Travel agents endorse all-round luxury of Srilankan
It was certainly a day for discovery and pleasant experiences for the cream of Sri Lanka’s travel industry, when the national carrier SriLankan Airlines hosted them to a familiarization of its exclusive array of products and services recently.
More than 20 of the most experienced members of Sri Lanka’s largest travel agencies spent a full day with the airline, thoroughly enjoying the best of SriLankan both in the air and on the ground.
An initiative of the Sri Lanka Sales Department of SriLankan Airlines, the event afforded the travel agents a taste of the traditional warmth and hospitality the airline is famed for when they visited the Semondu signature restaurant, the Silk Route Lounge for Business Class passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport, Serendib Business Class Lounge, Serendiva Transit Hotel, t he upgraded Business Class Cabins and a ride on SriLankan Air Taxi’s float plane.
SriLankan’s Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Saminda Perera explained, “SriLankan Airlines has undergone a complete transformation over the last 12 months in terms of the entire experience that our passengers receive. We have invested heavily towards giving every passenger a truly delightful experience.”
“We wanted our partners in the industry who are the top travel agents of Sri Lanka to experience for themselves the level of sophisticated service our country’s national carrier now provides. We have a fleet consisting of more modern aircraft and our passenger cabins are being upgraded with flat-bed seating in Business Class and sophisticated new AVOD entertainment systems. Most importantly, we have brought in a fully customer-friendly culture.”
The tour began with the travel agents visiting the recently commissioned Dandugama Oya water aerodrome to take off on a scenic flight on SriLankan Air-Taxi, to experience the breathtaking aerial view of the landscape and also see firsthand how float plane operations can benefit tourism and afford convenient inland travel. The air taxi provides quick transfers to 15 domestic destinations from Dandugama, which is located in close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The travel agents were particularly impressed with the Silk Route Lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport owned and managed by Airport and Aviation Authority (AASL) and were glad to learn of this new service which ensures business class passengers no longer need to go into the main terminal and stand in queues, but walk straight into this lounge where all their travel needs are taken care of with a personal touch by AASL and SriLankan airlines staff while they sit in comfortable lounge chairs.
The group also visited SriLankans’ plush Serendib Lounge, available free to all of SriLankan Airlines’ Business Class passengers. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and comforts, the Serendib Lounge is comparable to top airport lounges in the world.
Another port of call at the airport was the Serenediva Transit Hotel, managed by SriLankan Catering. This 24-roomed hotel on the upper floor of the BIA terminal is designed to provide rest and relaxation for passengers as they await their onward flight. Its facilities include deluxe and standard rooms and Conference Centre.
A sumptuous business class meal service on board a SriLankan Airbus A330 aircraft parked on the apron was the perfect ending to an eventful day for the travel agents, whilst being pampered by a team of friendly cabin staff in the comfort and luxury of the aircraft’s upgraded business class cabin, giving a feel of the real in-flight experience with the national carrier. Quotes from the travel agents: “A day well spent learning the new features and additions to the ‘SriLankan’ product, this visit was truly worthwhile.” -Faris Deen, Gabo Travels “I loved flying on SriLankan Air Taxi which was a truly unique experience and this entire tour has been very well organised. SriLankan has taken a lot of care over it.”
-Sonali Liyanamana, Chief Operating Officer- Mackinnons American Express Travel
“SriLankan Air Taxi service and also its Silk Route facility for all Business Class travelers are both excellent products.”
-Riza Ahamat, Director/General Manager-Hemas Travels
“SriLankan should organiae more such tours for other members of the travel community, including younger staff, who need to be familiar with the product to better promote the airline.”
-V. Yogarajan, Chief Operating Officer-Mackinnons American Express Travel
“SriLankan has come a very long way and really means “Business” on their “Business Class”, their product is one of the best you can find.” -Dino De Fonseka, CEOUNIGLOBE Leisure World Travel