Life style
Thai Airways to grace the runaways of BIA once again
By Zanita Careem
- Thai Airways to resume Operations between Colombo and Thailand from March 31st, 2024 onwards. The flight ex CMB will depart on 01.04.2024.
- MAC to be the Airline’s forefront as their General Sales Agent within the region for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
- The route will resume with daily flights connecting to more than 50 plus international destinations and additional domestic one
Thai airways ,will re- commence flight operations to Sri Lanka heralding a new chapter in bilateral air connectivity between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Thai Airways the long standing flight service between Thailand and Sri Lanka which was stalled during the Covid pandemic will be resumed. Mac Holdings are the General Sales Agent with the region for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
This was announced at a press conference held recently at the Hilton Colombo.
Attended by several dignitaries, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Sriripala Ambassador of Thailand in Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn, representatives from Thai Air Ways Naritorn Sukkaseam team lead (Western and Middle East) Thai Airways International and Thikhamporn Benyaapikul team, lead Western and Middle East) Thai Air Ways International were present.
The airline operates to more than 60 plus destinations in Asia, Australasia, Middle, Scandinavia and Europe. The route will operate daily flights with an early morning departure out from Colombo arriving in Bangkok in the morning hours itself enabling tourists to gain more time in their respective travelling destination. Passengers who are having connecting flights beyond Thailand too have a smooth and hassle-free transfer with immediate connecting flights.
Speaking at the press conference, Andre Fernando, Managing Director MAC Holdings Private Limited said, “As the trusted Ground Sales & Services Agent (GSA) for Thai Airways, MAC Holdings Private Limited announced the resumption of Thai Airways flights to Sri Lanka after a lapse of four years. The carrier did operate much required passenger converted to cargo flights to CMB during the COVID pandemic period assisting the fashion and medical industries.
This resumption marks a significant milestone and also marks a revitalization of air connectivity between Thailand and Sri Lanka. MAC Holdings is known for thier pivotal role in facilitating seamless travel experiences. Andre Fernando said “with our steadfast commitment to excellence in aviation services, we are proud to support Thai Airways in reconnecting travellers to the wonders of Thailand and beyond. This resumption heralds a new era of opportunities for both leisure and business travellers, reaffirming MAC’s dedication to fostering robust partnerships and enhancing global mobility”.
He also said Thailand being one of the popular leisure destinations in the region with Bangkok being its capital city is well known for nightlife, excellent cuisine and an oasis of history and culture. Bangkok being a vital hub is not only popular for tourism but also religious, economic and trade activities.
Director Sales Thai Aiways Wit Kitchathorn said Thai Airways,which paused operations during covid pandemic will resume direct flight,seven days a week. The airline operates to more than 60 plus local and global destination in Asia,Australasia,Scandinavia and Europe. Sri Lanka is a much loved destination for Sri Lankans for leisure.
He described the resumption as a major stride and a symbol of close ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka for leisure and business travellers.
With daily flights on the agenda travellers are in for a treat as they embark on a journey of exploration and adventure. Tourism is one of the important segments that contributes to the economy of both countries.
This move is a boost for the tourism sector for both countries which has been eagerly awaiting its return by both parties.
With a deep rooted culture, soul satiating delicacies and a tropical weather, Bangkok is a land of unforgettable experiences.An exotic destination, Thailand offers a whimsical dose of everything one expects from their vaccation.
A rich night life, cultural experiences, a shopping hub, there is something for everybody. Thailand is renowned for top temples and monasteries, it offers a unique and memorable sightseeing experience.
With Buddhism at the heart of Thailand and Sri Lanka’s being a strong Buddhist country, there are many Lankan visitors travelling to appreciate the spiritual significance The air connectivity is definetely a benchmark for tourism between both countries.
From left – MAC Holdings Sales Manager – Passenger Dushantha Ranasinghe, Thai Airways International Team Lead Western and Middle East Narintorn Sukkaseam, Thai Airways International Director of Sales Wit Kitchathorn, MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando, Thai Airways International Team Lead Western and Middle East Thikhamporn Beyaapikul and MAC Holdings Sales/Cargo Asst. Manager Naveenan Soundarapandiyan
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
…….
The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
