Travel

Sri Lanka gains economic momentum

Sri Lanka ranked among the Top Ten Fastest Economies, being eighth in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) of United States.

As the global economy would emerge in the recession, it is envisaged that Sri Lanka would record a 6.3 percent GDP growth rate that is second only to China, which will record an 8.6 percent in the Asian region. 'In times of economic strife it's heartening to see our country doing so well.

We must not rest on our laurels and strive to do better and bigger things. Sri Lanka Tourism contributes enormously to the economy and that contribution will only increase over the next decade,' said Eranga Basnayake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. With the current political stability as well as the opening of the North and the East to Tourists, Sri Lanka Tourism, is estimating nearly 15% of the Sri Lanka population will benefit from Tourism industry.

The government is keen on achieving this and it features high on the list of long term priorities.

There are several projects in the pipeline that will serve as an impetus to propel this venture forward.

The projects have all been streamlined into the biggest ever tourism venture in Sri Lankan history - 'Visit Sri Lanka 2011.'

This colossal project has been launched with a series of projects that are lined up for 2011.

The project was kick-started with the New York Times and the Daily Candy Washington D.C declared Sri Lanka as the No: 1 Spot for Holidaymakers.

The Visit year will help Sri Lanka Tourism in putting a foundation in place to achieve the target set by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to bring in 2.5 million visitors to Sri Lanka by 2016.

An arrival figure of 765,000 is projected by 2011 and to cater to this, Sri Lanka Tourism is using unique marketing and communication tools to lure in tourists to the country through Product Development, Promotions and Communication.

The marketing activities lined up to launch this project will be spread out over this year and will leed to an improvement of the economy by the end of 2010.

By that time the world will emerge from recession and post crisis economic landscape will become clearer. This will pave the way to achieve a higher growth of about seven to nine per cent in the medium term, said the Ministry of Finance and Planning, quoting the EIU.

It is estimated that the oil prices will be about US USD 74-80 per barrel for the period of 2010-2012.

Currently the Sri Lankan stock market is ranked second-best in the world.

With these positive signs coupled with political stability and higher capital and financial inflows will leap forward the sphere of economic prosperity.

Cinnamon Grand's '365 Ways to Save the Earth'

The Cinnamon Grand has launched a unique environmental awareness initiative to encourage the hotel's associates to aid in efforts to conserve the environment.

The '365 Ways to Save the Earth' campaign was launched on the 1st of January 2010.

The campaign was based on improving the everyday habits of associates with the end goal focusing on environmental conservation through small but crucial actions through 365 days of the year.

The first month of the campaign served as an introduction to the initiative with many associates enthusiastically picking up on the concept.

"At a time when environmental concerns are paramount, we have a responsibility to aid in rehabilitating the Earth as best we can for future generations," said General Manager Rohan Karr. "This environmental initiative is a small step toward helping our associates understand the importance of eco conservation, with further plans in the pipeline," he said.

General Manager, Hotel Hilltop, Hilary Smith receiving the ‘Nagarayata Uyanwathu’ challenge trophy from Central Province Governor, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa.

Hilltop bags prestigious awards

by Beverley JANSZ

Hotel Hilltop Kandy has received three prestigious awards. The hotel was placed first under the category 'Medium Scale Service Sector' at the '5-S' Productivity Awards event and the second place under Medium Scale '5-S' Productivity Award event.

Hotel Hilltop also received the 'Nagarayata Uyanwathu' challenge Trophy which was awarded by the Provincial Department of Agriculture, for landscaping of Hotels and Holiday Resorts (Grade III) in the city of Kandy. The hotel has received many prestigious awards earlier.

SIA launches new cabin products

Singapore Airlines will be introducing new cabin products on some of its Boeing 777-200 aircraft from later this month. A total of 11 B777-200s will be refitted with the Airline's most recent cabin offerings, to provide additional space, comfort and greater product consistency across the fleet.

The refitted B777-200s will be configured with 38 Business Class and 228 Economy Class seats. Business Class will feature a genuine leather, incline lie-flat seat in a modern design. Also found on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A330-300 aircraft, it boasts a personal partition and advanced control panel that enables the customer to personalise seating preferences or select from various preset options.

A six-way adjustable headrest and lumbar support will provide maximum ergonomic support for a more comfortable rest. The Economy Class cabin will be refurbished with a new contemporary look. Seat covers, designed by Givenchy, will feature soothing colours as well as richer and softer fabrics, similar to those found on Singapore Airlines' new Airbus A380 and B777-300ER aircraft.

Enhancements will also be made to Singapore Airlines' award-winning KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, for better Audio-Video On Demand features in both cabin classes, such as a more intuitive and user-friendly graphical interface. Business Class seats will feature larger 15.4-inch screens, while screens in Economy Class will be increased to nine inches later this year.

Chaaya wins top travellers award

Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, a John Keells Hotel in the Maldives won the coveted TripAdvisor 2010 Travellers Choice Award and it is the fifth of the top ten resorts in Asia in the Romance Category. TripAdvisor, the world's most trusted source of travel advice, announced the winners of its 2010 'Travellers' Choice' awards. With 719 properties around the world winning awards this year, the eighth annual competition is the largest ever, including new categories such as trendiest hotels, best relaxation/spas and world's top hotels by region.

Unlike any other hotel honours in the world, TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travellers on TripAdvisor.com.

"Inspired by millions of trusted traveller reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor.com, the Travellers' Choice awards once again highlight the finest hotels in the world," said Christine Petersen, Chief Marketing Officer for TripAdvisor. "Travellers worldwide are recognising more than 700 hotels for their outstanding service, value and quality."

Oman Air's new appointee

Oman Air has appointed Philippe Georgiou as Chief Officer - Corporate Affairs. The departments that he will be officiating are Marketing, Corporate Communications and Media, Customer Relations, Emergency Response, Government Relations and Legal Affairs.

He will also be the official spokesperson for the Airline.

Philippe has lived in the Middle East most of his life and has 30 years of experience that spans technical, operational, marketing, business development, public relations and general management.