COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Known as Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality brand, Jetwing was once again honored with the prestigious PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Grand Award in the Environment category for the entry titled “The Success of Self-Reliance” – a thorough and comprehensive entry focusing on the sustainability initiatives undertaken at Jetwing Yala, and a PATA Gold Award (Promotional E-Newsletter) in the Marketing category for “The Front Desk.” This occasion marks the third consecutive year Jetwing has won a Grand Award; and also the only Sri Lankan company to win awards this year.
The PATA Gold Awards put the spotlight on tourism innovation and excellence. This year’s awards attracted 269 entries from 83 organizations and individuals worldwide, the highest numbers since 2007. Judged by panels of experts, the PATA Awards recognize exceptional achievement in six categories:-Marketing, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Education and Training, Marketing Media and Travel Journalism with Grand Awards given for four. The award ceremony took place at the PATA Travel Mart this September, in Bangalore, with Managing Director Ruan Samarasinghe accepting the Gold Award for the Front Desk and Gamunu Srilal – General Manager of Jetwing Yala – receiving the Grand Award.
Jetwing Yala was launched in January 2014, and has quickly established itself as the beacon of the Deep South of Sri Lanka. Featuring 80 rooms and 10 luxury tented villas, Jetwing Yala brings world class luxury and hospitality to the wilderness of Yala, in a stunning location overlooking massive sand dunes and the vibrant hues of the Indian Ocean. The entire property was designed from ground up to be as sustainable as possible, with an acre dedicated to a solar park (one of the country’s largest privately owned solar parks) containing over 1000 panels, generating 40% of the hotel’s electricity demand, a biomass boiler which utilizes cinnamon wood to power a vapor absorption chiller (which in turn powers air conditioning) and a composting machine that reduces processing from the standard 40 days to 14-20 days.
Functioning as the Jetwing brand’s regular communication with its public, The Front Desk provides a constant and consistent look at the company’s progress, instilling a sense of familiarity and belonging among visitors in a personal form of digital communication. The title symbolizes the functions of the reception at a hotel, be it a warm welcome, acting as an information provider, and a source of communication between hotel and guest. In addition, the layout was constructed around the concept of guest relations, to provide information, generate interest, and to foster communication between Jetwing and international visitors in a professional and attractive design.
“To us at Jetwing, this award is more than just a trophy; rather, it is the international recognition of our commitment and efforts in ensuring that Sri Lanka, a land of beauty and blessed by nature, will be passed down to our children and yours, to be lived in and experienced to her fullest,” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. “If you look at all the other winners, the majority belong to the tourism authorities of countries – Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan and Korea for example. To be recognized and winning both a Grand and a Gold Award speaks volumes about our efforts, and proves that we as a country and a company are on the right path,” he continued.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 42 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Program; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the Program.
