inflight service, cabin comfort, ground hospitality and product offerings for travellers in Business Class. Superior seating with a pitch of up to 78 inches, above the industry norm, and fully flat beds are a hallmark of the airline’s Business Class cabin onboard its flagship long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 777.

In addition, voters gave their thumbs up to the airline’s Oryx Multiplex in the Sky interactive inflight entertainment system offering passengers across all cabins with over 1,000 diverse audio and video options covering music, games, movies, TV programmes and much, much more.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the latest award reflected the airline’s continued commitment to excellence.

“On behalf of Qatar Airways, I would like to thank the readers of Business Traveller Middle East magazine for once again giving their vote of confidence to us and strongly believing in our product, service, hospitality and professionalism in the air and on the ground,“ he said.

“Our customers are true advocates of our product and it is a delight to see their support of our premium cabin across the network, whether on short- or long-haul routes for which we promise an unrivalled experience.”

Qatar Airways is exhibiting at ATM throughout the week, promoting its new Business and Economy Class seats on its soon-to-be-delivered Boeing 787 aircraft. The carrier is the Middle East launch customer of the 787 Dreamliner with 60 aircraft on order.

During ATM taking place at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre, Qatar Airways is also promoting its new routes for 2012 and will unveil expansion plans covering a wide network of destinations across the carrier’s global network, during a press conference hosted by Al Baker tomorrow (May 1).

Over the next few months, Qatar Airways will launch flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa, Perth, Zagreb, Helsinki, Zanzibar, Belgrade and Yangon.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operation, currently operating a modern fleet of 109 aircraft from its Doha hub to 113 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa taking a good look of the hotel’s surroundings. (Pic by: Kushan Pathiraja)

The Green Paradise Agro Eco Hotel in Dambulla constructed at a cost of Rs.1.2 billion was declared open by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajpaksa yesterday.

Nestled in the jungles of the Cultural Triangle, the resort offers 67 ecologically appointed villas offering ultimate luxury and isolation with access to the nearby historical sites like the Dambulla Rock Temple and other cave temples

Minister of State Resources and Enterprise Development Dayasritha Tissera, , Wijedasa Rajapaksa, MP, Fabrizio Pio Arpea – Italian Ambassador in Sri Lanka participated at this occasion.

Mongoose Adventures, Sri Lanka’s leading adventure sports provider, launched an exciting new experience for tourists in the East, with the introduction of SNUBA to Trincomalee. A cross between snorkeling and scuba diving, the sport is an easy and safe way to explore the diverse marine life around the seas off the Eastern coast.

Additionally, SNUBA offers swimmers the opportunity to safely experience the underwater world at deeper depths than snorkeling, without requiring prior diving certification. A typical SNUBA dive takes swimmers to about six meters below the surface, where a wider variety of aquatic life can be observed.

“Trincomalee, and Pigeon Island, are an ideal location for SNUBA, where swimmers can experience the amazingly rich and colourful marine life,” said Nishan Silva, Managing Director of Mongoose Adventures. “As Sri Lanka’s tourism sector grows, Mongoose Adventures is committed to providing new experiences for tourists – both local and foreign by introducing exciting adventure activities like SNUBA to the country.”

Since Snuba combines both scuba diving and snorkeling, it is a safe and easy option for those who have a basic knowledge of swimming. The sport uses most of the apparatus used for Scuba diving, but with the Oxygen tank floating on the surface, rather than on the swimmer’s back. The tank is connected to the swimmer through a regulator and tube, and participants are taken underwater after a 15 minute safety introduction and demonstration.

Mongoose Adventures was the first to introduce SNUBA to the South Asian region, with an exciting launch at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa earlier this year, and the expansion to Trincomalee forms part of t he company’s plans to brand Sri Lanka as an adventure sports hot-spot.

“Sri Lanka has great terrain, weather and scope for adventure sports to thrive. Our aim is to introduce various sports – sea, land and air based – to bring more tourists to the country, who stay longer to experience the variety of activities available,” he added.

Since its introduction over 20 years ago over five million people across the globe have successfully completed a SNUBA dive, with no reports of serious injuries related to the sport. Its impeccable safety record combined with the ease of the activity has made SNUBA the world’s fastest growing water-sport.

Vesak is a time when Colombo comes alive with colour and spiritual festivity. It is an ideal and perfect time to showcase the city of Colombo amidst these unique celebrations. The Colombo City Tour, a unique venture by Sri Lanka Tourism and Ebert Silva Holiday offer exclusive and mesmerizing evening tours to both foreign visitors and Sri Lankans to view Colombo like never before during Vesak, on board its unique open deck double decker buses.the tours will commence from Galle Face Hotel for three memorable evenings on the 5th, 6th and 7th of May 2012. Scheduled for approximately 3 ½ hours, the Colombo City Tour will sightsee numerous colorful Vesak zones, many pandols and other vibrant activities scattered across the city. The tickets will be priced separately for upper and lower deck seating with snacks also served on board while on tour.

