Travel

German tour guide initiates CSR

An organization initiated by a Sri Lankan German tour guide in Germany to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects is to construct 10 housing units in Moragoda in the Dambulla area.

The mentor behind the project Ivor Vancuylenburg says that they hope to complete this housing project by the end of this year.

He said the organization was formed in 1993 mainly from donations received by German tourists visiting Sri Lanka. "These tourists were in the habit of giving pocket money and other gift items when they meet Sri Lankans in places of interest. Since this was creating problems and the Sri Lankan image too was at stake I initiated a program where I collected the money and gave it out for an institution such as a temple, organization or a school," he said.

When the tourists went back to Germany they wanted to keep assisting Sri Lanka and had no means of sending money across. "This is the time we decided to form 'Kinderhilfe Sri Lanka' and it proved to be very successful."

He said that in addition to the CSR initiated by the Kinderhilfe Sri Lanka they also promote tourism. "The German tourists who visit Sri Lanka spread the word that Sri Lanka is a safe destination and tourists have never been specifically targeted during violence," he said.

Vancuylenburg who is a Vice President of the organization since its inception said that members who join the organization pay an annual membership fee of Euro 83. "Today we have almost 500 members in the organization based close to Frankfurt. The first project initiated by the organization was to building pre schools in Sandagalpaya near Kekirawa and today they pay teachers fees and maintain the School with the assistance of the nearby temple.

In addition the organization also built 40 houses in Trincomalee after the tsunami and is carrying out several other projects that include assisting the hospital, English teacher training, renovating a water tank, and foster parent schemes. SS

Club Bentota offers locals 'All inclusive'

Ben For the first time Club Bentota hotel is offering the 'All inclusive' concept for Sri Lankan tourists. In addition the hotel is also planning in hosting a series of corporate events.

General Manager of the hotel, Udeni Perera said that they are going to convert their river restaurant to host these events. "We are happy to note that several corporates have made inquires to host product launches at this venue," he said.

The hotel will also host an international fashion show next month. Club Bentota was built in 1983 and was operated by TUI of Germany until 2003 as Robinson Club. Subsequently Galle Face hotel with a Maldivian partner took over the management and it was re branded as Club Bentota.

The hotel situated on 17 acres was maintaining a 85 percent occupancy which was very encouraging. Its main clientele are from Germany and UK and is now also popular among the Russian travelers.

One of the biggest and unmatched advantages the hotel enjoys is the location where the hotel is on an island sandwiched between the sea and the river. Due to this the popular Maldivian concept, where guests have to take a boat from the mainland to the hotel, is being created with no road access.

"This is something guests find very interesting," he said.

"The island location also offers more privacy to the guests which is also another plus point for the hotel," he added. Club Bentota, which was completely refurbished after the tsunami, offers 136 rooms and 10 suites. "Our professional and overseas trained animation team is also very popular among foreigners," he said.

Since Club Bentota is built on a peninsula that is surrounded by the blue sea on one side and the scenic Bentota River it's a very popular water sports destination especially for wind surfing and water skinning. Ayurvedic herbal treatment centre, open-air discotheque, the large beach for sports and recreation facilities are popular among foreigners.

Diamond Club new promo

Diamond Club, the exclusive loyalty club of Aitken Spence Hotels announced its newest promotion, which will be launched on January, 12, offering Diamond Club members staying at Aitken Spence Hotels or Heritance Hotels and Resorts on their birthday a discount on their room bill equal to the members age.

In keeping with the Diamond Club tag line 'Welcome to a world of extended privileges' this offer is valid exclusive to Diamond Club members at Aitken Spence Hotels and Heritance Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka.

"If you are celebrating your 60th birthday at one of our hotels, you are entitled to receive a 60% discount on your room rate.

This is our way of thanking our loyal members and what better way to say it than this," said Manager Public Relations and Promotions for Aitken Spence Hotels, Renusha Gomis, Diamond Club, launched in April 2008, consists of an elite member base and exclusive promotions will be one of the many privileges offered to its loyal members.