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Airlines and Aviation

Emirates to operate double daily direct flights to Colombo from 1 Dec

Kanchan Nath Nov 24, 2022

Emirates has announced plans to add an additional daily direct flight between Dubai and Colombo, starting from 1 December 2022, to cater to the seasonal increase in the demand for travel.

TAAI postpones 66th convention scheduled in Colombo

Megha Paul Apr 8, 2022

The 66th Convention & Exhibition of TAAI, which was scheduled to be held from 19-22 April 2022, in Colombo Sri Lanka, has been postponed

GoAir to start Colombo flights from Delhi and Bengaluru

Megha Paul Mar 5, 2020

In continuation of its expansion in South Asia, GoAir is set to start direct flights from Delhi to Colombo and Bengaluru to Colombo from 20 March. Jeh Wadia, managing director of…

Vistara to start Mumbai-Colombo service

Megha Paul Oct 29, 2019

Vistara, a full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has announced a six-time-a-week (except Wednesdays) direct service to Colombo, Sri Lanka from…

Srilankan bullish on Colombo-Delhi route, unveils third freqeuncy

Megha Paul Jul 5, 2019

SriLankan Airlines has announced additional frequencies between Colombo and Delhi to take its total weekly offerings between the two capitals to 18 flights. Apart from the existing two…

Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo to reopen after deadly Easter attacks

Megha Paul Jun 12, 2019

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo announced that it will partially reopen on 12 June, seven weeks after the property was attacked by a suicide bomber on Easter Sunday. The Shangri-La Hotel in…

Air India to resume additional Delhi-Colombo flight

Megha Paul Jun 11, 2019

Air India will resume its additional flight on Delhi-Colombo route from 15 July, Hardeep Singh Puri, the civil aviation minister said. The national carrier had stopped operating the…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight aims to showcase beauty of Sri Lanka and Thailand

Kristin Mariano Oct 23, 2018

You can now book AirAsia Bangkok-Colombo flight four times a week. Flying from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, a destination for faithful Buddhists as well as a…

IHG set to open InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lankan capital

Christian Tolentino Jul 18, 2018

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management deal with Pearl Grand Tower Hotel Limited to open InterContinental Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Colombo powers MICE strength with Shangri-La

Alastair Newport Oct 12, 2017 9

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is set to become the most extensive and versatile events venue in Sri Lanka when it opens its doors on 17th November 2017. The hotel will boast over 3,500sqm of…

Cantaloupe Hotels unveils Michelin star chef for Colombo restaurant

Alastair Newport Sep 28, 2017

Sri Lankan boutique hotel operator, Cantaloupe Hotels Group, is expanding into Colombo with its new rooftop restaurant concept Botanik, in the centre of the city’s financial district.

Where to Stay: the latest hotels in KL, Nagoya, Colombo and more

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2017

Favehotel Tuban Location: On Basuki Rachmad Road in Tuban, the seaport in East Java, three hours' drive from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport Grade: Economy Keys: 105…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air adds Colombo to its network

Gemma Greenwood Nov 13, 2016

Gulf Air will launch services to the Sri Lankan capital city, Colombo, in 19 January 2017. The Bahrain carrier will fly five times weekly from Manama to Bandaranaike International…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates adds extra daily flight to Colombo

Mark Elliott Jan 29, 2016

Emirates has announced plans to launch an additional daily service between Dubai and Colombo. Effective 1 August 2016, the airline will operate five daily flights to the Sri Lankan…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines launches Colombo route

Aaron Greenwood Oct 27, 2015

Austrian Airlines has launched its non-stop service from Vienna to Sri Lanka. In addition to the Maldives and Mauritius, Colombo represents the third route to the Indian Ocean served by…

Plateno Hotels to debut in Colombo

Mark Elliott Aug 12, 2015

Plateno Hotels Group has signed an agreement to manage its first hotel in Colombo. A new 181-room midscale hotel being developed by Fairway Holdings will be branded as the ZMAX…

Airlines and Aviation

Air China to link Colombo‏ with Chengdu

Mark Elliott Dec 4, 2014

Air China will expand its operations in South Asia next year with the launch of a new route to Colombo. Commencing in early February 2015, the Chinese national carrier will operate…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways boosts Colombo capacity

Mark Elliott Nov 26, 2013

Qatar Airways has announced plans to significantly increase the number of seats it offers to Sri Lanka. From 1 January 2014, the airline will deploy a twin-aisle Boeing 777 aircraft…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates boost Colombo flights

Mark Elliott May 26, 2013 1

Emirates will increase capacity on its services to Colombo from 30 June 2013, with the addition of three more flights per week. The addition of three more services, which will…

Turkish Airlines adds Colombo, Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2013 0

Turkish Airlines has added Colombo as its 219thdestination, connecting to 98 countries. The airline will operate flights from Istanbul to Colombo five times a week, linking Colombo…

Airlines and Aviation

Tiger launches Colombo flights

Jun 2, 2012 0

Tiger Airways launched its first flights to Sri Lanka last week. The new service between Singapore and the Sri Lankan capital Colombo also marks the first low-cost link between the two…

Airlines and Aviation

Kingfisher connects south India to Colombo

Mark Elliott Oct 7, 2011 16

Kingfisher Airlines launched three new international routes from key south Indian cities to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The airline connects Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruchirapalli to Colombo…

Hotel in Colombo with Indian partnership

Mark Elliott Aug 29, 2011

A Sri Lankan company is partnering with an Indian company to build a US$200 million hotel complex in the heart of Sri Lankan capital city Colombo, South Asian News Agency (SANA) reported.…

Colombo says ferry service a success

Mark Elliott Jul 1, 2011

The Ports and Aviation Ministry of Sri Lanka has said that the ferry service from the Colombo port to Tuticorin harbor in India was a success and would further boost the country's tourism…

