28th to 30th March, Where the giants in the tourism field meet.

21–24 MARCH 2012, Will be at stand number F411 in the forum During the Mitt exhibition. SEE YOU ALL THERE !!

This is to inform you that Chaya Citadel Kandy will be subject to refurbishment and reimaging commencing summer 2012. The refurbishment will be in phases and the resort will continue to operate with limited inventory during this period, as detailed below. View the detailed report here

The first section of the Southern expressway was declared open on the 27th of November 2011. The opening of this expressway indicates a substantial reduction in travel time when travelling from the capital city to south western beaches. This new highway follows the initiation of the Hambantota International Port which opened last year. The government has also proposed the opening of a new international airport, ‘Mattala International Airport’ in the Hambantota district, suggesting drastic reductions in travel time between major tourist destinations, as well as efficient connectivity around the island.

The on-line visa that can be obtained through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) system will be implemented with effect of 31st December 2011. All those who wish to obtain a visa thereafter, will have to pay the relevant fees. For individuals who have already applied for their visas and received a Visa Approved Reference number using the ETA system prior to the 31st of December 2011, will not be charged for their visas as long as they arrive in the country within the visa validity period, of 90 days. Individuals who arrive after the 31st of December 2011 without a Visa Approved Reference number, will be able to attain an ‘on-arrival VISA’ at the relevant ‘on-arrival VISA fee’, visiting www.eta.gov.lk

Dear Partners,

I am pleased to forward the contents of a recent press release on Avani Bentota Resort and Spa for your perusal. I have also enclosed the image of a new superior room (base category) for your reference. We look forward to welcoming your guests soon.
Suranjith

Colombo, Friday 25 November 2011: Serendib Leisure in partnership with Minor International, today announced the opening of the first-ever Avani property – Avani Bentota Resort and Spa on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Commencing operations on 1st December 2011, Avani Bentota Resort and Spa, the former Hotel Serendib Bentota, has undergone an extensive Rs. 650 Mn. refurbishment and now exudes a contemporary ambiance. Located on the best beach strip along Sri Lanka’s western coastline, 64 kilometres from Colombo and 96 kilometres from the Bandaranaike International Airport, the new-look hotel offers the ultimate in relaxed comfort and contemporary style. Facilities include 75 guest rooms and suites, three bars and two restaurants, accompanied by private dining options on the beach. Complementing this is the chic Cigar and Wine Lounge, while meeting rooms seat up to 100 people.

This strategic move marks reputed hotel operator Serendib Leisure’s efforts to revamp its hospitality offering to cater to the constantly evolving needs of local and international travellers. This seamlessly blends with the Minor Hotel Group’s ambitious plans to launch their newest international hotel brand – Avani Resort and Spas, with the first hotel opening in Sri Lanka. The reputed Thailand-based hotel group operates the famed ‘Anantara’ brand of hotels, resorts and spas and is a significant player in the global hospitality industry.

The Avani Bentota Resort and Spa was originally designed by Sri Lanka’s celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa, regarded as one of the most influential Asian architects of the 20th century. Although the refurbished property reflects a modern and chic ambiance, it still retains Bawa’s signature style and offers an inimitable Dutch-colonial charm.

Abbas Esufally, Chairman, Serendib Hotels PLC, commented, “The opening of Avani Bentota Resort and Spa is a defining step for Serendib Leisure. It demonstrates our capability to partner with a reputed hotel group of the calibre of Minor International, and, to deliver the superior hospitality experience guests seek globally. The ‘Avani’ experience will be one-of-a-kind. Its unique offering will carve out a distinct identity and enable us to partner a brand that spearheads a new ethos in the country’s hospitality sector. With the strong backing of Hemas, the holding company, Serendib Leisure properties have built a reputation of a superlative service offering. I am confident that our strategic partnership with Minor International and the ‘Avani’ brand will create further value for all our stakeholders.”

CEO of Minor Hotel Group, Dillip Rajakarier said, “We are excited about our decision to make Sri Lanka and the Serendib Leisure group hotel the launching pad for our new ‘Avani’ brand with the opening of the Avani Bentota Resort and Spa. Hotel Serendib’s existing brand equity, its unique architecture coupled with the sound credentials of the Serendib Leisure Group mirrored the synergy we were looking for. With Sri Lanka poised for a boom in tourism, this well-appointed property will offer the holiday experience that today’s discerning travellers are seeking.”

