Business travel

TUI raises awareness on Dolphins in Negombo

TUI, a leading tour operator brought together schoolchildren in Negombo's fishing community for an awareness program on the Dolphins to mark the "Year of the Dolphin".

The workshop, attended by children from fifteen schools in and around Negombo was organised by TUI's representative in Negombo Rohan Ratnayake at the request of Roger Zerter TUI's Resident Manager in Sri Lanka.

The United Nations Environment Program and the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals have declared the year 2007 as the "Year of the Dolphin".

The Dolphin was the focus of special attention this year as dolphins are a part of everyday life and culture in many countries. Found in stories, fairy tales and flags it is realised that humans and dolphins used to have a very close and friendly relationship.

The workshop was held at "The Beach" Hotel in Negombo recently with the support of its General Manager Ms Hycinth Goonawardhana.

NARA officials gave a lecture and showed a video-clip on dolphins to the students. All participants also received the booklet ''All About Dolphins''.

The workshop informed the young children that the killing and hunting of dolphins should stop because dolphins are still honoured by the people of today as intelligent creatures, which should be protected, and as friends of the human race.

Kottu promotion to mark Hilton's 21st anniversary

by Lalin Fernandopulle

Hilton Colombo launched a series of events last month to mark its 21st anniversary next year. The Hotel will celebrate the occasion by organising events on the 21st of every month up to November 2008.

'The 2,100 kg Kottu party,' a fund-raiser for the School for the Deaf and Blind will be a once in a life-time opportunity to enjoy a delicious dish prepared by 40 chefs from the Hilton Colombo Curry Leaf Restaurant.

In addition to the culinary fiesta there will be entertainment programs including a modern cultural show, Elephant Foot Drummer from Hikkaduwa and local artistes Shihan Miranga, Eraj and C&C.

"The Kottu promotion is a great tourist attraction as it creates awareness of Sri Lanka's rich heritage in food, dance and entertainment that makes the country a paradise isle to visit', General Manager Hilton Colombo William Costley said.

He said the hotel industry is reviving and the present occupancy is over 60 percent and they are confident that the winter will be a good time for all hotels and for tourism in Sri Lanka.

The hotel sector went through a bad period due to the drop in the number of bookings but regained the momentum with a lot of activities organised by the tourism industry.

Chairman, Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Promotion Bureau Renton de Alwis said the third dimension of food namely nutrition should be brought in to our cuisine and promoted along with indigenous delicacies.

"With the travel warning being relaxed tour operators from the West are organising tours for the winter which will be a great time for tourists who are looking forward to the Test series and the arrival of the Barmian Army.

The Hilton invites guests to taste the spirit of its hospitality and share the joy with the less fortunate today from 5.30 p.m.to 8.30 p.m. at the Hilton Colombo Sports Centre car park, he said.

[email protected]