SL government seizes Hilton Colombo

Mar 11, 2011

The Sri Lankan government last week seized ownership of the Hilton Colombo Hotel. The news was revealed by Sri Lanka's Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in parliament on…

Airlines and Aviation

PIA Colombo flights welcomed with cultural festival

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2011

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed services to Colombo on Saturday after the route was decommissioned three years ago. PIA will operate three return flights a week from Karachi to…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways begins daily Colombo services

Mark Elliott Nov 8, 2010

Jet Airways commenced daily direct state of the art Boeing 737-800 flights to Colombo from Mumbai and Delhi on Friday. Flight 9W 256 departs Mumbai daily at 2a.m. reaching Colombo at…

Airlines and Aviation

Colombo eases travel costs for Hajj pilgrims

Mark Elliott Oct 26, 2010

An estimated 5800 Hajj pilgrims will travel to Mecca from Sri Lanka this year to fulfil their religions obligations. According to the Dinamina newspaper the Sri Lanka government has made…

Jet goes daily from Delhi & Mumbai to Colombo

Mark Elliott Sep 28, 2010

Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, today announced that it will introduce daily direct flights to Colombo from Mumbai and Delhi, effective November 5,…

Japanese health lunch at Hilton Colombo Residence

Aug 11, 2010

The Hilton Colombo Residence is offering hustle-free business lunches at its Nihonbashi Japanese restaurant. Guests can chose from a straightforward, healthy menu of Japanese food. From…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air to launch Colombo flights

Mark Elliott Jul 20, 2010

Manama, Bahrain 20th July 2010: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region's largest network carrier, announced today the launching of…

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai launches flights to Colombo

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2010

Dubai, UAE, June 24, 2010: flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, notched up its fourth new destination in a week last night when its inaugural flight to Sri…

Hilton Colombo launches Tea Bar

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2009

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 October 2009 - Hilton Colombo launched its newest Tea Bar (T-Bar) in collaboration with Dilmah Tea, offering tea lovers to indulge in the finest tea…

RAK cancels Colombo

Mark Elliott Nov 7, 2008

UAE-based RAK Airways has suspended all its flights to Sri Lankan capital Colombo, the Gulf News has reported. Chairman, Shaikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, called the route…

Quote of the Day

CX resumes Colombo services

Mark Elliott Mar 24, 2008

From 30 March, Cathay Pacific will resume its services between Hong Kong and Colombo. The daily service will be routed through Bangkok on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; with flights…

Cathay Pacific resumes Colombo flights

Mark Elliott Feb 12, 2008

Cathay Pacific Airways is resuming its flights to Colombo from March 30, operating a daily service using a Boeing 777-300 aircraft routed through either Bangkok or Singapore. Three…

Suicide bomber kills 12 in Colombo

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2008

A suicide bomber attacked a train at Colombo's main railway station yesterday, killing at least 12 and injuring 100 others, as Sri Lanka celebrates its 60th anniversary today.The…

Colombo airport sees more in transit

Mark Elliott Jan 29, 2008

SriLankan Airlines is fast turning Colombo into a hub for air travel, judging by the number of transit passengers going through the island's international airport. Three years…

Colombo bomb attack kills 17

Mark Elliott Nov 29, 2007

The attack, which the Defence Ministry said was carried out by the Tamil Tigers, occurred outside a clothing store during the evening rush hour, setting vehicles and buildings…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad ends Colombo flights; starts Kathmandu

Mark Elliott Jul 23, 2007

The airline said it will redeploy its aircraft to new destinations, but offer customers flights to Colombo through Sri Lanka's national flag carrier Sri Lankan Airlines. "Etihad…

ONYX Hospitality Group on track to operate 54 properties by 2025

Kanchan Nath Mar 9, 2023

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group will be at ITB Berlin 2023 this week to share its aggressive expansion plans and optimistic revenue target for 2023, conveying its full confidence in…

Savour Sri Lanka flavours at Lotus Cafe

Kanchan Nath Feb 22, 2023

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, in collaboration with Weligama Marriott Resort & Spa and Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort brings to you a special culinary food festival from 24th February …

Oceania Cruises reveals exotic explorations in Asia with newly re-inspired Riviera

Kristin Mariano Jan 26, 2023

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announces that the newly re-inspired Riviera will sail in Asia for the first time due to unprecedented…

Where are Indians travelling this holiday season?

Kanchan Nath Dec 13, 2022

Booking.com has released its latest search data trends that sheds light on Indian travellers’ preferred destinations during the holiday season.

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates Skywards and Aeroplan kick-off joint loyalty programme partnership

Kanchan Nath Dec 13, 2022

Emirates and Air Canada have expanded their partnership to offer frequent flyer members joint loyalty programme benefits.

Top four reasons to visit Sri Lanka

Kanchan Nath Nov 19, 2022

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. There are various reasons to visit this beautiful…

Sri Lanka is open: Here’s why now is the best time to visit

Kristin Mariano Nov 18, 2022

With the relaxation of government travel advisories and an end to the local protests seen earlier in 2022, Sri Lanka is once again a safe, open and welcoming environment for visitors.…

Silversea Cruises to return to Asia

Kanchan Nath Nov 3, 2022

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has confirmed its highly anticipated return to Asia, with four ships—Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, and Silver…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates codeshares with Air Canada

Kanchan Nath Nov 2, 2022

Emirates and Air Canada have announced the launch of their codeshare cooperation. The new partnership will allow customers of the carriers to enjoy seamless connectivity to 46 markets…

Azamara Starts Summer With Mediterranean Cruises

Dmytro Makarov May 27, 2022

Azamara Starts Summer With Mediterranean Cruises - With Azamara Journey returning to sail today, the fleet’s four ships are all sailing the high seas Azamara, the upmarket cruise line and…

New Sri Lanka government to sell national airline

Megha Paul May 20, 2022

The new administration plans to privatise Sri Lankan Airlines, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said as the carrier lost $124 million in the year ending March 2021

How many trees would you need to plant to offset your holiday flight?

