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Sri Lanka hotels seeing strong occupancy levels for 2010

The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) this week that the January 2010 performance of hotels in the country has been excellent with arrivals reaching 50,750, a 32% increase on January 2009.

A statement by the THASL President Srilal Miththapala said the main contribution to this increase has been the British market, up by 24.6%, Germany up by 54% and India up by 73.5%. January and February are two of the busiest months in the tourism calendar and is the peak of the high season.

In January 2010, resort hotels had occupancies close upon 70% to 80% for the month. Even the circuit hotels in the cultural triangle area, which were relatively low, have picked up and are now doing well with about 65% occupancy levels. Mr. Miththapala said these high occupancies, coupled with enhanced high season room rates has resulted in almost all resort hotels posting high revenues for the month with healthy net profit returns.

Many hotels are also facing over-booking situations, a ‘problem’ which Sri Lankan hotels have not experienced for a long time. In Colombo, five star hotels have done very well reaching occupancy levels of 55% to 60%, indicating a 25% year on year growth. Mr. Miththapala said this increase has come from the leisure and corporate segment and not necessarily from convention and incentive travel.

The lower category city hotels have fared much better with an occupancy rates closer to 80%.

Overall, the THASL is expecting February 2010 to be ever better if the rapid increase in tourist arrivals continues. With the contracting season for room sales for next winter now underway, most hoteliers will be looking to adjust their rates to reflect a more realistic price level from the current rate structures which were in place during the war situation. Mr. Miththapala said some of the bigger hotel companies will be undertaking several refurbishing and upgrading programmes during the forthcoming summer months.

As a result, there will be some room stock reduced from the inventory for the summer period. The Negombo area in particular will see several hotels partially reducing their operations, to undertake substantial refurbishing activities.

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Sri Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails wins top Travellers Choice Awards 2010

Following close on the heels of the two awards won in 2009, Ceylon Tea Trails has won three Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2010 from TripAdvisor Honours World’s Top Hotels. They are Top 10 All Inclusive Resorts in the World; Top 10 Best Service in Asia and Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia, the Sri Lankan company – part of the Dilmah Group, said.

Ceylon Tea Trails is the world’s first tea bungalow resort connected by walking trails, situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel community, with more than 32 million visitors every month, 9 million members and 20 million reviews and opinions generated monthly by actual travellers who cover more than 300,000 hotels in 30,000 destinations worldwide.

Unlike other hotel awards programmes, the “Travellers’ Choice Awards” are based on an analysis of real, unbiased reviews and opinions by actual guests. Extracts from typical reviews of Tea Trails at tripadvisor.com say, “Most magical place in the WORLD….one of the most special places I have ever stayed, anywhere…..Small piece of heaven….So perfect it felt like a dream!”

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Sri Lanka

Taprobane Island – The Gem of Paradise!

By Nilma Dole — One of the most beautiful islands, 200 yards off the Southern Coast in the centre of Weligama Bay, is definitely Taprobane Island upon which a stunning view of the Indian Ocean will stun your senses. Keeping in mind that there is nothing between the island or the South Pole, the destination is a green, tree-top island with an idyllic setting.

Nominated by world-renowned travel magazine Conde Naste Traveller as one of the Top 50 romantic destinations in the world, Taprobane Island was built in the 1920s by the eccentric English Count de Mauny as his humble abode. It has passed many ownerships and has been a getaway for many celebrities like Robin Maugham, Paul Bowels, Arthur C. Clarke, and Peggy Guggenheim.

Today, the Galle Literary Festival GLF founder Geoffrey Dobbs is the proprietor of the place, revealing the secluded spot to the rich and the famous. We managed to saunter to the island after some literary gossip at the (GLF) but did get wet feet trying to enter the island but we were in good spirits. Once on the island, we were welcomed with some fresh lemon juice served by the hospitable caretakers who are part of a five member team who made our stay at the Island comfortable.

The sweet-smelling Araliya and the lush coconut palms swaying in the breeze made it feel as it we had stepped onto a miniature Paradise. Taprobane Island is a fitting example of Sri Lankan tourism haven which has been blessed by astounding tropical magic at its Southern tip. During the 2004 tsunami when most of the visitors had to hold on to trees for dear life, they managed to survive since the Island had breakers around for protection.