The Vesak Tours have been a specialty eagerly looked forward to by the young and old alike, now for many seasons. “We are happy to operate 2 open deck double decker coaches for the first time during this Vesak. This is taking into account the many we had to turn down during the last season. It is a time of spiritual festivity and this Vesak will undoubtedly light and liven up the city of Colombo which is now opening up into a beautiful garden city.” said Rajini de Silva Mendis, Managing Director, Ebert Silva Holidays. The venture has now gained immense popularity and heightened the value of touristic experiences the city of Colombo has to offer to its visitors from around the world.

Regular tours are operated three days a week, i.e. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With both morning and evening tours starting off from the Galle Face Hotel and The Courtyard, the old Dutch Hospital. The weekend city tours give its guests on board comprehensive and matchless views into the less known history and importance of Sri Lanka’s foremost city, that is a rare blend of many cultures in a tapestry of ‘old and new’. Checkout www.colombocitytours.com for more details.

The deep South beaches of Sri Lanka are always deep blue and magnificently attractive, but Kahandamodara, off four km from Ranna stands out from the rest. The unspoilt beach stretch of Kahandamodara is the cradle for the latest hideaway ‘Ranna 212′.

212 kms is the exact distance from Colombo to Kahandamodara turn off from Ranna, a small town about 12km to Deep South from Tangalle. Located close to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and Lunama lagoon amongst the fishing community, ‘Ranna 212′ is a trendy four star resort set between pristine blue waves and lush tropical wilderness of a 11.5 acres.

Barely four months old, Ranna 212 has achieved record heights proving brilliant performances and maintained a high occupancy rate during its short span of operations.

The Resort is a popular destination among the Sri Lankan family travellers during the April season, where it reaches around 85% occupancy rate during that time.

‘Since we came into operation from 30th December last year, we have managed to keep a high occupancy rate with many foreign tourists especially from Russia and the CIS countries. The reason, I strongly believe is the exotic location and the mesmerizing seashore’ said Reyhan Morris, the General Manager of the property.

This fifty five room luxury Resort is located on a magnificent wide beach frontage of Kahandamodara, offering number of water sports activities to its guests.
The fifty five suites at Ranna 212 offer a 42 inch LED TV and DVD player, dual balconies, pillow menu, mini bar, wifi facilities, king sized bed and other common amenities.

‘We just want to offer our guests the best of luxury and I think travellers are looking for something luxury in this part of the country’ said GM Morris.
The lack of luxury resorts beyond Galle really makes the vacuum for star class resort in Deep South.

‘Ranna 212 is there to fulfill the needs of the travellers looking for luxury comfort. Now the resort is gradually penetrating British, French and German markets too. But Sri Lankan market, we believe always there on a big way during holiday seasons in May and June’ said Reyhan.

Apart from the luxury facilities, Ranna 212 is a popular place for culinary excursions. It has two restaurants- ‘Senses’ and ‘Flame’. ‘Our specialty is seafood. Authentic South Sri Lankan cuisine too is popular among Sri Lankan clientele. Our Chefs are well versatile with authentic food and can offer anything the guest wants’ said Pushpitha Udawatta , the Operations Manager of the Resort.

‘Senses’ offer all day dining of off the buffet or a la carte menu including Italian crespelle al salmone, indian tandoori chicken and the delightful Ranna Seafood Symphony.

‘Flame’ located on the sand close to beach is a popular place for BBQ. Fresh lobster jumbo prawns and the finest fish on the south coast are delicately marinated to bring out the best flavours to Ranna guests. Tonic and Wave are two bars. Tonic offers mixology menu including delicious concoctions using local ingredients, while Wave is located on the beach.

The Resort is centrally located, where adventure travellers can do their excursions much easily. Enjoy an excursion by bike (30 minutes) to the Kalametiya bird sanctuary or drive to the magnificent ancient monastery of Mulkirigala from the Resort from half hours’ drive. Ussangoda , Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, Kataragama are in one to two hours’ drive from the Resort.

Whale watching sites off Mirissa, Walave River Safari, Uda Walave Natonal Park and Sinharaja Forest are just half a day excursions from Ranna 212.
‘We offer these excursions on request and always encourage Sri Lankans to visit these adventure and historic sites in and around the Southern Province’ said Pushpitha.

The room rate for Ranna 212 is range from Rs 22,000/- on FB per double.

The Resort will be adding new 70 rooms including 25 water villas and 45 luxury rooms with 7.5 million US $ investment will be opened in February 2013. The new wing will consist of a new pool and two restaurants. The opening of the Ruhunu Magampura International Port and the scheduled opening of the Mattala International Airport adds to the potential of Ranna212.