Travel

Since the lost whales of Trinco were rediscovered in 2010, by a team of naturalists at ‘Cinnamon Nature Trails', numerous sightings of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins have taken place making the season up in the East a rewarding experience.

‘Sun and sand' is not a ‘must' for hot tourist destinations any more in Sri Lanka. Though Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, Unwatuna or Negombo is traditionally identified as hot spots of beach tourism, the latest addition is Ella in the midst of the misty hills.

EAP Hotels have embarked on the burgeoning hospitality industry in Sri Lanka with elaborate plans for expansion and its latest venture was opening up a private property in Nuwara Eliya into a holiday bungalow.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse recently awarded Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa with a fourstar certification.

Emirates has doubled its A380 capacity to New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Paris’ Charles De Gaulle airports, with a twice daily A380 service from Dubai now operating into both cities.

Subash Hotel, Jaffna, comprising 36 rooms was the main hotel in Jaffna, where many visitors to Jaffna stayed, including VIPs. It had been requisitioned by the armed forces during the war and handed back to the family owners.

The Sri Lanka Army-owned newest holiday resort in the deep southern wild, ‘Lãya Safari’ at Palatupana, Yala bordering the Yala National Sanctuary was declared open by Speaker of the Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa with the presence of Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.

Celebrating thirteen years of excellence, Kandy’s popular five star attraction Earl’s Regency Hotel is now ready with the festive season package to celebrate this Christmas and anniversary together.

Heritance Hotels was once again in the spotlight when Heritance Ahungalla was presented with the Gold Award at the National Green Awards concluded recently at the BMICH.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has been awarded the prestigious Centre for Aviation (CAPA) Airline of the Year 2012 Award for the third time.

Emirates, one of the fastest growing international airlines, has announced the addition of three frequencies to its present 11-weekly flights to Mauritius. The service to the paradise island will be double daily beginning December 2, 2012.

Witness the marvels of one of the world’s oldest civilizations as Cathay Pacific Airways brings travellers an exciting ‘Getaway Surprise to China’.

Ranna212 is now a member of Switch Asia through the organisation’s ‘Greening Sri Lanka Hotels’ initiative toward sustainable tourism practices.

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways has unveiled a new video showing the making of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner just days before the aircraft’s scheduled delivery to the Doha-based airline.

Eastern Hotel Developers have announced holiday offerings said to “encourage travelers to escape the warm temperatures and indulge in the chilly hill side atmosphere with amazing specials”.

Sri Lanka as a destination has been promoted under two new themes at the World Travel Market (WTM), one of the largest global travel and tourism events at the London ExCel Exhibition Centre.

Emirates’ sensational ‘Cash + Miles’ offer in Sri Lanka has been extended and expanded with more destinations in response to popular demand, the award-winning airline announced this week.

Having two feathers already in its cap, Cinnamon Resorts welcomes its newest member Cinnamon Citadel to the family.

There are only four or five locations in the entire costal line in Sri Lanka that has the higher elevated land just by bay or beach. Tangalle, Trinco, Yala and Mirissa are some of the outstanding 'off cliff' places in the Lanka's tourism map .

Arjuna Rathnayake from Earl’s Regency walked away as the winner of the recently concluded Absolute Bartender Challenge 2012. The competition organized by Periceyl (Pvt) Ltd in collaboration with the Kandy Hoteliers took place in the hill capital recently.