Pegasus Reef to provide improved customer service after facelift

Pegasus Reef Hotel, a part of the Carson Cumberbatch Group (Carsons), is currently being upgraded to provide travellers with a better experience, according to Carsons’ annual report.

A brand new sea food restaurant is being constructed; set to open in August, while the rooms, lobby and the parking areas are being upgraded.
One of the earliest star class hotels to be established in the country—in 1970 in Wattala—Pegasus Reef Hotel has become a popular destination for MICE events and banquets.

While occupancy of the 140 rooms remained at 47 percent in 2014 compared to the national average of 75 percent, with room revenue falling from Rs. 262.07 million to Rs. 259.19 million yoy in 2014, food and beverage revenue increased to Rs. 235.71 million from Rs. 178.53 million yoy.

Carsons said that the improved performance in food and beverage was due to the refurbishment of the two banquet halls in 2013. The number of banquet guests served in 2014 increased to nearly 65,000 compared to around 45,000 yoy.

 Carsons owned 93.09 percent of the shares in Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon PLC, which owns and operates Pegasus Reef Hotel and Giritale Hotel in Polonnaruwa.

It is speculated that Carsons is divesting some of its shares in Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon to downgrade the company to the Diri Savi Board on the Colombo Stock Exchange, to keep in line with the minimum public float rules.