Megha Paul Mar 14, 2022

Tourism is responsible for 8% of the world’s carbon footprint, with transport making up nearly half of that figure

Quarantine Free Travel

SIA Group expands VTL flight network with new destinations and increased flight frequencies

Kristin Mariano Feb 18, 2022

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will expand its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network to 47 cities from 25 countries in the coming weeks.

Emirates reopens over 20 dedicated airport lounges

Megha Paul Dec 22, 2021

Emirates, which has resumed operations to over 90 percent of its pre-pandemic network, currently flies to more than 120 destinations worldwide via its hub in Dubai

Sri Lanka to restart ETA service for vaccinated travellers

Megha Paul Oct 18, 2021

Sri Lankan government has announced that it has decided to restart the on-arrival Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) service at its airports for fully vaccinated international travellers

New bonanza! Sri Lankan Airlines offers ‘buy one get one free’ for Indian travellers

Megha Paul Sep 1, 2021

Sri Lankan Airlines has introduced a buy one get one free offer for Indian leisure travellers on their Colombo return tickets

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates increases services across Europe

Joe Cusmano Aug 30, 2021

As demand grows, Emirates has announced the resumption of routes across its European network.

Emirates resumes flights to Newcastle, adds new flights in Europe

Megha Paul Aug 25, 2021

Emirates is scaling up services with additional route resumptions and more flights across its European network, responding to the easing of international entry protocols and an upsurge in…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air operates 80% of pre-pandemic destinations

Joe Cusmano Jul 21, 2021

Gulf Air begins the summer season with 80% of its pre-pandemic destinations as it continues to resume operations and restore services to cities of its original 2019 destination network.

Reopening updates

Sri Lanka postpones travel bubble with India

Megha Paul Apr 21, 2021

Sri Lanka has decided to postpone launching the proposed ‘travel bubble’ with India, in the wake of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India

High hopes for Sri Lanka reopening on January 21

Kristin Mariano Jan 20, 2021

All systems go for Sri Lanka reopening for foreign travellers on January 21.

Sri Lanka waives off parking and landing costs for international flights from 26 December

Megha Paul Dec 23, 2020

Sri Lanka has decided to waive off parking and landing costs for international flights when the country opens up its skies later this month after being shut down for over eight months

Holland America Line opens bookings for 2021-22 voyages

Harry S. Johnson Aug 20, 2020

Holland America Line is opening bookings for two of its most epic explorations: the 2022 Grand World Voyage and the 2021 Grand Africa Voyage. Guests who want to circle the globe on the…

Geoffrey Bawa on spotlight: Country estate of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect relaunched

Megha Paul Jul 20, 2020

An important part of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Lunuganga re-opens as a nine-bedroom property

Sri Lanka to reopen borders in August under rigid guidelines

Kristin Mariano Jun 9, 2020

Sri Lanka is in the midst of preparation of reopening its borders to international visitors starting August 1. Sri Lanka Tourism has prepared guidelines and precautionary measures to ensure…

Charity / Sustainability / CSR

Khiri Reach helps communities across Southeast Asia

Megha Paul May 13, 2020

Khiri Reach, the charitable arm of Khiri Travel, has been active helping communities in Asia impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Its focus has been on marginalised communities, many of them…

Columbus repatriation voyage arrives in London Tilbury

Megha Paul Apr 17, 2020

Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) ship Columbus has arrived in London Tilbury after completing month-long repatriation voyage to the UK which sailed from Phuket, Thailand on 18 March.…

CMV’s Columbus to dock in UK on 14 April

Megha Paul Apr 7, 2020

Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) ship Columbus is sailing on a 7842 nautical mile repatriation voyage directly back to the UK, with 907 passengers including 602 British nationals and…

CMV bring passengers home in unique transfer at sea operation

Megha Paul Mar 24, 2020

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) have confirmed that two of their cruise ships, Columbus and Vasco da Gama rendezvoused 12 nautical miles off the coast of Phuket, Thailand to…

VFS Global brings Lithuania visa services to Sri Lanka

Megha Paul Feb 13, 2020

Residents of Sri Lanka travelling to Lithuania can now apply for their visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in the capital city of Colombo. Prior to this, customers had to…

10 cheapest cities perfect for backpacking escape in Asia

Kristin Mariano Jan 8, 2020

Backpacking is the type of travelling that gives travellers the opportunity to visit a number of locations and experience a whole host of different cuisines, attractions and scenery in the…

SriLankan Airlines gets new chairman

Megha Paul Dec 30, 2019

Ashok Pathirage has been appointed as chairman of the SriLankan Airlines Group by its principal shareholder, the government of Sri Lanka. Pathirage is a leading businessman and…

Cricket and wanderlust: Experience Travel unveils Sri Lanka tour holidays

Megha Paul Oct 30, 2019

Experience Travel Group has opened bookings for its Curious Travellers Cricket Tour to Sri Lanka. The tour will enable travellers to combine a stylish and tailor-made holiday to Sri…

Korean Air helps renovate damaged homes in Sri Lanka

Megha Paul Oct 14, 2019

Korean Air’s volunteer group performed volunteer work in Sri Lanka in October for the underprivileged local community in the suburbs of Colombo. The area was severely damaged by the…

Golfasian expands golf holidays to Sri Lanka

Megha Paul Sep 25, 2019

Golfers can now indulge in a golf holiday to Sri Lanka with Asia's largest golf tour operator, Golfasian. As part of an ongoing expansion and increasing requests from return customers,…

DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka embraces woman’s touch

Megha Paul Sep 20, 2019

Awarded recently as the best company for women by Fairygodboss, the largest female career community where highly motivated women go to share authentic work and life experiences, Hilton…

