JETWING SEA HONORED WITH PATA GOLD AWARD

We are committed to Sri Lanka, to her continued growth, to her continued fame, and to keeping her beautiful for the generations to come – Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing

24.02.2012, Colombo – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) honored Jetwing Sea today with a PATA Gold Award in the category of Environment – Corporate Environmental Programme, as a part of the PATA Gold Awards 2012. This year’s Awards attracted 180 entries from 79 organisations and individuals worldwide, and the victory stands testament to the consistent commitment shown by Jetwing towards the environment.

Titled ‘Jetwing Sea – A Greener Vision’, the entry impressed the judging panel with its high quality, and the measures and initiatives which are utilized at the property. This occasion marks the third Gold Award won by Jetwing; the first being for ‘A Taxi Service for the Community’ by Jetwing Lighthouse under the category of Education & Training in 2005, and the second for ‘Together We Can Make It – The Jetwing Eternal Earth Project’, based at Hunas Falls (formerly under Jetwing) under Environment – Corporate Environmental Programme in 2009. In addition, Jetwing Vil Uyana won the PATA Grand Award in 2007 for Education & Training for the novel Jetwing Youth Development Project – ‘We Dreamed a Dream’.

Jetwing Sea, formerly known as the Seashells Hotel, holds a unique place in the history of the company. Dating back to 1972, the property was constructed by Founding Chairman Herbert Cooray for G.E.B. Milheusen, a pioneer in the tourism industry. Herbert built the hotel in record time, in just 6 months, and purchased it 6 years later, making significant improvements to it as well such as a new 35 room wing as well as a swimming pool. In mid-2010, Jetwing Hotels undertook and completed a major re-creation of the original hotel, launching the sleek, elegant and contemporary Jetwing Sea in January 2011. The re-creation was the product of internationally renowned architect and Bawa student, Murad Ismail, and was at every stage dedicated to utilizing and maintaining energy efficiency and environment friendly operations.

“Winning the Gold Award for Jetwing Sea’s environment initiatives is a sign that we are on the right path”, said a smiling Jude Kasturi Arachchi, the Head of Engineering for Jetwing Hotels. “We looked into simple, often overlooked means of efficiency, such as maximizing natural light and ventilation, 100% energy efficient lighting through LED, CFL and Fluorescent T5 bulbs, solar power for room illumination and hot water generation during daytime and a biomass boiler for night time. Other measures include an energy efficient central chiller for air –conditioning, LED backlit guest room TVs, and an in-house sewage treatment plant to recycle and reuse waste water”, he continued.

“Jetwing is being recognized for our commitment to our environment, and it is indeed a great feeling. In January our practices were described in Paradise Exorcised by renowned author Juliet Coombe, and now we have won a PATA Gold Award for them. It certainly is an honor, and we will continue to support sustainable practices and operations”, said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.

THE 6th JETWING EARTH DAY, AT ST. ANNE’S SHRINE TALAWILA

What does it mean, to be truly sustainable? To be environmentally conscious and responsible? Quite simply, sustainability means the capacity to endure, and to conserve is to protect natural resources and their habitats for the future. Jetwing has always held such measures close to its heart, and has structured processes around such measures rather than the other way around.

Reaffirming its dedication to the environment, Jetwing held their 6^th Earth Day at St. Anne’s Shrine Talawila, attended by schoolchildren, teachers, and associates. Long identified as the guardians of the future of this amazing island, the emphasis of the Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme (JEEP) has always been on schoolchildren. With the resident naturalists of Jetwing properties all over the country conducting regular awareness and implementation sessions, JEEP has been immensely successful.

The Jetwing Earth Day 2012 began with Holy Mass, in celebration of the life of Founder Chairman Herbert Cooray, and to invoke blessings on the day’s proceedings. After Holy Mass, the children, teachers, and Jetwing associates conducted a tree planting campaign within the Shrine’s grounds.

