JKH wins six Presidential Awards

The Leisure Group of John Keells Group (JHK) won six Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism at the annual Presidential Awards ceremony last week at the BMICH under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

The Cinnamon Grand Colombo was adjudged the Best Five Star City Hotel at this year’s Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism. General Manager Rohan Karr received the award which was presented in recognition of the hotel’s continued influence in the hospitality sector. Cinnamon Grand continues to emphasize its image as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.

“As a three-year old brand conceptualized in Sri Lanka, we feel great pride in receiving this award for the second consecutive year, in lieu of our indigenous origins, “ said Karr. “Cinnamon Grand is the first property of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality brand of the John Keells Group. In three years, the brand has undergone significant growth and has become a premier venue in Colombo for business travellers, vacationers and diners alike.”

Cinnamon Grand guarantees legendary Sri Lankan hospitality through an offering of luxury, comfort, creativity and discovery. All this is possible due to the efforts made by the Cinnamon Grand’s workforce, who strive everyday towards the hotel’s success.

Cinnamon Grand has a unique blend of hospitality, service and cuisine and sets excellent standards and revolutionizes the very definition of hospitality in Sri Lanka with innovative ideas which conforms to its theme of “indulgence for all ages”. The conglomerate’s Destination Management Companies, Walkers Tours and Whittalls Travels, won five awards of the six categories applied for.

Nature Odyssey, the adventure and nature brand of Walkers Tours, won the Presidential Award for the Best Adventure Tourism Operator. Nature Odyssey has been instrumental in initiating innovative packages and experiences for foreign and local tourists. Their expertise is focused on adventure and nature tourism, allowing the world to experience Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.

They pioneered Whale Watching in Sri Lanka and currently carry out a very successful program with the Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation. The Best Charter Airline of the Year was awarded to Condor Airlines, who collaborates with their local ground handling partner, Walkers Tours, in promoting Sri Lanka through extensive campaigns.

The German airline owned by Thomas Cook has been operating in Sri Lanka for over 40 years, in spite of turbulent times, clearly signifying its commitment to Sri Lankan tourism.

Meanwhile, the coveted award for the Best Chauffeur Guide went to Ananda Yatawara of Walkers Tours. Yatawara has over 33 years experience in tourism and has been with Walkers Tours since 1975.

Kuoni Travel was the winner for the second successive year of the Presidential Award for the Destination Loyal Partner - Foreign Tour Operator Category. The award was received by Whittalls Travels, the Destination Management Company of the John Keells Group who has represented Kuoni since 1993 in Sri Lanka.

Whittalls Travels recently were runners-up in the Kuoni UK 2008 Agent of the Year Award amongst over 50 Destination Management Companies Worldwide.

Theekshana Wijesinghe of Whittalls Travels and Walkers Tours was adjudged Best National Guide Lecturer.

Head of Leisure Inbound Sector, Vasantha Leelananda said. “We are a wholely Sri Lankan entity, we are fiercely proud of our country and firmly believe that we have a world class destination to offer. We benchmark ourselves against the best in the world and ensure benefits accrue to all our stakeholders - employees, suppliers and partners.

Deputy Chairman John Keells Holdings and President of the Leisure Group Ajit Gunewardene said, “We are delighted with the six Presidential Awards we have received.