Road to recovery: Cinnamon Hotels to host Future of Tourism Summit in Sri Lanka

Megha Paul Sep 4, 2019

Recognising the need to uplift Sri Lanka’s travel industry in the wake of 4/20 incident, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to host the third edition of the ‘Future of Tourism Summit’…

Sri Lanka keen on enhancing connectivity with Indian ports

Megha Paul Jul 18, 2019

Kavan Ratnayaka, chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), has revealed that the SLPA is keen on enhancing connectivity with Indian ports using ferry services to facilitate easier…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lanka launches packages for Indian tourists

Megha Paul Jun 26, 2019

Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lankan Airlines, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and inbound tour operators has introduced attractive packages, specifically…

Cinnamon to start edutainment camps in Sri Lanka

Megha Paul Jun 25, 2019

Summer Escapes by Cinnamon opens a window into an interactive and engaging environment for children to explore their talents, learn new skills and create wonderful memories while…

Easter disaster: Series of blasts kill 207 in Sri Lanka

Kristin Mariano Apr 22, 2019

At least 207 people were killed and hundreds injured in a series of bomb explosions across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, one of the widely celebrated for Christians.

Corporate & Business

Here are the top destinations for bleisure travel

Kristin Mariano Mar 5, 2019

Tokyo ranks first out of 26 cities in the region for its combination of business and leisure—or bleisure—appeal for travellers.

Partner content

Discover Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with Amari Galle

Christian Tolentino Dec 17, 2018

Here are some of the best things to do at Amari Galle, to make sure your Sri Lankan itinerary is an unforgettable one.

The cheapest and most expensive capital cities in the world revealed

Christian Tolentino Nov 28, 2018

Cuba Holidays has compiled an index of all the cheapest capital cities based on a variety of factors that come into play when considering a holiday.

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways takes fleet upgrade to the MAX

Alastair Newport Oct 8, 2018

Popular Indian airlines, Jet Airways, has unveiled its fifth new Boeing 737 MAX this week, as part of a upgrade project, necessary to modernise the company’s fleet and enhance passengers…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

Galle Face Hotel and the “smart, sophisticated and energetic” GM it deserves

Alastair Newport Oct 2, 2018

Last week it was announced the legendary Sri Lankan hotel, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo had taken on international hospitality veteran and luxury expert Robert C. Hauck as the new GM.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launch exotic adventures with free flights and transfers

Christian Tolentino Jul 27, 2018

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched tour packages with ‘Free Flights & Transfers’ on new bookings made by 8 August 2018.

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines reorganises network to boost US and China connectivity

Alastair Newport Jul 9, 2018

As of the beginning of October Austrian Airlines will begin an extensive reorganisation of its current service network. The restructure will see international destinations, such as Hong…

Jet Airways to launch first direct connection from Mumbai to Manchester

Mili Jun 21, 2018

Opening up travel between India and the North of England, with its latest direct connection to Manchester, Jet Airways will become the largest carrier between the UK and Mumbai.

The next big thing: Thailand outbound travel on the up

michael Jun 13, 2018

Thailand, long a major holiday destination, is starting to become a significant source of outbound travellers - The Next Big Thing Thailand Outbound Travel has revealed.

Startup adds more spice to Indian travel, tech sectors

Simon Willmore Feb 5, 2018

Opaque hotel booking platform Travelspice was recently named 2018 Travel Tech Startup of the Year by the ELEVATE100 entrepreneurship programme.

Onyx doubles down in Sri Lanka

Alastair Newport Nov 16, 2017 20

ONYX Hospitality, one of the region’s leading hotel management companies, will launch a brand-new Amari hotel in the Sri Lankan capital city of Colombo.

Amari Galle Sri Lanka

Alastair Newport Nov 13, 2017 16

Sri Lanka, an island nation strategically situated in the Indian Ocean, steeped in rich culture and history, natural beauty, and stunning coastlines offers a unique blend of hidden…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines achieves superior level of on-time performance

michael Sep 12, 2017

SriLankan Airlines recorded a consistently superior on-time performance during the first six months of this year, the carrier said. Latest statistics by the global flight data tracker…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways adds more flights to South Asian capitals

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2017

Qatar Airways continues to expand its South Asian operations with the launch of additional flights to two regional capitals: Colombo and Dhaka. Effective 1 September 2017, the…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways adds more flights to Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Aug 2, 2017

Qatar Airways has launched more flights to multiple destinations in Southeast Asia. The Doha-based carrier has started adding extra services to the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Thai Smile, Lao Airlines, Jetstar and more

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2017

Thai Smile flies to Lucknow Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Lucknow (India) When? Four times a week, effective immediately Who? Thai Smile Why? Thai Airways' regional subsidiary taps…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways adds capacity to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2017

Qatar Airways will increase the number of seats it offers to and from Sri Lanka next month, with the introduction of a new flight and larger aircraft. On 1 August 2017, the Doha-based…

Amari makes debut in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jul 19, 2017

Onyx Hospitality Group has launched a brand new Amari hotel the historic city of Galle, marking the upscale brand's entry into Sri Lanka. The 172-room Amari Galle is a beachfront…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lanka to welcome first ever A380 flight

Mark Elliott Jul 19, 2017

Emirates will operate a one-off Airbus A380 flight to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport next month, marking the first time the world's largest passenger aircraft has flown to…

Where to Stay: new hotels in China, India, Australia and more

Mark Elliott Jul 10, 2017

Element Foshan Nanhai Location: In Shishan Town, close to Nanhai Central Park in southern China's Guangdong province Grade: Upscale Keys: 329 Facilities: Restaurant, lounge, 24/7…

Airlines and Aviation

Hong Kong gets new Sri Lankan link

Mark Elliott Jul 5, 2017

Hong Kong residents will soon be offered a new direct connection to Colombo, following the rearrangement of SriLankan Airlines' Asian operations. Effective 15 July 2017, the national…

Hilton expands upscale pipeline in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