With over 20 saplings planted, the teamwork and dedication showed by participants was extraordinary, despite the heat of the mid-day sun. Taking a break to much deserved refreshments, the children and teachers were treated to a presentation on the importance of being eco-friendly; conducted by Environmentalist Hasantha Lokugamage. For images of the Jetwing Earth Day, please visit www.facebook.com/jetwinghotels.

“It’s been 6 years since we started the Programme, and I’m proud to be a patron of such an ambitious initiative”, said Rajeev Sebastian, popular singer and patron of the Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme.  “It was a humbling experience, and the enthusiasm shown by the children makes all the effort and hard work worthwhile”, he continued.

“Jetwing has made its commitment to the environment, and identified that education of children was priority if change is to be brought a long time ago. JEEP has evolved, from simple tree planting to offset carbon emission by visitors to Sri Lanka to an overarching, multifaceted programme which places education and knowledge at its core”, said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. “Moving our reforestation site to St. Anne’s Talawila was a deeply fulfilling decision, as we look towards God’s blessings in the future to continue making this initiative a success”, as he explained the reason behind the site’s choice.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 39 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.

The Crossing

TheCrossing

Senanayaka Samudraya is the only place in the entire country where you could witness “The Crossing”. Elephants swim from the mainland to several of the islands in the water tank in search of food. The best time to witness this marvelous spectacular is during the month of August when the water levels are low. There’re only two boats that’re available at the moment & they’re both being operated by the Wildlife Department. If you visit to witness “The Crossing” please note that elephants are vulnerable during their swim & therefore are not to be approached directly, so that the animals may be scared & may even drown trying to escape from the boats. This is a very delicate matter which needs to be witnessed from a far. Nature such as this should only be witnessed, not experienced.

Nilgala Forest

Nilgala forest is very famous for its bio diversity & its bird population. 93 bird species have been recorded in the park so far including Painted Francolin, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Crested Serpent Eagle, etc. There’re several campsites inside the forest which can be rented out for less than US$ 10 (as at 2012). Elephants can be witnessed roaming around the forest in small herds. This is the only place in the entire country where you could witness the properties of a normal forest & the properties of a primary rain forest. There’re several archeological sites in the area as well.

Makare

A river flows grandly towards the Senanayaka Samudraya – The Ocean of Senanayaka. The river meets an obstacle in the shape of huge rocks & ll of a sudden the river disappears & appears again some 30-40 feet away. This point is called makare. During the month of August, visitors can clearly see how water flows beneath the rocks to surface again on the other side.

Kings’ Path

King Dutugemunu went to the historical war with King Elara from India during 161 BC to save the country from foreign invasion. This victorious army marched from Kataragama to Anuradhapura. The path which they went is still visible from place to place by the markings of black stones. Part of this path is still there inside the Nilgala Park.

Rathugala Veddas

The 7th generation of the “Forest Dwellers” of Sri Lanka lives in Rathugala, some 20 KM from the Nilgala forest. This is a dying race, which have been exposed to the modern world & the old ways are dying. Poverty is compelling them to move away from their ancestral ways & adapt to the new world.  Their leader, Dhanigala Mahabandara is the last surviving member who resembles of the by gone era.

Deegawapi Temple

This is one of the 16 venerable places in the country where Lord Buddha had visited. Lord Buddha visited Deegawapi temple during his 3rd visit to the country, after visiting the Sri Pada or popularly known as Adam’s Peak. The temple is in a very bad condition where parts of the structure are falling down & wild trees have been allowed to grow extensively. The monks at the temple are trying to build the biggest buddhist temple in the world, around the current holy grounds. However they’re facing some political disturbances to go ahead with the project.

Jetwing and Mercantile Merchant Bank in Rs. 700 mn. Jaffna hotel

 

The Jetwing group and the Mercantile Merchant Bank Limited have teamed up to build a 76-room star class hotel in the heart of Jaffna town with an investment of Rs.700 million.

