First FDI tourism project in SL’s east coast launched

Pura Resorts Canada with Ideal Developments Canada this week announced the very first foreign direct investment (FDI) tourism project in Sri Lanka’s east coast, Pura Luxury Villas Resorts. It will feature incredibly luxurious chalets and villas on the east coast of the island along the pristine shores of Nilaveli beach, Trincomalee.

SilkAir to increase flight frequency to Colombo from March

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will be increasing flight frequency to Singapore to meet growing travel demand.

Emirates to launch non-stop Dubai-Newark service with daily flights

Emirates will introduce a new non-stop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dubai from June 1st 2018, adding to its existing daily flight which operates with a stop in Athens, Greece.

Gulf Air independently ranked third most punctual airline in 2017

Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, has been independently ranked by UK aviation analysts OAG the third most punctual airline in 2017, amongst Middle East and African airlines, with an average on-time performance (OTP) of 80.22 percent.

Qatar Air to get first Airbus A350-1000 next month

AIRWISE: Qatar Airways will take delivery of the first production Airbus A350-1000 next month, after a delivery delay over the installation of the airline’s business class seats was resolved. The Doha-based airline is launch customer of the 366 seat A350-1000 and also its smaller sister, the 325 seat-900.

EasyJet CEO cuts pay to match predecessor in equality move

REUTERS: EasyJet’s new male chief executive has cut his annual salary to that of his female predecessor, citing the low-cost airline’s commitment to equal pay, the group said Monday.

Kuwait Airways revamp aircraft fleet and increase flights to Colombo

Since the inception of its operation in Colombo in 1972, Kuwait Airways has established and built up a reputation of being a progressive and ever-expanding airline; one of the most reliable airlines operating out of Colombo.

SIA to launch Melbourne-Wellington services and daily flights to Canberra

Singapore Airlines (SIA) recently announced that it will introduce a new service that will connect Singapore and Melbourne to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.

Lativian President commends Heritance Ahungalla hospitality

Five-star luxury hotel Heritance Ahungalla welcomed Lativian President Raimonds V?jonis and Latvian First Lady Iveta V?jone for a short stay during their 10-day state visit to Sri Lanka. 

Outbound travel agency Hemas Travels opens Jaffna office

Hemas Travels (Pvt.) Ltd, the leading outbound travel agency in Sri Lanka, has spread its wings in the rapidly developing city of Jaffna. 

Sri Lanka Tourism powers first Ironman event in South Asia

The world’s leading triathlon enters the Sri Lankan market, showcasing Sri Lanka as a global destination for international sporting events. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Colombo Triathlon, which will be held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on February 25, 2018.

France drops 2025 World Expo bid over cash worries

AFP: France has withdrawn its bid for Paris to host the 2025 World Expo citing financial risks as the country gears up to organise both the Olympics and Rugby World Cup.

Gulf Air’s on time punctuality garners top ranking in 2017

Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, has been independently ranked by the UK aviation analysts OAG the third most punctual airline in 2017, amongst the Middle East and African airlines, with an average on-time performance (OTP) of 80.22 percent. 

Arabic Food Festival at Heritance Negombo

Bringing authentic flavours of exotic Arabic cuisine to the town of Negombo, Aitken Spence Hotel’s five-star property, Heritance Negombo, will unravel two days of gastronomic excellence end this month, laced with aromatic spices of the East.

Cruising the islands of Jaffna

An azure sea stretches into the distance and meets the blue sky at the horizon. It is a bright morning with a few white clouds above. The modern four-cabin cruiser sails along so smoothly that the welcome drink on the table on deck remains almost still. 

Eden Resort and Spa wins big at NBEA 2017

The Eden Resort and Spa has done it again by winning another Gold Award at the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2017, making it three years in a row as the best in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector category.

Findmyfare partners Contiki to offer exciting deals for young adventurers

Sri Lanka’s largest online travel company Findmyfare has partnered with Contiki, the original travel company for young, wild and free, to offer an array of adventures for Sri Lankan youth.

MillionSpaces redefines event spaces booking experience

MillionSpaces, a marketplace where guests can discover, pay and book unique spaces online, was recently launched by the Silicon Valley based technology solutions firm, Auxenta.

Launch of Bahrain Tourist Visa and Holiday services

Mack Air, General Sales Agent of Gulf Air, in partnership with Visit Bahrain, Bahrain’s largest destination management company, launched Bahrain Tourist Visa and Holiday services available at the Gulf Air office.

First integrated Maldivian resort seeks Sri Lankan participation

Singha Estate PLC, a leading Thai real estate developer, launched Maldives’ first integrated resort, a travel destination mega project in Emboodhoo Lagoon, titled ‘Crossroads’ recently.

Emirates SkyCargo wraps up 2017 on a positive note

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, completed a year of strong growth in 2017.

Serene Pavilions wins Luxury Boutique Hotel Award

Serene Pavilions made Sri Lanka proud with their prestigious double win at the recently held World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017 ceremony in Switzerland. 

RCL commences Colombo-Tuticorin new feeder service at JCT

Regional Container Line (RCL) commenced a new twice weekly feeder service connecting Colombo with Tuticorin, the second largest port in Tamil Nadu state, India. 

Emirates makes new destinations more attractive to Lankan travelers this year

Emirates is making it even more attractive for travellers from Sri Lanka to enjoy new destinations and experiences in 2018. 

London and Hong Kong next destinations for SIA’s new A380 cabin products

Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced that London and Hong Kong will be the next destinations to be served by its newest Airbus A380 aircraft, featuring the Airline’s recently unveiled new cabin products. Starting 16 February 2018, the aircraft will operate as SQ322 (Singapore-London) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. From 17 February 2018 to 5 April 2018, it will operate as SQ305 (London-Singapore). With effect from 7 April 2018, the new ai

Sri Lanka Tourism awards cyber security contract to Sri Lanka CERT|CC

Sri Lanka CERT, the national computer emergency readiness team, has been entrusted with the task of providing a wide range of cyber security services for the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the apex body of Sri Lanka Tourism.

Emirates and flydubai to offer travellers even more connections in 2018

Emirates and flydubai will offer travellers even more connectivity and flight options in 2018, with new codeshare flights planned to Krakow in Poland from April 8 and Catania in Italy from June 13.

Findmyfare kicks off new year with exciting deals

Sri Lanka’s largest online travel company Findmyfare kicked off the new year with a fantastic new promotion for Nations Trust Bank (NTB) American Express (Amex) cards customers, wherein they will enjoy an exclusive saving of 12 percent on bookings to any destination available on www.findmyfare.com.

Tensions run high at tourism office as SLTPB Chairman asked to leave

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara was recently requested to resign by Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga. 

SilkAir first to fly Boeing 737 MAX 8 to Australia

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines became the first airline to fly the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to Australia yesterday.