‘Avani’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and a clear sense of style. Avani’s service ethic further exemplifies its inspiring principles by placing a high value on a genuine welcome through staff who respond to each guest’s individual needs, thereby ensuring memorable and meaningful experiences. ‘Avani’ is bringing this philosophy to life, firstly in Sri Lanka, through the Avani Bentota Resort and Spa. The new-look beachside resort introduces sophisticated travellers to the country’s rich, natural and cultural beauty, and showcases a resourceful attitude with its dynamic new resort experience.

Managing Director, Serendib Hotels PLC, Ranil De Silva said that the launch of Avani Bentota Resort and Spa is a moment of celebration for all of Sri Lanka. “This is the first global hospitality brand to debut in peacetime Sri Lanka and thus marks a brand new era for the sector. We are confident that Avani will offer an irresistible appeal to our guests and keep them coming back for more of our exclusive concept.”

About Serendib Leisure:
Serendib Leisure Management is a subsidiary of the Hemas Group, one of the top diversified listed conglomerates in Sri Lanka with a focus on five key sectors – FMCG, Healthcare, Transportation, Leisure and Power. The company was also ranked fifth in a recent survey, as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected entities. Serendib Leisure owns and manages a wealth of hotels and resorts in several strategic tourist locations within Sri Lanka. Other hotels in the chain are Club Hotel Dolphin – Waikkal, Kani Lanka Resort and Spa – Kalutara (soon to be launched as Avani Kalutara Resort) and Hotel Sigiriya – Sigiriya.

About Minor International:
Avani is part of Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of 37 hotels and 36 serviced suites under the Anantara, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Elewana, Oaks and Minor International brands in Thailand, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, Kenya, UAE, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Avani was created to complement MHG’s five-star Anantara brand, which currently offers enriching destination experiences in 17 locations, with a pipeline of 50 properties by 2015.

For full story visit: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=39116

View the detailed report here

Affiliated with

Russian Variety Dance on 15th & 16th September at Ceylon Continental Hotel

View the detailed report here

The Heritance brand was once again in the spot light when Heritance Kandalama and Heritance Tea Factory emerged winners at the National Green Awards held last evening at the BMICH. Heritance Kandalama, no doubt the greenest hotel in Sri Lanka and one of the greenest hotels on the planet was awarded the Gold Award in the Large Scale Hotel category. This prestigious award won by Heritance Kandalama was one of four Gold Awards presented at the award ceremony which three hundred applicants vied for. The recent recipient of the Sri Lanka Travel and Tourism award for the island’s Best 4 Star Hotel, Heritance Tea Factory, walked away with the Silver Award in the Medium Scale Hotel category.

Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs, industrialists, and other stakeholders who contribute their share for environmental conservation and anti pollution were recognized for their excellence in green practice, strategy and products at the award ceremony which was held for the first time this year. Organized by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), The National Green Awards scheme was initiated in order to provide an alternative system to controlling pollution and greening the environment instead of the existing command and control approaches and education & awareness programmes. The main aim of the all island programme is to promote sustainable management of the environment in order to achieve a green country through a clean green environment.

Hon. President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion which was organized to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the CEA. Twenty seven Green Awards were presented in fourteen sectors including textile, hotel, food and beverage, waste management and healthcare sectors.

“This is reaping the harvest of what was sown starting from 1994 by the pioneers. The philosophies practiced by them are still vigorously carried out by our present team. Through strategies planning, dedication, hard work and commitment and through passionate and pragmatic approaches we were able to be in the forefront of practicing sustainability even before the advent of the triple bottom line approach. This is clear evidence of foresight and planning”, said Mr.Ravi de Silva, Environmental Consultant, Aitken Spence Hotels.

Heritance Kandalama, a hotel committed to sustainable practices from conceptualisation to construction to its day-to-day operations has won a large number of awards as one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the world. It has set precedence to other hotels on how they too can be effective responsible tourism players by contributing in terms of conserving the natural environment, protecting bio diversity, empowering local communities, supporting livelihoods dependent on tourism, preserving local traditions, arts and crafts and mitigating climate change especially by using bio mass as renewable energy.

