Travel

Avani Bentota redefining entertainment with IPTV

Avani Bentota Resort and Spa, reaffirms its penchant for trendsetting in hospitality with its comprehensive and multi-faceted new IP TV system.

The first Sri Lankan hotel to introduce this feature to its service, Avani Bentota has always been known for its capacity to provide its guests a holiday experience which is not only full of surprises and new experiences, but packed with all the features necessary to make sure guests are provided with every possible luxury and convenience.

An Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system is one in which television services are delivered using an Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet, as opposed to being delivered through traditional, terrestrial satellite signals and cable television formats. The system comprises an impressive list of features, including normal TV channels, movie uploading, online radio and online weather forecasts.

In addition, the system provides the option for guests to view billing, hotel guides and to place room service orders.

The team at Avani Bentota is confident that this trendsetting feature is yet another hallmark in its continuing journey towards adding a little extra value to a holiday experience.

A thorough understanding of a guest's changing needs is prized attribute of the hotel, and the team understands that the utter relaxation and rejuvenation offered at the hotel should not only consist of unique spa and recreation experiences, but a host of entertainment choices and conveniences that are unrivalled.

For over four decades, the hotel has been a well-loved retreat, standing on the pristine beach at Bentota and comfortably fusing the quintessential grace of Dutch colonial architecture with the best luxuries of the 21st century.

The 2011 refurbishment, made the transition from Hotel Serendib to Avani Bentota Resort and Spa, underlined this unique quality.

Avani Bentota Resort and Spa is managed by Serendib Leisure Management Ltd., and jointly owned by Hemas Holdings PLC and a Minor Hotel Group, and is the first international brand to be managed by a Sri Lankan company in the post war period.

Fortune Boat gaining popularity to open new outlets

Fortune Boat the Chinese restaurant situated at Olympic House Reid Avenue Colombo 7, is looking at opening two new outlets in Negombo and Hambantota within the next year.

Chairman and President of Fortune Boat, Zhang Hong, said the restaurant set up three years ago is gaining popularity and this was the reason they decided to expand its service.

"I think we are the only Chinese restaurant which is 100% Chinese which serves authentic Chinese dishes and we have a steady clientele of both Chinese and local customers," he said.

Zhang further stated that Sri Lankans who travel to China and taste the authentic food are their main local clienteles, while many expatriates too patronize the restaurant.

Fortune Boat set up as a Board of Investment venture with an investment of Rs. 50 million could accommodate over 206 customers at a time in both their floors. (SS)

Lanka Princess wins TUI Holly Award

Lanka Princess has been among the top 100 hotels worldwide in the TUI Holly ranking for the year 2012 . The rankings were based on the responses received from TUI clients they stay at on the basis of the level of satisfaction in terms of service, the standard of the hotel, the quality of the food and beverage as well as the location of the hotel.

For a Hotel which has been in operation for barely a couple of years, accomplishing such a feat in terms of the consistency and excellence in its service is truly a noteworthy achievement. Lanka Princess has proven that Sri Lanka's tourism product, especially in terms of service can compete with any other country in the world " said Mrs Christiane Thoma-Ratnasiri , Senior Product Manager TUI Germany for Sri Lanka.

Lanka Princess specializes in Ayurvedic treatment and caters mainly to clientele from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hotel's General Manager, Michael A. Weyland remarks that much of their success can be attributed to the exceptional customer service, which is a hallmark of the Lanka Princess Hotel.

"We take this opportunity to thank the numerous guests who have enjoyed our service and hospitality and selected us as one of their favorite hotel and as well as the hard working, dedicated and hospitable team at the hotel. Having stood by us during the difficult time as well, they have been our strength throughout the years"

He also went into to remark "With the end of the three year decade old conflict, we at the Lanka Princess Hotel all look forward with optimism to the future of tourism in Sri Lanka. Whilst guarding the acquired status as one of the preferred hotels for the past decade of TUI customers worldwide, we shall strive to maintain and even better the quality of our service to our guests in the times ahead, especially after the refurbishment of most of the rooms in summer 2012.

Diya Investment and Management Group of Beijing, China

Which is now looking at investment opportunities in Sri Lanka chartered and aircraft to Hambantoa and Anuradhapura to get first hand information of investment opportunities in the two areas. The team also flew over several districts to get an overview of the country. The group is expected to invest nearly Rs.10 billion in Sri Lanka over the next few years. Zhang Zhi Li,Chairman of the Group with President, FCCISL, Kumara Mallimarachchi, Secretary General FCCISL, Nalin Atigalle and other members at the Colombo Hilton.