Set on two and a half acres of exotic beauty, there are 5 en-suite bedrooms, with enough relaxing space to stretch your aching legs and live the Islander life. The gorgeous infinity pool overlooks the Weligama Bay with a pristine 180 degree view which feels like a drop straight into the sea. Ensuring that you can relax and take it easy while you are on Taprobane Island, you can read from a collection of amazing books, most of the writers who have attended the GLF since its inception in 2007.

The island was obviously named Taprobane due to its spitting image of the majestic Sri Lanka itself, where the tastefully-designed Neo-Palladian mansion was carved to perfection by Count de Mauny. According to researcher Tim Porter, the Count fashioned an octagonal villa that permitted verandahs which was a 1930’s architectural folly where tropical gardens extend through the foliage to the overhanging edges, fully occupying the crest of the island.

Rooms look outward from a stupendous middle space, with verandahs spilling out to embrace the landscaped garden and stepped terraces hovering over the ocean, one has the sensation there of living on a magnificent cruise ship.

According to Tim Porter, the island became neglected for many years until a brief period in the 1970’s when the son of the painter Balthus held court there and captivated many a young visitor! It was not, however, until 1995 when the present owner moved in, that the process of restoring the island to its heyday was begun.

Travel writer Paul Bowles stated that at one point, all cobras found in Sri Lanka were put into sacks, carried across to Taprobane Island and left there, since in Sri Lanka one doesn’t kill snakes. Luckily, cobras do not scare visitors nowadays. Today, Geoffrey Dobbs entertains literary gurus, artists, celebrities and many more to this wonderful paradise making it the highlight of the GLF.

After a deserving siesta at Taprobane Island after the GLF, the finale party was held that night on the Island itself which made a fiesta!

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Sri Lanka

Muthurajawela marshlands in Sri Lanka

The name Muthurajawela has been coined from Sinhala meaning simply the Swamp of Royal Treasure for the treasures of kings in olden days are believed to be buried in that area. The Muthurajawela marshlands are situated towards the southern part of Negombo and its boundaries span from the Negombo lagoon which also helps to create a coastal eco-system, and the Kelaniya River located at the northern tip of Colombo.

The Muthurajawela marshlands are supposed to be Sri Lankas largest saline peat bog. It is believed to have originated about 7000 years ago as there are some residuals which have been in existence 500 years ago. The Muthurajawela is home to a multitude of endemic species of flora and fauna. About 192 flora and 209 fauna, excluding 102 species of birds have been discovered.

On a pleasant day, bird watchers can be treated to water birds such as herons, egrets in abundance in the lagoon and the marsh. It is also a residence for 40 different species of fish, of which 15 falls under the category of indigenous fauna.

The nocturnal animal, slender Loris, which is believed to be endangered, can be seen once in a blue moon. Muthurajawela marsh has been declared as a sanctuary by the government in 1996 due to its vast bio diversity. Covering a total land area of over 7,000 hectares, the Muthurajawela marsh and Negombo lagoon are part of a greater wetland ecosystem.

The Muthurajawela marshlands are the largest marsh area in the country and is a distinctive wetland habitat that is home to a variety of animals including reptiles and birds. The wetland ecosystem, however, is under severe threat caused by destructive fishing, encroachment, expanding housing areas, water pollution and social disparity.

However steps are now being taken by the government of Sri Lanka to minimize these problems by integrated planning process. Muthurajawela marsh, Negombo serves numerous uses which include fishery, agriculture, trade and shipping and habitation from the past.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Airlines changing the way we fly

SriLankan Airlines promises its passengers, “We are changing the way we fly” a SriLankan Airlines has embarked on an exciting new journey that would give their passengers a richer taste of the paradise, they already know and love.

The Airline is introducing a whole new experience on ground and in the air, that promises its passengers a total ‘Change in the way You fly! Beginning the journey with its iconic logo the monara or the peacock, the airline’s front line staff from cabin to ground crew will sport a brand new look and a warmer smile.

But the charm, elegance and grace of the peacock will be preserved as stewardesses at SriLankan Airlines undergo the transformation. Their iconic Kandyan Saree uniform still retains its oriental charm but yet have a distinctive modern appeal and contemporary look.

The new colour palette plays with the soft hues of sea blue splashed with the delicate multi-hued motifs of the peacock feather with its shimmering iridescent bursts of electric orange mottled with dark, light blue and white.

