Emirates Lounge at BIA boost to tourism

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The formal opening of the high profile Emirates Lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Katunayake on Friday will reiterate the pledge of continued support to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry through award winning air services. “The investment of Rs 200 million in this premium lounge is a further value addition to the airline’s offering in Colombo as well as to the facilities at the BIA. Emirates is happy to make this investment, which is also reflects our optimism about the prospects for growth in post-conflict Sri Lanka,” Emirates Airline President Tim Clark said.

“I understand that more international hotel chains are building in Sri Lanka and that the tourism infrastructure is being upgraded. Sri Lanka will be therefore progressively attracting tourists from the more affluent segments. MICE traffic is also increasing and the country is attracting the

attention of investors from many parts of the world,” he said.

These developments are of particular relevance to Emirates, which is one of the most active international carriers serving this country. We look forward to continuing to play a significant role in the growth of Sri Lanka, a country we have served with award winning air services for 26 years,” Clark said.

Designed, equipped and furnished to the exact specifications developed for Emirates lounges at 28 other major international airports around the world,the 5,778 square foot Emirates lounge at the BIA can accommodate up to 118passengers in comfort. It is for the exclusive use of the airline’s First Class and Business Class passengers and Gold members of Skywards, Emirates’ frequent flyer programme.

Emirates has three premium lounges at the Dubai International Airport, its home base and has set up similar lounges at 27 other airports in key cities across its network. Colombo was the forth destination on the Emirates network, when the airline launched services to Sri Lanka in April 986.