Business Travel

CHC discount package for public servants

The Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) launched the 'Garu Buhuman' hotel discount package for public servants in appreciation of their service to the country.

The special discount package for hotel accommodation came into effect from February 4, the country's 60th Independence Day.

CEO, CHC, Anura Lokuhetty said public servants who had served for five years are eligible to obtain a discount card which will offer the same benefits to his or her family.

"Our intention in introducing a discount card for the state sector employees is to give them an opportunity to visit prime locations in the country. By making travel and leisure affordable we can develop domestic tourism and help the cottage industry to grow", Lokuhetty said.

He said all properties of CHC will be developed to attract more tourists this year and there will be a series of promotional activities during the year.

LF

Emirates begins daily service from Dubai to Houston

Fresh off the heels of its non-stop service from Dubai to Houston, Emirates increased its thrice weekly service to a daily frequency from February, 1.

In its first two months of service out of Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) the airline has experienced a high percentage of occupied seats. "As predicted, the Emirates non-stop service between Dubai and Houston has been popular among business and leisure travellers alike," said Emirates Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide Ghaith Al Ghaith.

The new service has also proved to be popular for shippers, particularly those from the oil and gas industry which account for over 70% of the service's cargo. The operation is currently handling about 16 tonnes of cargo out of Houston and about 10 tonnes into the American gateway.

"Emirates SkyCargo is pleased with the success of our Houston service and our confidence in the operation is demonstrated through the introduction of daily flights starting next month.

For shippers, this has meant a more efficient and cost-effective option," said Emirates' Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial Operations Peter Sedgley.

Outstanding inflight services have distinguished the Emirates experience which stands out among passengers looking for the highest levels of comfort, particularly on long haul flights.

Aitken Spence bags inaugural Presidential Tourism Awards

Aitken Spence Travels bagged the two main travel awards at the inaugural Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism Excellence for 2007 at the Presidential Secretariat.

The company won the awards for the Best Destination Management Company and the best Professional Conference Organisation (PCO) competing with all other major industry operators.

The awards were received by Gehan M. Perera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels and Ace Travels and Conventions and Dharni Soza, Director from Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of Minister of Tourism Milinda Morogoda, Deputy Minister of Tourism Faizer Mustapha, MP and Tourism Ambassador Arjuna Ranatunga, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Tourism George Michael, Chairman, Tourism Authority Renton de Alwis.

Aitken Spence Travels is the largest tour operator in the country representing over 200 international tour operators and is the only Sri Lankan Destination Management company holding the ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Singapore diplomats opt for sunny Lanka

A team of foreign diplomats in Singapore opted for sunny Sri Lanka for some rest and relaxation recently.

SriLankan Holidays tailor-made a special tour for the group led by Sri Lanka's High Commissioner for Singapore Shehan Ratnavale included the Peruvian Ambassador, US Ambassador and the Russian Ambassador among other dignitaries.

Some of Sri Lanka's most cherished sights filled the itinerary, which was based on the delegates' interest, including visits to Kandy and the World Heritage Site at Sigiriya.