The new property, Jetwing Yarl Hotel, will rise 14 floors and is due to be completed within 18 months on a 46-perch land area at Old Clock Tower Road in Jaffna.

The new hotel will feature both roof top swimming pool and a presidential suite.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse and Traditional Industries Minister Douglas Devananda participated in Friday’s foundation stone laying ceremony for the new hotel. Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Governor of the Northern Province, was also present.

The investors were represented by Mr. Milinda Moragoda of the Mercantile Merchant Bank, Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Managing Director of Jetwing Travels and Ruwan Samarasinghe, MD of Jetwing Hotels.

Business analysts noted that since the war ended nearly three years ago, many in the private sector have only paid lip service to the importance of re-engagement with and re-integration of the North.

There had been no significant investment in the area although big companies have sought to cash-in on the post war rebound in tourism by rushing to build hotels outside the North.

Source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=44628

Foundation laid for Rs 700 M hotel project in Jaffna

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Published on Saturday, 04 February 2012 10:51

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Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne and the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa laid the foundation Stone for Jetwing Yarl hotel in Jaffna on Friday
The Rs 700 million project is a joint venture between Mercantile Merchant Bank Ltd, and the Jetwing Group.  Jetwing Yarl hotel is to be constructed on a 46 perch land area on the Old Clock Tower Road, in Jaffna. The star class hotel will have 76 rooms, 14 storied, roof top swimming pool, Presidential Suite. According to the project estimation the construction work is to be completed within 18 months.

This hotel will create employment for youth in the area in addition to boosting income and business opportunities to the self-employed, micro enterprises and farmers.

Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Major General G. A. Chandrasiri, Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Mr. Ruwan Samarasinghe, Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels and Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Managing Director of Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Limited also participated on this occasion. Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya

Source: http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1412-foundation-laid-for-rs-700-m-hotel-project-in-jaffna

Jetwing Lagoon all set to take its legacy to a new level

Blue Lagoon in Thalahena was Sri Lanka’s first planned resort, as well as being legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa’s first resort design. The small hotel patronized by Scandinavian tourists was owned by. G.E. B. Milhuisen, a pioneer in the industry, as well as a deciding influence on the Cooray family, owners of Jetwing.

Beginning with Jetwing Blue, formerly known as the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Herbert Cooray took Sri Lankan tourism to new heights, following Mr. Milheusen’s advice. The Blue Lagoon, however, always held a special place in his children’s hearts: “When I was a child, the first time my father ever took us to a hotel for a meal was at the Blue Lagoon. That day has always remained with me, as that memory has always inspired me in what I do today,” says Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.

Jetwing purchased the resort a year ago, and has set on an ambitious drive to restore the property. The overall design of the resort is in line with Bawa’s original plan: being overseen by one of his most celebrated students, architect Vinod Jayasinghe. Jetwing Lagoon, when launched early this year, will feature probably the longest swimming pool in the West Coast, at a 100m in length. Comfort and facilities will indeed go hand in hand, with 55 deluxe rooms situated near the Negombo lagoon front, and villas which will be added later as well as a restaurant dedicated to Bawa and his preferred dishes, a coffee shop, fully equipped gym and conference facilities.

“Jetwing Lagoon is a refreshing look at a pinnacle of tourism history; we hope to launch in February 2012 and continue its prestigious legacy. Being a Jetwing property, our visitors can indeed expect the high standards and dedication to Sri Lankan hospitality that we have always maintained,” said Wester Felthman, General Manager. “The Jetwing Youth Development Project is currently underway here as well, with over 60 youth from the area being trained in hospitality skills which we know will benefit them tremendously in the future,” he added.

Source: http://sundaytimes.lk/120212/Plus/plus_07.html

Jetwing Lagoon, coming up next

To those veterans of the travel and tourism industry, the formerly known Blue Lagoon in Thalahena is indeed the Holy Grail: officially Sri Lanka’s first planned resort, as well as being the amazing Geoffrey Bawa’s first resort design. Back in its day, however, the property was small and was reliant on the seasonal inflow of Scandinavian tourists. The owner at the time was the late G.E.B Milhuisen, who was a pioneer in the industry, as well as the deciding influence that shaped the destiny of an entire family: The Cooray’s.