Hilton has expanded its hotel pipeline in Sri Lanka to seven properties with the signing of another upscale hotel. The company has penned an agreement to manage the 140-room DoubleTree by…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from AirAsia X, SriLankan, SilkAir and more…

Mark Elliott May 30, 2017

Thai Lion links Bangkok with Bali Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Denpasar (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective 1 July 2017 Who? Thai Lion Air Why? Connecting two of Southeast…

Hertz brings three car rental brands to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 29, 2017

Visitors to Sri Lanka now have a series of international car rental brands to choose from, after Hertz made its debut in the country. The company has signed a multi-brand franchise…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways adds to London-Mumbai service

Maria Airey May 25, 2017

Jet Airways has announced the introduction of its third, non-stop, daily service between London Heathrow and Mumbai. Beginning October 2017, as part of the airline’s winter schedule, the…

United Arab Emirates

Emirates opens larger lounge in Bangkok

Mark Elliott May 2, 2017

Emirates passengers are now able to relax in a larger lounge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The expanded Emirates Airport Lounge at Thailand's main international gateway reopened…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet adds European links from Chennai, Bengaluru

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2017

Jet Airways will start flying direct from Chennai and Bengaluru to Europe later this year, with the launch of two new long-haul routes. Commencing 29 October 2017, the Indian carrier…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan unveils first routes for new aircraft

Jill Sayles Apr 11, 2017

SriLankan Airlines will start taking delivery of its brand new fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft this summer, and the national carrier has revealed the routes on which it is planning to…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from SilkAir, SpiceJet and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 10, 2017

Korean LCC connects to Vietnamese coast Where? Deagu (South Korea) to Danang (Vietnam) When? Five times a week, effective immediately Who? T’way Airlines Why? Low-cost carrier taps the…

Stepping into Sri Lanka’s south

Gemma Greenwood Apr 9, 2017

Sri Lanka’s south is on the cusp of change. “It’s like we hit a gold mine and are running into it,” said Skandha Ponniah, marketing manager for travel company Sri Lanka in Style…

Sabre helps drive online travel in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2017

Sabre, the travel technology company, recently held a major event for the travel trade in Sri Lanka, with the aim of showcasing the company's solutions and advancing the country's online…

Hilton hits six in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2017

Hilton has made a significant move into Sri Lanka, with the signing of management agreements for six hotels and resorts across the country. The deals, which were penned with Melwa…

Airlines and Aviation

Bali tourism boosted by Emirates double

Mark Elliott Apr 5, 2017

Bali's tourism industry will get a significant boost this summer, following the announcement that Emirates will introduce a second daily flight to the island. Commencing on 2 July 2017,…

Stepping into Sri Lanka’s south

Gemma Greenwood Apr 4, 2017

Sri Lanka’s south is on the cusp of change. “It’s like we hit a gold mine and are running into it,” said Skandha Ponniah, marketing manager for travel company Sri Lanka in Style…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet adds new country to route map

Mark Elliott Mar 29, 2017

SpiceJet has launched flights to its seventh international destination: Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The new short, cross-border hop between Kolkata and Dhaka commenced on 23…

Bangladesh welcomes first ever international cruise ship

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2017

Silversea made history recently by operating the first ever port call to Bangladesh by an international cruise line. The luxury cruise line’s Silver Discoverer expedition ship visited…

MSC cruises to Japan for the first time

Mark Elliott Mar 6, 2017

MSC Cruises has unveiled details of its first ever cruise to Japan. The new 28-night voyage from Dubai to Yokohama will depart on 31 March 2018, aboard the 3,900-passenger MSC…

Where to Stay: New hotels in Sri Lanka, the US and Czech Republic

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2017

Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing Location: Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Panadura, on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, 1.5 hours' drive from Colombo Grade: Upscale Keys: 180 Facilities:…

Where to Stay: New hotels in India, the US, Sri Lanka and more

Mark Elliott Feb 1, 2017

Jetwing Colombo Seven Location: Ward Place, in the centre of Sri Lanka's capital city Grade: Upscale Keys: 70 plus 28 serviced apartments Facilities: Rooftop restaurant, bar, pool…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Gulf Air, Vietjet and more

Mark Elliott Jan 20, 2017

Gulf Air starts flying to Sri Lanka Where? Manama (Bahrain) to Colombo (Sri Lanka) When? Five times a week, effective immediately Who? Gulf Air Why? Taking advantage of double-digit…

Carlson breaks new ground with first Sri Lankan hotel

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2017

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has broken ground on its first ever property in Sri Lanka. The company held a ceremony recently to mark the start of construction work on the Park Inn by…

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts marks its Sri Lanka debut

Gemma Greenwood Jan 18, 2017

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has opened a strikingly-modern property in Colombo, introducing a unique hospitality concept that brings attitude and altitude to the Sri Lankan capital.…

Airlines and Aviation

New Nepalese airline flies to Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Jan 18, 2017

Himalaya Airlines, the new Nepalese airline, will launch its first flights to Southeast Asia next month. Commencing on 10 February 2017, the Kathmandu-based carrier will operate five…

Mövenpick makes Sri Lankan debut with landmark tower

Mark Elliott Jan 16, 2017

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has entered Sri Lanka with the launch of a new property in the country's capital, Colombo. The new Mövenpick Hotel Colombo becomes the city’s first new…

Viking ship to invade Asia in 2018

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2017

Viking Ocean Cruises has unveiled a series of new Asian itineraries for 2018 and 2019. The new voyages will enable passengers to board in a series of key Asia Pacific destinations,…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Hainan Airlines, SilkAir, and more

Mark Elliott Jan 4, 2017

Who's flying where? All is revealed with our round-up of the latest air routes... Hainan Airlines adds double Laos link Where? Haikou (China) to Vientiane and Luang Prabang (Laos)…

Airlines and Aviation

SilkAir to start flying to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2016