The Heritance Tea Factory, Sri Lanka’s first theme hotel is a unique hotel concept, where a tea factory built several decades ago has been converted into a plush hotel. Retaining its traditional character, this most unusual hotel is situated 6800 feet above sea level amidst the misty mountains and the lush plantations of the hill country. The hotel has been recognized by one of Britain’s widely read ‘Sunday Times’ as one of the 100 best places to stay in the world and ‘The Independent’ selected Heritance Tea Factory as one of the 5 best factory hotels in the world.

“Ecotourism, responsible tourism and sustainable tourism have become the buzz words in the tourism industry, and with the effects of global warming and climate change influencing travelers worldwide towards a more a more sustainable way of traveling. We recognized many years ago that sustainable development is an absolute necessity in today’s world while believing that it is equally important that our heritage is preserved. Heritance Hotels have struck a perfect balance of practicing sustainable tourism while preserving and protecting our heritage for future generations”, said Mr. Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Hotels.

Aitken Spence Hotels manages a portfolio of hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman. The company’s expertise in hotel design, building and management is complimented by its dedication and commitment to excellence. Located in some of the key tourist locations, each of the properties cater to a diverse client base. Aitken Spence Hotels has set precedence to other hotels on how they too can be effective responsible tourism players by contributing in terms of conserving the natural environment, protecting bio diversity, empowering local communities, supporting livelihoods dependent on tourism, preserving local traditions, arts and crafts and mitigating climate change especially by using bio mass as renewable energy.

The company’s premier resorts operate under Heritance Hotels & Resorts. Its latest Heritance property Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara commenced operations in July 2011. It has joined the award-winning Heritance Hotels & Resorts portfolio consisting of Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Tea Factory.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms.Renusha Gomis
Manager, Public Relations and Promotions
Aitken Spence Hotels
E: renusha@aitkenspence.lk
T: 011 2308 112

Ayubowan All Our Japanese Friends
We wish to inform you that we have conducted a Bodhi pooja ceremony at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Sri Lanka to invoke blessings towards the tsunami effected people in Japan. It was organized by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lankan Tourism industry members on 11th June 2011 the day that completed three months from tsunami incident. Please refer to the attachment.

東日本大震災追悼ボーディ・プージャ
東日本大震災追悼式ボーディ・プージャお祈りをスリランカで行いました。
スリランカ政府観光局・スリランカ観光業一同の協力のもと仏様が生前訪れたキャラニヤ寺で行いました 。
亡くなられた方、被災された方、今も非難を続けている方のためにお祈りを捧げます。
一日も早い回復を願っています。

スリランカ政府観光局、観光業―同

Ushan Edirisinghe

View-Bodhi Pooja Oinori For Japan

Chayya Tranz -Hikkaduwa Reopening In November 2011

We are pleased to inform you that due to scheduled refurbishments we are pleased to inform you that the below hotels will be not in operations for the period indicated .

Eden Resort & Spa - 1st May 2011 to 15th July 2011
Riverina Hotel -1st May 2011 to 15th December 2011
Club Palm garden -1st May 2011 to 15th December 2011

.

View - Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation-Moscow Puwath- March 2011

Dear Partners

Reference to the below mail please note herewith the update of the schedule work for your kind reference.

Admirals Room ( Buffet Restaurant ) & Port Hole Bar ( Cocktail Lounge & bar ) Enhancements @ The Blue Water.

The Scheduled plan is post pond and would not take place as mentioned below. Therefore note that guest facilities such as our Banqueting Facility ,All Restaurants & Bars , Conference Centre, pool, Spa Pavilion, beach are unaffected and will remain open for business as usual for months of September & October 2011.

Guest Room Upgrade At The Blue Water

The Room Upgrade would commence from 01st September and is scheduled to be completed as notified.
Regards

Dear Partners

Please find below the Update of the Refurbishment work scheduled for the month of September / October 2011 for your kind reference. Please note there would not be any refurbishment work scheduled for the months of July & August 2011.

Guest Room Upgrade At The Blue Water

In order to make our guest experience even more memorable at The Blue Water, we are pleased to inform you that we will be embarking on a remodelling of our rooms and Bath Rooms.

