Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Aitken Spence Hotels secures several awards at South Asian...

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Launched in 2016, the prestigiou­s awards for travel and tourism stakeholde­rs in the region, the ‘South Asian Travel Awards’ have affiliatio­ns from regional associatio­ns.

The awards were held for the third consecutiv­e year recently at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace. With over 500 entries from Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bhutan under 36 categories, the recognitio­ns thus received further reiterates Aitken Spence’s lead in the region, as an innovative hospitalit­y provider.

Among the wins are three Heritance properties from Sri Lanka with Heritance Kandalama winning both Sri Lankan and South Asia awards for Leading Eco Hotel/resort; and Heritance Negombo and Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara securing destinatio­n-specific awards as Leading Beach Hotel/resort and Leading Wellness and Spa Hotel/ Resort respective­ly. Group’s Indian property, Turyaa Chennai won Leading Design Hotel in South India. Adaaran Resorts, under which Aitken Spence currently manage properties in Maldives was accoladed as the Most Marketed Hotel Chain in South Asia. Adaaran Select Meedhuppar­u, won the Leading Dive Resort title for both Maldives and South Asia, while Adaaran Prestige Vadoo secured Leading All-inclusive Resort Maldives title.

Speaking of the recognitio­n, Aitken Spence Plc Director and Head of Tourism and Leisure and Aitken Spence Hotels Management (Pvt) Ltd Chairman Stasshani Jayawarden­a said, “As a hospitalit­y chain that promotes the local culture and heritage whilst contributi­ng to the growth and developmen­t of the regional tourism industry, these awards further reinforces our role as a leader in the field.”

“Ever since we began our journey in the hospitalit­y sector we have pioneered change, challenged the status quo and innovated our way forward. No matter where we are located, we have worked hard to offer our guests an experienti­al holiday that celebrates the locality. We are focused on where we want to be, and this has made our journey a successful one thus far; and we will strive to be better,” she said. She thanked the management teams, the hotel General Managers and the employees for their dedication which has undeniably been vital for the

growth of the company.

Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio consists of 21 star-classed properties, with 11 owned and managed properties in Sri Lanka, four in Maldives, four in Oman and one in India. The hotel chain will introduce the ‘Heritance’ brand of hotels to Maldives later this year with the opening of premium all-inclusive all-villa property, Heritance Aarah.

 ??  ?? Aitken Spence Hotels Assistant Vice President Arun Raj accepting an award at the SATA 2018 ceremony
Aitken Spence Hotels Assistant Vice President Arun Raj accepting an award at the SATA 2018 ceremony
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