Beginning with Jetwing Blue, formerly known as the Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Herbert Cooray took Sri Lankan tourism to new heights, following Mr. Milheusen’s advice. The Blue Lagoon, however, always held a special place in his children’s hearts: “When I was a child, the first time my father ever took us to a hotel for a meal was at the Blue Lagoon. That day has always remained with me, as that memory has always inspired me in what I do today,” says Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.

Jetwing purchased the resort a year ago, and has set on an ambitious drive to restore the property. The overall design of the resort is in line with Bawa’s original plan: being under the oversight of one of his most celebrated students, architect Vinod Jayasinghe.  Jetwing Lagoon, when launched early this year, will feature probably the longest swimming pool in the West Coast, at a 100m in length. Comfort and facilities will indeed go hand in hand, with 55 deluxe rooms situated near the Negombo lagoon front, and villas which will be added later as well as a restaurant dedicated to Bawa and his preferred dishes, a coffee shop, fully equipped gym and conference facilities.

“Jetwing Lagoon is a refreshing look at a pinnacle of tourism history; we hope to launch in February 2012 and continue its prestigious legacy. Being a Jetwing property, our visitors can indeed expect the high standards and dedication to Sri Lankan hospitality that we have always maintained”, said General Manager Wester Felthman, adding, “The Jetwing Youth Development Project is currently underway here as well, with over 60 youth from the area being trained in hospitality skills which we know will benefit them tremendously in the future.”

Source: http://www.ft.lk/2012/02/03/jetwing-lagoon-coming-up-next/

No. 11

Bawa’s Colombo House

Colombo is full of fascinating secrets and travel writer Juliet Coombe was amazed to discover a Bawa gem right in the middle of a city that is fast becoming Asia’s most exciting capital to pay a visit Bawa’s Sri Lanka’s leading architects best kept secret: No.11, 33rd Lane, off Bagatelle Road in Colombo 03, Bawa’s private home and office from 1958 – 1970 it is made up of four properties turned into one.

Colombo is full of fascinating secrets and travel writer Juliet Coombe was amazed to discover a Bawa gem right in the middle of a city that is fast becoming Asia’s most exciting capital to pay a visit Bawa’s Sri Lanka’s leading architects best kept secret: No.11, 33rd Lane, off Bagatelle Road in Colombo 03, Bawa’s private home and office from 1958 – 1970 it is made up of four properties turned into one. This was his base in the capital after returning from being a lawyer in London. Here wandering from house to house he came up with some of Sri Lanka’s most innovative architectural pieces like the current Parliament building, which was originally an island that belonged to the Lion of Kotte.

No 11 is on the exterior, a very ordinary looking property that could easily be missed, stuck in the corner of what was once a cul de sac. Now a lovely residential area in Kolpetty this charming inside out house seems in some ways more like a gallery space with its long interchanging corridors. The front door sets the scene with its wonderful Sun god etched into it by Sri Lankas premiere artist Laki Senanayake, giving one a glimpse of the treat that lies inside.

From the moment you step through the doors acid etched glass doorway the view with its magnificent Jaffna lion at the end of the long regal style corridor will simply take your breath away. Starting with the open plan garage complete with his last car, a black and white vintage Rolls Royce sets the tone of walkway, which is equivalent to Versailles in France in simplicity and grandeur. Thanks to the Bawa Trust, you now can gain access into his greatest work of art from Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm, except on public holidays. The country’s elite, for whom he built hotels, houses and businesses, were the only ones who knew where Bawa’s house was. Hidden from view the place is full of mystery with its labyrinth of rooms and courtyards, each with a springing of personal belongings that give you small vinyets into this architectural enigma’s life.