The project work is scheduled to commence on 16 Deluxe rooms ( on the ground floor ) & 2 Suites in the 'North Wing', The work is scheduled to be underway from the 1st September 2011 to mid October, 2011 which is an amendment to the original planed dates ( May & June 2011 ) due to unavoidable circumstances.

Acknowledging guest feedback, our newly furnished rooms will be styled with the legendary architecture in mind, encompassing luxurious, modern, comfortable, beach inspired designs.

The work would involve re furnishing , refresh the paint interior , replacing floor tiles , replacing bath room fittings , Repair of air conditioning equipment and systems , Ordinary electrical repairs . There would be no structural changes done to the rooms or the bath rooms.

Please note that all other guest facilities such as our Banqueting Facility ,Restaurants & Bars , Conference Centre, pool, Spa Pavilion, beach are unaffected and will remain open for business as usual.

Every effort will be made to keep the disturbance from the renovations to a minimum, with the main work being carried out from between the hours of 10am and 5pm during 6 days of the week (excluding Sundays).

Admirals Room ( Buffet Restaurant ) & Port Hole Bar ( Cocktail Lounge & bar ) Enhancements @ The Blue Water.

As we continue to provide the very best service and stay experience for our guests, This is to announce that the Admirals Room ( Buffet Restaurant ) & Port Hole bar ( Cocktails Lounge and Bar ) will be temporarily closed for enhancements from the 01st – 25th September 2011.

This work will have minor impact to our guests and the below restaurants & banquette facilities would be opened for our guests' services: The alternate location has an easy access to the guests and visitors of the hotel.

• The Grand Ball Room or the Sea Scape for Breakfast , Dinner & Seven Seas for Lunch ( Alternate To Admirals Room )

• Clipper bar ( 1000Hrs – 1900Hrs ), Sea Board Deck( 1000Hrs – Mid Night ) & Sun Set Terrace (1800Hrs – Midnight) - (Alternate to Porthole Bar )

The work would involve ordinary repairs such as refresh the paint Exterior and interior ,Replacement of glass/ window without altering the dimensions or framing of the original : Repair and replacement of duct work, Repair of air conditioning equipment and systems , Ordinary electrical repairs.

There would be no structural changes done to the admirals room and porthole bar.

Please note that all other guest facilities such as our Conference Centre, pool, Spa Pavilion, beach are unaffected and will remain open as usual.

Every effort will be made to keep the disturbance from the enhancements to a minimum, with the main work being carried out from between the hours of 10am and 5pm during 6 days of the week (excluding Sundays).

Kindly note all areas that are under refurbishment would be cordoned off and access points for the workers as well as transporting material would be away from guest access points.

Enclosed is a floor plan and areas highlighted in red are the locations under refurbishment.

For any further clarifications, please contact the undersigned.

Wish you a pleasant day
Chandima Wickremasinghe
Manager - Sales & Marketing

THE - BLUE - WATER Corporate Sales Office
No,2 Dharmaraja Mw
Off Alfread House Avenue
Colombo 3.
Direct : 00 94 (0) 602383392
Mobile : 00 94 (0) 773649290
Fax : 00 94 (0) 112583987

FLOOR_PLAN

Dear All,
Bentota Beach Peacock Restaurant ( Main Restaurant) will be closed for renovations commence from 06th September 2010 till 13th September 2010 (for a Week), Lounge Bar space will be utilized for dining and the Bar will be moved to the pub next to the Araliya Restaurant(Fine dining Restaurant ) until the renovation work completed, Further Deluxe category rooms 202 to 206, and Superior category rooms 102 to 106 will be closed for 03 Weeks from 20th September 2010 for the same purpose, thus 07 Deluxe rooms and 07 Superior rooms will remain for sale during the said period. This is for your information, and appreciate your assistance in communicating the above message to staff / tour operators concerned in order to mitigate guest complaints and confusion in reservations which may arise due to above event.
Thanks & Best Regards

Thiwanka Katipearachchi
Executive - Sales & Marketing
Keells Hotel Management Services Ltd.
130, Glennie Street, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Tel : +94 (0) 11 2306600
Direct : +94 (0) 11 2306610
Fax : +94 (0) 11 2320862
Mobile : +94 (0) 77 2933753
E-mail : thiwanka.khms@keells.com Website: www.johnkeellshotels.com