While the women and men who take care of every little detail of a passengers’ comfort on ground and in flight, will offer a vastly improved level of service, decked in their new uniforms, the airline’s onboard kitchen has turned an entirely new chapter in their in flight meal service and offers its passengers a tempting array of mouth watering signature dishes and cocktails never served on board before.

And passengers have the added choice of ordering from a new A la carte menu and having their meals literally cooked on board! ‘While new menus, served by a cabin team with a brand new look is guaranteed to tempt the most discerning passengers’ taste buds, a whole new experience in, in flight entertainment also awaits movie buffs.

SriLankan Airlines will continue this journey of new discovery with more comfortable seats on board with more leg space and flat bed seats in the business class.

Trimmings and trappings on board, like the seat covers will also change to give a completely new look and feel to the experience of travelling with SriLankan Airlines, which aims to be one of the best in Asia.

Passengers who fly SriLankan Airlines may wonder if they are really airborne or at a gourmet restaurant in one of the world’s top gastronomic capitals.

The airline’s flight kitchen led by a team of chefs from the Hot and Cold Kitchens; Bakery; and Confectionery headed by Production Manager Sudhish Kumar Pande and Executive Chef Anthony Gibson has designed menus to pamper the palate and titillate the taste buds beyond imagination.

‘Passengers will have an entirely new experience of an intimate, personalised service as the in flight staff wheels a five-star meal to your seat whenever you wish to dine. All boundaries of space and time have been stretched enabling passengers to enjoy a multi-gastronomic experience at their will.’

The new menus reflect a truly global feel and flavour. Complementing the wide international array on offer, Sri Lankan dishes have been re-defined and re-invented to encompass a sensational range of aromas and tastes to seduce our thousands of passengers.

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Uncategorized

US agree on aviation security cooperation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) hosted an historic aviation security summit with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano spearheaded a new era of industry/government cooperation to improve aviation security around the world.

‘The aviation industry is committed to keeping the global skies safe and secure. We live in a global world with global connectivity and global threats.

The challenge is to protect the benefits of aviation connectivity and eliminate the threats. Governments and industry have the same goals but different expertise. Governments understand the threats and the tools needed to mitigate them. Industry has the operational expertise for effective implementation.

Working together is the only way forward,’ said Bisignani.

The summit was held at IATA’s headquarters in Geneva and included the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), top executives from 25 airlines as well as participants from the US government.

Bisignani commended the fresh approach of the Obama administration to proactively engage industry. ‘We applaud Secretary Napolitano’s commitment to engage industry and find workable and effective solutions.’ A single meeting cannot solve all the security challenges we face but it is a major step in the right direction. We had a lot to teach each other and today is the start of a regular high-level dialogue on this critical issue.
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Uncategorized

Emirates Airlines doubles business class rewards

Emirates Business Rewards, the airline’s innovative loyalty programme tailor-made for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), will offer its customers double reward miles throughout February and March, highlighting the airlines commitment to supporting SMEs in the UAE.

For every US$1 spent on travel with Emirates and booked via Business Rewards in February and March, the company will be awarded four Business Reward miles, rather than the standard two.

These miles can be redeemed for free flights on Emirates services worldwide.

This exciting offer is available to all new and existing Business Rewards members globally.

This innovative loyalty programme, which is free to join, has been tailor-made to suit the ongoing needs of SMEs through reward flights for both the company and the individual employee.

Since launching the Emirates Business Rewards programme in May 2008, Emirates has helped multiple SMEs across the world earn and book reward flights quickly and efficiently; utilizing a streamlined business travel system, which allows administrators within the company to manage employee travel on a dedicated Emirates airline portal.

Emirates Business Rewards now has nearly 8000 registered accounts across the globe and firms in 57 countries availing the broad range of benefits.

The double miles promotion is valid for travel commencing from February 1 to March 31. All travel must be completed by 31 March 2010.

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Australia

Qantas Airways axes first class as profits drop

Australia’s Qantas Airways Thursday said it was axing first class from all but a handful of routes in a post-financial crisis overhaul, as half-year profit slumped 72 percent to 52 million US dollars.

Chief executive Alan Joyce said passengers would only be able to fly first class between Australia and London, via Singapore, and between Australia and Los Angeles after demand dropped dramatically in the wake of the downturn.