SilkAir will launch its first flights to Sri Lanka next year, as it takes over some of Singapore Airlines' Colombo services. Effective 8 April 2017, the regional airline will start…

Costa kicks off first season of South Asian sailings

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2016

Costa Cruises will embark on its inaugural season of sailings from India on Friday (16 December 2016). The company's Costa neoClassica cruise ship will homeport in Mumbai this winter,…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet adds new daily Sri Lankan service

Mark Elliott Dec 8, 2016

Jet Airways will add another route linking India with Sri Lanka next month. Commencing on 5 January 2017, the new flights will operate daily, direct between Bengaluru and Colombo.…

Airlines and Aviation

South Maldives gets first international flights

Mark Elliott Dec 2, 2016

Gan International Airport, the former British air base in the south of the Maldives, has welcomed its first international commercial flights. SriLankan Airlines has launched a new…

Sri Lankan arrivals surge as hoteliers flock to country

Mark Elliott Nov 29, 2016

International visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka have showed strong double-digit growth in 2016, and international hotel groups are now flocking to the island to capitalise on the rising…

Costa prepares for industry-first season of South Asian sailings

Mark Elliott Nov 23, 2016

Costa Cruises has geared up for its inaugural South Asian season with an event onboard one of its cruise ships. Costa Luminosa, which is currently sailing around the world, docked in…

Sri Lankan hotel rates surge in 2016

Mark Elliott Nov 18, 2016

Hotel rates in Sri Lanka have increased sharply in 2016, in tandem with a double-digit rise in visitor arrivals. Ahead of the inaugural Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lanka eyes future as global air hub

Mark Elliott Nov 9, 2016

A teardrop in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's unique geographic location could allow it to become a global aviation hub in the coming years. Speaking to Travel Daily at the World Travel…

Airlines and Aviation

Turkish Airlines launches new direct services to Seychelles

Gemma Greenwood Nov 3, 2016

Turkish Airlines has added tourist favourite, Seychelles, to its global route map, with the airline’s inaugural flight landing at Mahé International Airport. The new service will connect…

Sri Lanka to develop huge tourism zones

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2016

Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to launch a series of themed tourism development zones, in a bid to draw more international investment and tourists to the island. At least five and up to…

Mövenpick on track to triple Asian portfolio

Mark Elliott Oct 19, 2016

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is undertaking a major expansion in Asia, with plans to more than triple its regional portfolio from nine to 30 properties by 2020. Speaking to Travel Daily…

Anantara doubles up in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Oct 18, 2016

Thailand’s Minor Hotels has opened its second luxury Anantara property in Sri Lanka. The Anantara Kalutara Resort is located on the island’s southwest coast, 10 minutes from the town of…

Bangkok reclaims “most-visited city” title

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2016

Bangkok has reclaimed its place as the world's most-visited city, ahead of London. According to the 2016 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, which is based on projected full-year…

Hamad International welcomes 17.6m passengers in H1

Gemma Greenwood Sep 18, 2016

Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has welcomed 17.6 million passengers during the first half of 2016, registering a growth of more than 20% compared to the 14.6 million passengers…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines sharpens Far East focus

Mark Elliott Sep 6, 2016

Austrian Airlines' Far Eastern expansion strategy has taken another major step forward with the launch of its inaugural flight to Hong Kong. The national carrier's first direct flight…

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai reports H1 revenue boost

Gemma Greenwood Sep 4, 2016

flydubai on Thursday announced total revenue of AED2,302 million ($627 million) for the first half of 2016, a 5.4% increase compared to the same period last year. The low-cost…

Gulf Air launches global dynamic interline pricing tool in Sri Lanka

Gemma Greenwood Jul 30, 2016

Gulf Air has launched its Instant Book and Price tool for travel agencies in Sri Lanka in coordination with its General Sales Agent (GSA) Mack Air, technology partner Clarity Airline…

Airlines and Aviation

New Nepalese airline sells fares via Amadeus

Mark Elliott Jul 25, 2016

Himalaya Airlines, the new Nepalese carrier, has started selling its fares via the GDS with Amadeus. Under the new full content agreement, the Chinese-backed, Kathmandu-based carrier…

Jetwing斯里兰卡新开度假村

Mark Elliott Jun 30, 2016

斯里兰卡著名酒店品牌Jetwing近日公布新计划，在兰卡东部海岸一片纯净之地新推出了一座高端度假村。 Sunrise by Jetwing位于Passikudah海湾，可以看到长长的一片白沙滩和浅水区美景。度假村拥有58间客房和套间，位于三个独立的翼楼里，全部配有阳台。其中26间房间能看到海景。酒店设施包括餐厅、Sky…

Jetwing opens resort on Sri Lanka’s east coast

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2016

Jetwing, the Sri Lankan hotel group, has unveiled a new upscale resort on the country's less developed east coast. The new Sunrise by Jetwing is set on Passikudah Bay, overlooking a…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian expands code-share partnership with Qatar Airways

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2016

Royal Jordanian has announced an expansion of the code-share agreement with Qatar Airways. This new agreement will see addition of six new destinations to ‌Royal Jordanian’s network.…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways enters into code-share with SriLankan Airlines

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2016

In a recent development, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines, both members of the oneworld alliance, have strengthened their cooperation with a bilateral code-share relationship.…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan expands route map with Qatar Airways

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2016

SriLankan Airlines has expanded its codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways, offering passengers a series of new one-stop connections from Colombo to destinations in Europe, Africa, the…

Vietnam to host first Hospitality Investment Conference

Mark Elliott May 16, 2016

The inaugural Hospitality Investment Conference Vietnam (HICV) will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on 12-13 July. Organised by Sphere Conferences and hosted by The Reverie Saigon hotel,…

Airlines and Aviation

Tibet Airlines goes international with new jets

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2016

Tibet Airlines will take delivery of its first ever twin-aisle aircraft this summer, in preparation for the launch of international flights. The Lhasa-based carrier, which is…