Dear Partner,

TROPICAL VILLAS - BERUWELA, SRI LANKA

Jetwing sold its shareholding at Tropical Villas Hotel in Beruwela on 16th August 2010 to M/S LOLC Leisure Ltd. Jetwing developed this property from an uninteresting piece of land in 1993 and then went into partnership with Hayleys who subsequently bought a stake in the Hotel. As such it was certainly a difficult decision to make. However, emotions apart we at Jetwing feel the new majority owners are best equipped to add value to the property and to its associates who have in fact done a wonderful job as members of Jetwing doing all of us proud. Manager Cyril Fernando and his team will continue to service all your guests under the new Management. Cyril’s contact details will be, telephone +94 34 2276780/2, mobile: 94 773679894, e mail: cyril@jetwinghotels.com.
This transaction has been concluded with mutual understanding and benefit to both parties and accordingly JETWING will ensure that the transfer will be affected smoothly. All contract and/or commitments made by us with you shall be respected and discharged by LOLC Leisure. If you need any clarifications please get in touch with us.
We take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership and goodwill over the years and assure you that the friendship we have shared shall continue with our continued business relationship with other JETWING properties across the island.
As you may be aware JETWING is making several new investments in the South Coast as well as in exotic destinations on the East Coast of Sri Lanka as well as other excellent locations inland. All these ventures have the strategic intent of offering you our Partners the best leisure experiences that Sri Lanka can offer!
We shall look forward to serving you as we do always with a smile – AYUBOWAN!

Sincerely yours
Hiran Cooray
Chairman
Jetwing Hotels Ltd

The Dawn of a New Era along the Golden Mile in Beruwela

LOLC Leisure Limited, a subsidiary of the LOLC Group, who acquired the controlling interest and management of the Eden Resort & Spa (158 Rooms & Suites), Riverina Hotel (192 Rooms & Suites), Club Palm Garden (140 rooms), added another jewel to its crown by acquiring a controlling stake (60%) in Tropical Villas.
The 50-roomed Tropical Villas, Beruwela is ideally situated, nestled along the boundaries of Riverina and Club Palm Garden presenting a whole myriad of possibilities for the development of a state of the art Beach Resort with a comprehensive range of accommodation, convention and dining options as well as extensive recreation and entertainment facilities and other value added services.
The Golden Mile beach in Beruwela will surely see the dawn of a new era!!
Accommodation and interiors at Tropical Villas been designed and furnished with much simplicity using earthy tones and bright hues in accordance with its 'tropical' theme. It also offers clients a choice of family rooms and rooms with attached kitchenette, which is a necessity for today’s family travelling with children.
The terraces flanking the rooms allow ample space for lounging and the property radiates a warm homely atmosphere. Hot & cold water, fan, telephone, satellite TV, tea / coffee making facilities, mini fridge and personal safety locker are few of the many facilities available in each room.
The casual pool bar offers refreshing cocktails and tasty snacks, while the main dining restaurant provides an a la carte menu or buffet with an accent on fresh seafood and local vegetables.
A combined and inspired blend of Eastern & Western treatments that include naturopathy and an Ayurvedic approach awaits Tropical Villas’ clients. A trained and qualified team of masseurs is available to enable guests feel wonderfully relaxed and refreshed.
Tropical Villas guests can now enjoy easy access to the beach and other facilities such as the Gymnasium and Kiddies’ Club which are located between Riverina and Club Palm Garden.
“As LOLC Group continues to look for growth opportunities to actively pursue, the leisure sector is currently one of its main focal points” says LOLC Group MD/CEO Kapila Jayawardena.
Now being in possession of the largest inventory on the south west coast, LOLC Leisure Limited boast a total of 540 rooms and suites amongst its 04 properties along the “Golden Mile” in Beruwela.
In view of the increased potential that exist within the Leisure Sector at large and the fact that there is definite scope for more international chains to come into play, LOLC’s plans include securing a strategic alliance with a top hotel operator while concurrently planning for expansion and upgrade to cater to the forecasted demand and needs of today’s well traveled tourist, stated Mr Jayawardena