“Our first class product will remain on key routes,” chief executive Alan Joyce told reporters. “It’s a re-balance – there are more business class seats and less first class seats,” he said.

The flag-carrier will reconfigure 29 aircraft and upgrade some planes’ in-flight entertainment at a cost of 400 million Australian dollars (360 million US), leaving first class on just 12 Airbus A380s.

“The reconfiguration is driven by the longer-term trend of what we believe is happening in demand,” Joyce said.

“The long-term trend in first class has been for a decline.

Our seat factor (load) in first class has been below 40 percent, so we have plenty of room to cope with all expected future demand,” he added.

The first-half announcement, and failure to pay an interim dividend, sent shares into a tailspin with Qantas down 7.4 percent at 2.75 Australian dollars by lunchtime.

However, Joyce was upbeat despite the steep on-year slump, pointing out that many competitors were booking losses as the world recovers from the downturn.

AFP

Australia

Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £63.30
Location: Melbourne, Australia
4 star based on 68 reviews

What could be more romantic than a gourmet dinner cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River? Watch the city light up on your three-hour Melbourne dinner cruise and enjoy Melbourne’s famous fine dining in the comfort of a cruising restaurant. The changing vistas and coloured lights will make this a movable feast with a difference as you travel along the Yarra River on your Melbourne dinner cruise.

Inclusions:

* Enjoy a romantic night on a dinner cruise
* Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
* Several menus to choose from
* Free drinks included – Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, basic spirit and liqueurs
* Vegetarian meal option available
* All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
* 6-course gourmet dinner
* Conducted in English

Your six-course, multicultural dinner is prepared onboard by expert chefs, and matched with premium Australian wines. Service onboard is personalized, expert and friendly, and the ambiance is luxurious and romantic. Drinks to accompany your Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise include red and white wines, sparkling wine, beers and spirits, plus a choice of port, cognac or liqueur.

You will cruise the Yarra River on either the ‘Spirit of Melbourne’ or the ‘Florence on the Yarra’. Both vessel offer an intimate setting and personalized service with attention to detail.

Schedule

Departure Point: Lower Promenade, Melbourne

Departure Time: 7:30pm

Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 10:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

It was one of the things that I had put down on my “to do list” and I am glad that i experienced it. If you are looking for a romantic time away or just to relax and unwind from your busy life then this trip is for you. Its quality time for a solid 3 hours. Oh and the music was fantastic I want a copy! Thank you heaps

Reviewed by: Anonymous, Australia

BOOK FROM 360+ HOTEL DEALS IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

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Australia

Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £70.00
Location: Melbourne, Australia
4.5star based on 151 reviews

Experience the spectacular Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Your small, personalized eco tour takes you by comfortable minibus along the winding Great Ocean Road to Kennett River, where you’re guaranteed to spot koalas in their native habitat. The Great Ocean Road eco tour continues to the Otway Ranges for strolls at Maits Rest panoramic rainforest walk.

Inclusions:

* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Small group tour
* Local guide
* Transport by air-conditioned minivan
* Morning tea
* National Park fees
* Helicopter tour (if option selected)
* GST (Goods and Services Tax)
* Conducted in English

World-famous Port Campbell National Park is the next stop on your Great Ocean Road small group tour, with its iconic array of offshore rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles. Here you have the option of taking a helicopter ride to see the magnificent coastline from the air.

The Great Ocean Road small group eco tour continues along the Shipwreck Coast to Loch Ard Gorge, site of many shipwrecks. The gorge is named for the Loch Ard which went down in 1878, sparing just two lives. Your final destination on your Great Ocean Road tour is London Bridge. Your return journey includes a stop for dinner and stunning views of the lights of Melbourne as you cross the West Gate Bridge at the end of your long day tour.

This unique small group tour operator is a member of Eco Tourism Australia and provides expert guided Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island tours.

Award: Winner of the 2007 Australian Tourism Award – Best Tour & Transport Operator

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from most Melbourne hotels

Departure Time: 7:00am – Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 9:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

A great but long day but no strain to you as you sit back and enjoy the outstanding scenery. The day was made extra special by the driver and guide. His personal touch and great anecdotes were much appreciated. He definately went the extra mile for us.

Reviewed by: Denis U, United Kingdom

BOOK FROM 360+ HOTEL DEALS IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

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