Travel

Feel Negombo 2009 from Dec 11-13

Feel Negombo 2009- a family event is set to take place from December 11-13 along the Negombo beach stretch. The core purpose of the event is "to create a vibrant and attractive image of Negombo as a popular destination for both local and international travellers." Feel Negombo 2009, in keeping with its theme of catering to the entire family, has a host of events and entertainment lined up for all members of the family during the three days.

"The main objectives of this event are to promote Negombo as a destination for family and youth traveller (flash packers) and enhance economic development by creating employment and opportunities surrounding tourism in the region. We also want to showcase Sri Lankan hospitality and milieu along with establishing an international event in Negombo which is recognized in the international and local calendar of events. Feel Negombo will help build strong and productive partnerships with regional stakeholders and local communities in Negombo" of Tourism Promotion Minister Faiszer Musthapha said. For the first time in Sri Lanka, Feel Negombo 2009 will also feature Water Walking and Zorbing (Sphearing). There is also an extensive list of activities that will span over three days that includes: Water Sports - Jet Skis, Wind Surfing, Banana Rides, Boat Rides, Canal Tours, Diving/ Snorkeling, Plastic Ball Bumper, Wake Boards, Tube Rides, Arial rope, Water Ski, Fishing activities, ATV Rides, Paint Ball, How fast can you bowl, Ball Pool, Water Cannon Park/ shooters, 4 x 4 (Sunday), Kids Activities, Street Parade/Opening Ceremony, Drum Sensation.

"Negombo has the infrastructure in place to make it into an upmarket beach tourist hub. It's key that with re-branding we focus on developing on various cities/towns in the island giving everyone something to treasure in Sri Lanka", Minister of Tourism-Western Provincial Council Nimal Lanza said.

There is a Senior citizens Programme incorporated into the event whereby Sri Lankans abroad will have the opportunity to pay for a day trip for their parents living here. The organizers will provide transport, buffet and various activities which will entertain them. After spending an entire day in Negombo they will be taken back to Colombo.

Chaaya Blu Trincomalee to open next year

A member of the John Keells Hotels Group, Club Oceanic Trincomalee has closed operations to undergo a complete refurbishment and expansion.

The 56-room Club Oceanic will receive a new look and theme by the design of master-architect Channa Daswatte and additional capacity to take its inventory to 80 rooms.

It is expected that the hotel will reopen in May 2010 as "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee" joining the "Chaaya Hotels and Resorts" family of five other 4-star resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. An investment of Rs. 450 million will be committed to this development.

"Since the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, the east coast has emerged strongly as the country's new tourism destination", said Executive Vice President of the John Keells Hotels Group and Sector head for Sri Lankan Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala.

"Trincomalee in particular is becoming increasingly accessible to local and foreign holiday-makers with the development of the road network, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the country and a host of other activities including yachting, angling and whale watching.

"Blu" is as seafarers would refer to the ocean and "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee, " will be pledged to promoting the rich offerings of the seas of Trinco to the world," he said.

"Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism.

We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation," said Deputy Chairman John Keells Holdings and President of the Leisure Group Ajit Gunewardene. He said "The John Keells Hotels Group is proud to launch one of the first development projects towards promoting east-coast tourism.

Emirates' A380 to arrive in Paris early

An Emirates' A380 will serve Paris from December 29, one month earlier than planned.

The airline had previously announced that the super-jumbo would head to Paris Charles de Gaulle from February 1, but an operational review, coupled with demand on the route, has led to an earlier introduction.

The 489-seat aircraft will be incorporated into Emirates' double daily flights to Paris. It will initially service three of the morning departures from Dubai, becoming daily from January 17, 2010.

Earlier this month, Emirates bucked the trend in the aviation industry by posting a sizeable profit increase for its operations in the April-September period of the current financial year.

During this period, the airline announced a profit of Dhs 752 million (US$ 205 million) and, significantly, an 18 percent increase in passengers.

The growth in passengers and earnings has been mirrored in the French market and has been a major consideration in the earlier introduction of the A380 onto the Paris route.

Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe and Russian Federation, Salem Obaidalla said: "Our forward carryings out of France are extremely strong. Coupled with the earlier aircraft availability on that route, it means we can provide passengers with the experience of flying this highly popular aircraft between Dubai and Paris much sooner than originally anticipated.

It also provides our passengers with an earlier A380 service all the way through to Sydney, Auckland, Bangkok and, soon, Seoul." The A380 serving Paris will have a configuration of 14 Private Suites in First Class, 76 new generation, fully flat seats in Business Class and 399 seats in the Economy cabin.

The A380 departs Dubai at 0800hrs and arrives in Paris at 1225hrs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It leaves Paris at 1430hrs and arrives in Dubai at 2359hrs. First and Business Class passengers can enjoy the luxurious facilities provided by the airline's dedicated lounges in Paris and Dubai's Terminal 3, one of the finest airport facilities ever built.

SriLankan platinum American Express winners hosted to high tea

Since its launch in January 2009, the SriLankan Airlines Platinum American Express Card has continuously served its Cardmembers with value, unbeatable offers and an unparalleled customer experience.

Amongst the host of benefits on the card, Cardmembers were given the opportunity to enter a monthly draw to win two million FlySmiLes throughout the year from April this year. Nations Trust Bank invited the winners from the previous three draws of "Win 5 Trips to Exotic Destinations" promotion - the monthly draw for SriLankan Airlines Platinum American Express Cardmembers, to high tea at the Corporate Office.

The NTB Management felicitated these Cardmembers for their patronage on the card.