Costa to send fifth cruise ship to Asia

Mark Elliott Apr 18, 2016

Costa Cruises has confirmed that it will send a fifth vessel to sail in Asian waters next year. Starting in April 2017, the 1,800-passenger Costa neoRomantica will be based in Asia…

Airlines and Aviation

RJ suspends service to Kiev

Mark Elliott Apr 12, 2016

Royal Jordanian suspended its regular route between Amman and Kiev after eight years of operations which started back in August 2008. The decision came in line with the five-year…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Richard Quest

Mark Elliott Apr 11, 2016

Richard Quest, the CNN anchor, recently embarked on an eight-day round-the-world journey using only low-cost carriers. Travel Daily caught up with Richard following his trip... Q:…

Airlines and Aviation

Anniversary celebrations for Emirates in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2016

Emirates is celebrating three decades of service connecting Sri Lanka. On 1 April 1986, an Emirates Boeing 727-200 Flight EK800 departed Dubai International Airport touching down in…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet adds new flights for summer

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2016

SpiceJet has added three new routes and six new frequencies to its summer schedule. Effective this week, the low-cost carrier has increased its operations to 306 daily flights,…

Airlines and Aviation

Kunming’s Lucky Air to become an LCC

Mark Elliott Mar 28, 2016

Lucky Air, the Kunming-based airline owned by the HNA Group, will become a low-cost carrier. The airline, which is second only to China Eastern Airlines in terms of seat capacity in…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian posts JOD21 million profit

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2016

In a recent announcement, Royal Jordanian’s board of directors, presided by chairman, Suleiman Hafez reported the company’s audited financial results at a net profit before tax of JOD21…

Airlines and Aviation

Air India introduces Air Pass for Buddhist pilgrims

Mark Elliott Mar 14, 2016

Air India has introduced a new ‘Air Pass’ covering major cities of Buddhist Interest in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Launched on 7 March, this is a coupon-based scheme for journeys…

Shangri-La to debut in Sri Lanka with huge coastal resort

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2016

Shangri-La will open a huge resort in Sri Lanka this summer, marking the Hong Kong-based hotel group's debut in the country. Welcoming its first guests on 1 June 2016, Shangri-La’s…

Airlines and Aviation

Richard Quest travels round the world on LCCs

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2016

Richard Quest, CNN’s aviation correspondent and presenter of ‘Quest Means Business’, is embarking on an eight-day round-the-world trip using only low-cost carriers. The journey will…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines to fly to Hong Kong

Mark Elliott Mar 9, 2016

Austrian Airlines will continue its Asian expansion late this year with the launch of direct flights to Hong Kong. Commencing on 5 September 2016, the Vienna-based airline will offer…

Jetwing debuts in Jaffna

Mark Elliott Feb 21, 2016

Jetwing, the Sri Lankan hotel group, has opened its first hotel in the northern city of Jaffna. Set in a seven-storey building, the hotel offers 55 rooms, all of which are…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia carries 50 million passengers

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2016

AirAsia has carried 50 million passengers in a single year for the first time in its history. The group's portfolio of five short-haul carriers, based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines posts rise in passenger numbers

Aaron Greenwood Feb 10, 2016

Austrian Airlines carried 617,000 passengers in January 2016, marking a year-on-year rise of 1.6 percent. The flight offering as measured in available seat kilometres (ASK) increased by…

First Sri Lankan Amari set for 2016 opening

Mark Elliott Feb 3, 2016

Thailand's Onyx Hospitality Group has confirmed that its first Amari hotel in Sri Lanka is scheduled to open this year. The new Amari Galle Sri Lanka is "progressing on schedule",…

Airlines and Aviation

Wego sheds lights on Middle East evolving aviation landscape

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2016

Wego.com recently shared insights into the evolving landscape of aviation, the world’s longest flight routes and which airlines are changing the game. “Aviation has come a long way…

Record year for Singapore air traffic

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2016

Singapore's Changi Airport overcame a difficult year to set new records for passenger traffic and aircraft movements in 2015. According to the full-year data from the Changi Airport Group…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Khiri Travel adds forest camping in Sri Lankan hills

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2016

Khiri Travel has introduced a new forest hiking trip in the hills of central Sri Lanka. The new three-day/two-night trip takes guests from Ohiya to Bambarakanda and includes guides, a…

Airlines and Aviation

JetEscapes unveils new winter packages

Mark Elliott Jan 7, 2016

JetEscapes, the package holiday arm of India's Jet Airways, has unveiled a new range of all-inclusive winter holidays. The packages include domestic getaways to Goa, the Golden…

Celebrity Cruises reveals Asia Pacific plans

Mark Elliott Dec 22, 2015

Celebrity Cruises is planning to offer a series of new cruises in Asia, Australia and New Zealand for the 2017-18 season. The company will deploy three vessels to Asia Pacific during…

Airlines and Aviation

Air China plans direct Chengdu-Sydney flights‏

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2015

Air China intends to launch the first direct service between Sydney and Chengdu next year. The airline has applied to Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for permission to…

Anantara makes debut in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2015

Anantara launched its first luxury resort in Sri Lanka this month, located on the country's south coast. The new 152-key Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set on an 8.5-hectare…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet expands global network with Delta and KLM

Mark Elliott Dec 15, 2015

Jet Airways will significantly expand its international network next year, following the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines and KLM. The new arrangement will…

Indian cities rise in popularity on TripAdvisor

Mark Elliott Dec 9, 2015

Two Indian cities topped the Asia Pacific rankings in TripAdvisor's Travellers’ Choice awards for "Destinations on the Rise". The world's largest travel site revealed this week that…

Airlines and Aviation

Malindo Air flies to Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Mark Elliott Dec 2, 2015

Malindo Air has opened bookings for its first ever routes to Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The Kuala Lumpur-based carrier has confirmed that services to Sri Lanka's capital Colombo will get…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan progresses with fleet renewal plan

