Elephant Reach, Yala, a 4-star hotel soon

by Rohana Jayalal

Elephant Reach Hotel, Yala is undergoing major renovations. Twenty more eco-friendly rooms will be added to the 35 it has at present.

Sales and Marketing Manager, Dhiman Nonis said, "Following the refurbishment and value additions, Elephant Reach will be a 4-star hotel”.Tourists from China, India and the European countries are the target groups, Manager, Elephant Reach Yala, Eshan Mendis said.

“Elephant Reach also operates a beach camp at Kirinda in Yala. We also contribute much to the development of the tourism industry,” he said.

Every year nearly 36,000 tourists visit the hotel from China, India and the European countries. The staff of the hotel are active and maintain cordial relations with the tourists who take accommodation in the hotel. The number of Chinese tourist arrivals has increased considerably in the recent past, Mendis said.

The European market is our new target. Sri Lanka is becoming popular among European tourists, while Indian tourists also visit Sri Lanka in huge numbers.

"We abide by the rules and regulations of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). We have been operating the hotel for the past nine years and have stepped into the 10th year. We also hope to further develop the hotel in the future," he said.

"The Government can contribute more to the industry. We should use modern technology at the SLTDA to promote tourism across the world,” Mendis said.

“Sri Lanka is famous for its hospitality among foreign tourists. Protecting the goodwill of the country is crucial at a time the tourism industry is developing fast. We go on four or five safaris per day depending on the occupancy," the manager said.

Since its launch in March, 2006, the hotel grew gradually and has now reached this level and turned into a world-class accommodation provider in Yala. During the past nine years, the hotel built its image among the travellers for continuously introducing new services and special travel packages, he said.

Chairman, Lanka Hotels and Travels (LHT Holdings), which is the holding company of Elephant Reach, Clement Fernando said, “We have taken proactive steps in being one with the environment, preserving its beauty, thus creating absolute harmony between the hotel and nature that surrounds it.

Elephant Reach will remain true to its core beliefs of delighting guests and ensuring that they enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.”

Mendis said that Elephant Reach Hotel kept its doors open, playing an integral part in the tourism industry during the conflict. Despite many hotels in the region closing down, Elephant Reach stayed true to its reputation and continued to delight travellers, for them to enjoy a holiday like no other in the wilderness.

“We thrive on interaction with guests and we find joy in going the extra mile to create delightful moments.

As we step into our 10th year, our commitment to pursue excellence will always be an integral part of everything we do,” he said.

The past couple of years has been good for the country and Elephant Reach hotel with a steady increase in the number of arrivals from China and Europe.

The hotel will introduce a variety of services to ensure we cater to these travellers and leave a lasting impression on them, he added.