Business
Mackinnons Travels gets a fresh new look: new office opened in Vauxhall Street
Mackinnons Travels Private Limited (MTL) one of Sri Lanka’s leading end-to-end travel management companies and the outbound travel arm of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) recently celebrated the re-opening of its Vauxhall Street office. The opening of the newly refurbished premises was attended by key officials and employees from the company. The new MTL office premises, located at 186, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2, comes fully equipped with the latest facilities and technology, including ample parking and space for customers to meet with professional travel consultants who can assist them to create tailor made holiday packages based on their specific needs.
The momentous move was commemorated with the joint cutting of the ribbon by the President of John Keells Group Transportation and Plantations Sectors, Zafir Hashim and the Chief Executive Officer of Mackinnons Travels Private Limited and Vice President of John Keells Group, Druvi Sirisena, followed by the lighting of the oil lamp by dignitaries and the traditional boiling of milk.
MTL which was founded in 1971 functioned as a small travel agent at the time, mainly catering to an exclusive client base while servicing the corporate travel needs of its parent company, JKH. Since then, the company has grown to handle the end-to-end travel requirements of individuals and corporates by handling ticketing, hotel bookings, group tours, individual tours, visa processing, corporate travel and incentives, among other services. Further, the company has reached many milestones, including gaining International Air Transportation Association (IATA) status and becoming the sole representative for American Express Travel in Sri Lanka, to name a few.
Addressing the gathering at the occasion, Zafir Hashim, President of John Keells Group Transportation and Plantations Sectors, stated, “It’s been a difficult time for many industries and those operating in the travel industry particularly. Mackinnons Travels, the outbound arm of John Keells Holdings is no exception to this. However, I am extremely proud of how the team has come together during these challenging times to overcome the obstacles placed in front of them. There are continuous improvements taking place within the company, not only in terms of systems and technological advancements but also in terms of processes and how they operate. 2023 will be a year filled with its own challenges, but I am highly confident in the team’s ability to push through the challenges and bring about a positive change for not just the company but also for their customers.”
Adding his thoughts, Druvi Sirisena, Chief Executive Officer of Mackinnons Travels Private Limited and Vice President of John Keells Group, stated, “We are truly excited about moving into this modern, fully equipped office space. This marks a big step forward in our efforts to provide our customers with the best possible level of service when addressing their travel requirements. The team has been working exceptionally hard over the past few years to navigate the turbulent times that we faced and have done their best to offer our customers a superlative service experience despite the challenges. Now, as the country is looking to rebuild itself, we are excited to be back at our Vauxhall Street office and look forward to transforming the travel industry with exciting innovations, offers and solutions.”
To learn more about the travel packages and services offered by Mackinnons Travels, please visit www.mackinnonstravels.com
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
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