The play on your mind and senses begins almost immediately as you approach the door and ring the bell. It stands tall and dark, almost as if taken from a house in London, with its mail slot plated in gold, at the bottom of the door. There doesn’t seem to be a proper handle though and it looks deceptively likes its open, so reach out and pull it. It is at this point that you realise this is no ordinary door. Behind it is a wall with a mailbox carved into it along with the hidden garbage can storage area. While you stand there with a bamboozled look on your face, the caretaker pulls back the real door, which is a priceless Laki Senanayake work or art. This combination of these two once in a lifetime masters of their trade yielded the awe-inspiring central staircase as the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle. Renowned Australian artist Donald Friend painted one of the first doors you find as you walk in.
As you look through the door you face the long corridor that runs into the distance and at the end which is a stone sculpture of a horse head. Once you set foot through the door, you enter the garage, which is part of the front of the house, which in the time it was built was a rare architectural feature to have an open garage.

Inside the open garage is a 1950’s white bodied, black canopied, Rolls Royce and the other a white Mercedes Benz from the same era. The house was bought by Bawa in 1958 and was the third in a row of small houses. He converted it into a pied-à-terre with living room, bedroom, tiny kitchen and room for a servant and when the fourth bungalow became vacant this was colonised to serve as dining room and second living room. It was over the next ten years that the remaining bungalows were acquired and added into the composition and the first in the row was demolished and replaced by a four-storey tower. The final result is an introspective labyrinth of rooms and garden courts, which together create the illusion of limitless space. Words like inside and outside, lose all meaning: here are rooms without roofs and roofs without walls, all connected by a complex matrix of axes and internal vistas. And something interesting there is that an entire 45 acres behind where the house is used to be the Bawa family’s ancestral property.

The completed house is a unique insight into the architects’ tastes and how his designs evolved over time. There were no boundaries or interferences as there were no external preferences or requirements – just an endless materialisation of his imagination. To the die-hard Bawa fans, this indeed is heavenly gem of a location. This doesn’t look like an ornamental house where everything has been propped up symmetrically, instead looks like one where someone actually lived in it. If you’ve ever gone white water rafting, you will be familiar with the thrill of going down a stepped cascade where you go down one waterfall and then prepare for the excitement that waits at the next. Walking through the Bawa house is almost the same. As you approach the next door or opening or end of a wall into a space, there is an intense rise in excitement as you anticipate the splendor the space hold. A quirky discovery was an old fashioned lift tucked away unnoticed behind a metal door.

Throughout the entire house, in every corner, room, splash of interior design, is an element of the sublime architectural brilliance of Geoffrey Bawa that is seen in countless structures around the country and has inspired so many other great architectural artistes. A visit to the house is timeless and is something you will remember, whether you are an avid architecture student or just passing by. The house is taken care of by the Bawa Trust that also manages his other properties including the famous Lunuganga.

Source: http://www.nation.lk/edition/business-tbl/item/1963-no-11

Jetwing Hotels’ move towards eco-tourism

Jetwing opened its latest boutique hotel, Heritage Villa (Galle Fort) with a book launch of their best properties titled ‘Paradise Exorcised’ by Juliet Coombe at the HSBC Galle Literary Festival 2012.Speaking at the book launch Chairman of Jetwing hotels Hiran Cooray said, “Sri Lanka’s nature community-based tourism is growing from strength to strength and it has been the commitment of our staff, management and clients who have helped us to achieve success.”

The book is Jetwing’s first eco-guide to their hotels, environmental practices and what clients can do to support in their environment-friendly ventures.

In a bid to redefine eco-tourism, Jetwing has comprehensive details on environmental practices and their key CSR project, JEEP (Jetwing Eternal Earth project) which will be relaunched in Kalpitiya soon.

UK Chartered Engineer, David Altabev who is an expert in sustainable design left his life in London to help write and photograph the book. He said, “I was impressed with the engineering standards of Jetwing hotels. I have seen and worked with many experts who talk about doing the right thing and coming up with solutions but very few actually implement it.”

