Business
Aban’s pioneering hospitality foray debuts In Colombo
Courtyard by Marriott, overlooking Colombo’s Beira Lake from Sir. James Pieris Mawatha (previously General’s Lake Road), the newest entrant to Colombo’s luxury hotel scene and the Abans Group’s first foray into the hospitality industry, was formally commissioned a few days ago.
Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands, it is the first Courtyard to open in Sri Lanka. Located at the heart of the city’s central business district adjacent to the Colombo City Centre Mall, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo is set to offer a sophisticated yet comfortable environment for guests as they explore the city.
The 164-room hotel is headed by an expatriate general manager, Elton Hurtis, who has been here for three years heading Marriot Weligama, an experience he said he enjoyed very much.
“We are delighted to debut Courtyard by Marriott in Sri Lanka …….,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International. “The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo marks Marriott Bonvoy’s third property in Sri Lanka, further complementing our commitment to growth in the region and accommodating different types of travellers visiting this beautiful destination.”
The hotel features three distinct dining venues including Beira Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant offering local delicacies and international cuisines. At Tito’s café, guests can start their day with freshly baked bread, coffee or tea and The Lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere with light beverages and assorted bites.
The hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art banqueting facilities for hosting events and gatherings of varied sizes. Its indoor meeting spaces are spread over an area of 14,500 sq. ft and are suited to accommodate both large and intimate gatherings. Recreational facilities at the hotel include a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool above ground level.
Within a few days of its launch, there was at least one corporate event hosted at the hotel on Tuesday when a press lunch was hosted. The management declined to discuss opening time occupancy but said “we’re pretty popular with the corporate sector.”
“I am delighted to welcome guests to an international hotel experience in Sri Lanka with the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo,” said Elton Hurtis, General Manager of the hotel. “Sri Lanka has plenty to offer, from golden sandy beaches and exotic wildlife to UNESCO world heritage sites and rich biodiversity. We offer a prime location for business or leisure travel – or a blend of both – and look forward to providing excellent comfort, functionality, and guest services to both national and international travellers.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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