Travel

UK travel agents see Lanka by air

On their recent visit to Sri Lanka, 16 Kuoni agents from the United Kingdom were flown by Deccan Aviation Lanka for an aerial view of the coastal belt of Sri Lanka.

"Deccan Aviation is committed to invest in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka and by showcasing the beauty of the country as seen by a helicopter is part of our contribution so that the agents can better inform their clients on the wonders of the destination", a Favourite Group spokesperson speaking on behalf of Deccan said.

Kuoni were warmly welcomed by Deccan staff at the beach of the Heritance in Ahungalla and a familiarisation was conducted aboard the helicopter in the form of several scenic flights for the visiting agents. During the flights, the agents were given a bird's eye view of the coastal belt, nearby temples, coconut plantations with the mountains including Adams Peak visible in the distance.

Deccan Aviation Lanka who is the only helicopter operator permitted by the government represents a niche market and is a key provider of transport solutions to most of the upmarket properties in Sri Lanka including Aman Resorts and other luxury brands in the country.

"Our unique ability to transfer guests directly to the beach or grounds of their hotel from the international airport makes our services essential for attracting high spending tourists who are too impatient to spend hours on the road. This applies to corporate travellers also who can visit their project sites with ease in our limo in the sky"

Deccan Lanka also positions itself as a niche market product offering air transport services which give travellers a "limousine in the sky" experience. Deccan Aviation Lanka is the country's only airline offering both helicopters and aircraft, operating a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter and a Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. More recently the company has commenced twice weekly international flights to the Maldives, in addition to cargo and passenger flights throughout Sri Lanka.

John Topham from Kuoni, East Grinstead said "Thank you for an excellent experience! The opportunity to have seen Sri Lanka, its coast and inland from such an advantageous point was superb!"

Kuoni Travel Ltd is one of the leading travel agents in the world employing over 7,500 staff in 300 offices around the world. Kuoni is represented by Whittall Boustead (Travel) Limited in Sri Lanka, which is a part of John Keels Holdings.

Malay Street in Mount Lavinia Hotel

Mount Lavinia Hotel will go back on memory lane and host Malay Street with cooked Malay specialties at the Governor's Rooftop from October from 10 to 18 commencing at 7 p.m. each day.

Last year, the Malay community celebrated 75 years of existence in the country with a revival of Malay Street a street that was well-known for its traditional culinary delights in the years gone by.

This year too, Malay Street will be a hive of activity complete with traditional music. The event is a buffet dinner where guests savour all the delicacies that the Malays are known for.

The buffet will feature all the spicy delights like Pittu and Babath, meat dishes like Daging Chuka, Sate Daging, the seven vegetable Kolak curry, Satay, Nasi Goreng and pickles that are an essential item in Malay food.

The ambience will be typically Malay with street style stalls serenaded by traditional Malay music.

Thai arrivals increase

The emergency, which was effective in Thailand for a brief period, never had a negative impact on the arrival to the country, said Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka, Thinakorn Kanasuta.

Speaking to the 'Daily News Business' at an Thai event hosted by Colombo Hilton he said that only effect had was that some tourists who were to visit Thailand postponed their itineraries. The ambassador also said that he was happy with the increasing number of arrivals from Sri Lanka to Thailand.

Both countries have a Buddhist culture and more promotion from Sri Lanka can attract the Thai Buddhist travellers to Sri Lanka.

General Manger Sri Lanka and Maldives, Thai Airways, Weerawat Swasdibutra said that there is an increase arrivals from Sri Lanka to Thailand. "This is very encouraging," he said. (SS)

Happenings @ Continental

Take a moment to update yourself with the newest promotions at the Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo which is planned out for you - Month of October!!!

The Pastry Shop - Cafe Country will be featuring hot Kottu's daily from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. for all the Kottu lovers. You could savor Chicken Kottu, Fish Kottu, and Beef Kottu for Rs. 250 nett while Egg Kottu for Rs. 225 nett and also Vegetarian Kottu will be on the cards too.

Yummy One-foot sandwiches will be on show in the Lobby from 1st October onwards from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Variety

Cater GCCO at Gardiner Group

Versatile hotelier, Basheer Cader has been appointed group Chief Commercial officer of the Gardiner Group which has as its flagship the Galle Face Hotel and the Ceylon Hotels Corporation as its other cluster.

Basheer joins this dynamic company with a Wealth of experience in marketing, sales and public relations with Dialog, Hutch and American Premium. Although Basheer's Primary task would be the marketing of the Leisure Division of the Gardiner Group.

of sandwiches such as the Hungry Jack, Bombay Big foot, Sausage Hunger, Chicken Submarine will be priced economically.