He said that he was skeptical about the standards and environment-friendly practices in Sri Lanka but was pleasantly surprised when he went on a tour at Jetwing Beach Negombo.He said, “I think this is an apt time to release such a book because Sri Lanka is on the verge of making the most of the tourism business. This year Sri Lanka is expecting 850,000 visitors up by 30 percent from the 600, 000 visitors from last year.” He said that the number will grow to two and a half million in a few years. “We can only imagine what level of infrastructure Sri Lanka needs to develop to cater to that level of tourists in the forthcoming years.” He said that gives a great opportunity to develop a green tourism sector and to start determining what makes the country special,” he said.

He said that tourism practices need to be sustainable so that Sri Lanka will not lose its heritage which is vital aspect of its tourism success. “Sustainable development for tourism is the only choice we have as environment safety standards are becoming important,” he said.

Jetwing is more than just a charity but it believes and values the environment in supporting tourism. He said, “Jetwing goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the concept of tourism, more than just eco-tourism benefits”.

He said that hoteliers and their clients should go hand-in-hand to support, sustain and develop the tourism industry with eco-friendly practices.

Source: http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/29/fin42.asp

Tourism experts call for discipline to boost industry

Sri Lanka Tourism needs to engage in marketing while disciplining its people at the same time and also teaming up with the informal section of the industry, experts said. These observations were made by a group of tourism industry experts, Sri Lanka Tourism Additional Director Dileep Mudadeniya, Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray and President of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism Sri Lanka (ASMET) Suresh D. de Mel at the monthly meeting of the Sunday Times Business Club on Tuesday in Colombo at the Taj Samudra.

Fron left – Dileep Mudadeniya, Hiran Cooray, Feizal Samath (moderator) and Suresh de Mel.

During a panel discussion on tourism and the way forward, Mr. Cooray observed that the increase in room rates has been raised by overseas customers for which they were compelled to state that this was a move by the government.

However, he notes, that there is a need to communicate with the rest of the world of the improvement in the Sri Lankan tourism product. Commenting on the new entrants to the business, he said that while this was a good sign from local entrepreneurs, foreign investors on the other hand need to also bring in their money like Shangri-La as opposed to simply providing the management, marketing systems and brand use, alone.

This year Jetwing is planning on opening up eight new hotels targeting a different customer base, Mr. Cooray said. He pointed out that Sri Lanka today needs to project the best that is available in the country and communicate this with the world.

The tourism promotion campaign is still being worked out by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. While engaging in marketing it is important to understand that being on a level playing field with the competitors means Sri Lanka needs to serve the best and not make any mistakes.
The challenge of today would be to ensure that no bad image is reflected on any hotel else it is likely to be posted on TripAdvisor, he said.

Hotels last year increased their rates which were reportedly stated to be higher than some of those in competitive destinations. Meanwhile, Mr. de Mel citing the recent killing of a tourist at Tangalle said that this clearly created a bad image of the country and this highlighted the need to engage the informal hotels to become part of the mainstream tourist establishments.

He pointed out that entrepreneurs have developed over the years within the informal section of the industry and they need to be managed and controlled. Due to political affiliations these hotels continue to thrive, Mr. de Mel noted adding that this is mainly because they do not want to join the formal sector as they would be compelled then to pay taxes.

Towards this end, while an influx of hotels in this informal sector was likely to grow for which the tourism industry was called up to address this acute problem and check on price regulation and food quality is required as well, he said. Mr. Mudadeniya, discussing the way forward and infrastructure development, said that Sri Lanka is different due to the fact that it is Asia’s compact, diverse and authentic island driving it to become competitive in the region.

The industry is currently working on attracting increased numbers to the country and in this regard, the government-initiated home stay project would add an additional 2000 room capacity for 2012, he said.
He said a new set of regulations governing the various products on offer like whale and dolphin watching and display of elephants would be enacted soon.

Source: www.sundaytimes.lk/120129/BusinessTimes/bt11.html