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| Friday, 24 October 2003 |
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Aman makes Lankan debut next year by Tharika Goonathilake
One of the world's most luxurious boutique hotel chains, Amanresorts makes it debut in Sri Lanka next year with the chain's first purpose built US$ 10 million boutique hotel property to be opened in Tangalle. The 22 acre property, will comprise 32 individual chalets on a sprawling site encompassing the stunning environs of the Tangalle Bay. Conceptualising the renowned Aman `formula'- seclusion, luxury and style, the hotel will cater to the well-heeled, sophisticated travellers looking for a lifestyle experience. According to Attorney- at- Law S.G Senaratne of Simon and Associates overlooking the Group's founder Chairman Adrian Zecha's interest in Sri Lanka, the project has already been commissioned to constructers with the opening, scheduled for November next year. He said the conducive environment in the country due to sustained peace has been a major contributory factor for this new project, which he envisages "will go a long way to elevate the country's status as a high- end holiday destination." The hotel, will offer the same stamp of luxury that is associated with other global Aman properties in the world, while adding a milestone to the overall tourism product in the South. The Group, operates a chain of small exclusive luxury hotels in key destinations including Thailand, Pamalican Islands, Philippines, Indonesia, USA, and Mexico and is patronised by a set of `jet set loyal clients' who travel the world to savour the `Aman experience.' The chain, which commands room rates of US $ 500 to 1000 per night also has a no advertising stand, with patronage enjoyed only through word-of-mouth and repeat clientele.
" Sri Lanka has what it takes to be a top notch travel destination, given the country's myriad of attractions and easy accessibility. Zecha, is of a firm believer in the potential of the destination and is keen to link Sri Lanka to the Aman chain," he said. Senaratne also said endorsements by reputed hotel chains of this nature will help to facilitate the country's efforts to woo more upmarket travellers to Sri Lanka, given the high end patronage and product appeal, associated with Aman hospitality. In addition to the Tangalle property, Zecha, has also invested in the former Dutch Hospital building Colombo Fort, with plans for a Colombo based Aman boutique hotel. Abacus International unveils new brand
Abacus International, Asia pacific's leading Global Distribution Services provider and travel facilitator unveiled its new brand at a launch ceremony in Colombo as it enters its 15th year of achievements. Abacus International was established in 1988 to provide comprehensive travel information and customized GDS services to clients in the Asian region. Over the past 15 years, Abacus has grown from strength to strength and is now considered to be a leading voice in all matters concerning the travel industry. In Sri Lanka since 1998, it has more than 20 employees nationwide. "We have seen a travel industry influx - innovations in technology, expansions into new markets and challenging times. From this we have adapted, learned lessons and applied what we know to help the industry remain strong. We believe it is now a suitable time to build upon this by unveiling the new chapter of Abacus' growth," said Don Birch, CEO and President of Abacus International. The new Abacus logo will still have red as its focal colour, but the logo itself is changing in shape and typeface. "We think our new logo combines the best of our Asian heritage along with a modern look," Birch added. Supporting the logo will be complete update of the Company's look and feel. "By this repositioning exercise we hope to evolve and strengthen our brand promise to complement our vision to the market. Said Ashok Pathirage, Managing Director, Abacus International Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka. He added that Abacus' operations in Sri Lanka are fusing international best practices with local expertise through local operations and partnerships to better enable to address customers' need and improve marketing efficiency. Singapore-based Abacus International is the Asia-pacific's leading travel facilitator with more than 9,000 agency locations in 20 countries. With 15 years of experience in fusing international best practices and local expertise with global and local partnerships, abacus provides travel information and reservations specifically tailored to the Asia-Pacific region. More information on Abacus can be found at www.abacus.com.sg. Qantas introduces business Skybed Qantas takes passenger comfort to a new level with the move by the airways to introduce the international business Skybed with a range of features to ensure maximum comfort, privacy and service in the air! . Part of the redesigned international business class image of the airline, the new Skybed is the longest bed in business class, with an in-built back massager and extensive range of seat adjustments. The new facility aims at comfort whether working, eating or sleeping with a unique cocoon style design that further ensues total privacy during the flight. Other facilities that are unique to the Qantas Business experience are extensive seat adjustment controls for maximum comfort in position, regardless of your height, a personal entertainment unit featuring a 26.5 cm screen that can be tilted for optimal viewing, Ac power plug for your laptop that doesn't require an adaptor cable and clever storage solutions including a compartment for your shoe, a centre console unit for work items and even a water bottle holder. Meal options include a selection from a full restaurant-style experience to a faster, express style meal, or simply a midnight snack. The new room service style breakfast on board also enables business class travellers to pre select meals and eat at their own pace and schedule. The Skybed will be introduced on three-class B747-400 aircraft serving London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok routes, followed by Los Angeles and New York from early 2004. European and other Asian destinations will be included once Skybed has been installed on A330-300 and two-class B747-400 aircraft, from mid 2004 and end 2004 respectively. Pata Gold Awards add carrier, SPA and e-newsletter categories The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced additional categories for the PATA Gold Awards 2004. They are Carrier (Air, Land, Water) for Domestic, Regional, and International operators; new categories for spas and e-newsletters have also been added. The PATA Gold Awards competition is the Asia Pacific travel industry's premier awards programme recognising excellence, innovation and dedication across the whole spectrum of travel and tourism endeavours in the region. Award recipients will be honoured during a special luncheon on April 19, 2004 during the 53rd PATA Annual Conference in Jeju, Korea (ROK). The Gold Awards programme is open only to PATA-member organisations, with the following exceptions: PATA chapters may enter the Environment, Heritage & Culture and Education & Training categories. The Travel Journalism category is open to all published writers and photographers. PATA President and CEO, Peter de Jong said: "We hope that the new types of sub-categories for the different kinds of carriers will encourage an even wider range of PATA-member companies to participate. Small and big players are treated equally." Further PATA Gold Awards details and entry forms are available on PATAnet at www.pata.org. The closing date for entries is December 15, 2003. |
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