Mark Elliott Nov 6, 2015

SriLankan Airlines will take delivery of its fifth brand new Airbus A330-300 aircraft next week, as it progresses with its fleet renewal plan. The national carrier embarked on the…

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air’s winter schedule witness service boost

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2015

The recent announcement of Oman Air’s winter schedule 2015-16 has witnessed introduction of a new service to Dhaka. The airline’s service between Muscat and Frankfurt is now being…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian launches first flights to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2015

Austrian Airlines operated its inaugural flight to Sri Lanka this week. The new service touched down at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday, following a direct…

Airlines and Aviation

Air China boosts South Asian connections

Mark Elliott Oct 23, 2015

Air China is planning to launch a series of new South Asian services, including flights to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Maldives. On 25 October, the Chinese carrier will…

Airlines and Aviation

Chinese airlines expand South Asian links

Mark Elliott Sep 27, 2015

Airlines in China are adding more connections to cities in South Asia. On Saturday (26 September), China Eastern Airlines commenced a new direct flight between Shanghai and Sri…

Plateno signs fourth hotel in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Sep 14, 2015

Plateno Hotels Group has continued to expand in South Asia with the signing of its fourth hotel in Sri Lanka. The company has penned a deal with Welcome Regency to manage a 102-room…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines returns to Shanghai

Mark Elliott Sep 9, 2015

Austrian Airlines will relaunch flights to Shanghai next year, nine years after it suspended the service. The national carrier will commence the new direct service from Vienna to…

Airlines and Aviation

Nepal, Sri Lanka plan direct flights

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2015

Travellers could soon be able to fly direct between Nepal and Sri Lanka, with airlines in both countries revealing plans to launch new routes. Nepal Airlines and Mihin Lanka Airlines…

Plateno continues South Asian expansion

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2015

Plateno Hotels Group has unveiled the latest stage in its South Asian expansion strategy, with the launch of its first property in the Maldives. The former Plumeria Boutique Guest…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad appoints new VP for India

Mark Elliott Sep 3, 2015

Etihad Airways has appointed Neerja Bhatia as its new vice president for India and the Sub-Continent. Ms Bhatia joined Etihad in 2004 as sales manager for Western India, shortly after…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines announce services to Marrakech

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2015

Austrian Airlines recently announced its intent to commence services to Marrakech. The new route will commence in the airline’s winter schedule which begins on 14 November. Austrian…

Airlines and Aviation

Air China to fly direct to Mumbai

Mark Elliott Aug 20, 2015

Air China has confirmed plans to launch flights connecting Beijing and Mumbai. The new direct service will commence on 25 October 2015, operating four times a week. Flights will…

Langham reveals first Cordis hotel

Mark Elliott Aug 11, 2015

The Langham Place Mongkok in Hong Kong will become a Cordis hotel this month, marking the launch of the company's new upscale brand. Following a recent renovation, the Cordis Hong…

Norwegian embarks on first ever Indian cruises

Mark Elliott Aug 4, 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will launch its first ever cruises to India, Sri Lanka and the Gulf region next year. The move marks part of the company's return to the Far East in the…

Norwegian cruises back to the Far East

Mark Elliott Aug 4, 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to the Far East for the 2016-17 winter season, for the first time in more than a decade. On 31 October 2016, the recently renovated Norwegian Star…

Plateno Hotels brings Portofino brand to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2015

Plateno Hotels Group has signed an agreement to launch its luxury Portofino hotel brand in Sri Lanka. The Ranna 212 Beach Resort in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka's south coast, will be…

Starwood to launch luxury St Regis resort in the Maldives

Mark Elliott Jul 21, 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement that will lead to the launch of its luxury St Regis brand in the Maldives. Set to open in 2016, the St Regis Vommuli Resort will…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines withdraws Dubai flight

Mark Elliott Jul 21, 2015

Stiff competition has resulted in Austrian Airlines pulling out its direct flights to Dubai. As per a recent decision, passengers of the Lufthansa Group will be able to access the…

Airlines and Aviation

Austrian Airlines dumps Dubai route

Gemma Greenwood Jul 20, 2015

Austrian Airlines has confirmed it will no longer offer direct flights to Dubai. Passengers of the Lufthansa Group will still be able to reach this city in the United Arab Emirates…

Serviced Apartments

Oakwood to debut in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jul 10, 2015

Oakwood has unveiled plans to open its first serviced residence in Sri Lanka. Scheduled to open in early 2016, Oakwood Apartments Colombo will offer 78 fully-furnished apartments,…

Jetwing outlines Sri Lankan expansion plans

Mark Elliott Jul 3, 2015

Sri Lankan hotel group Jetwing has unveiled plans for as series of new and expanded properties to launch in the coming months. In September 2015, the company will launch two new…

Airlines and Aviation

Kolkata tourism to get a boost with SriLankan-Mihin Lanka code share

Mark Elliott Jun 19, 2015

SriLankan Airlines recently announced a code share agreement with Mihin Lanka for the operations of flights between Kolkata and Colombo. With commencement of the new code share with…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates opens Japan lounge

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2015

Emirates recently announced the opening of its 38th dedicated lounge at Terminal 2 of Narita International Airport. The new lounge at Narita International Airport is the first…

Abu Dhabi leads in tourism attractions

Mark Elliott Jun 10, 2015

Recent surveys reported that Abu Dhabi is growing in its status as a leading tourism hub. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been ranked by TripAdvisor as the world’s fourth most…

Bangkok named world’s second most-visited city

Mark Elliott Jun 3, 2015

Bangkok has been named as the world's second most-visited city. According to MasterCard's latest Global Destination Cities Index, the Thai capital is expected to welcome 18.24 million…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways offers seat selection via travel agents

Mark Elliott May 22, 2015

Jet Airways has extended its seat selection service to the travel trade. This new offering will enable passengers to pre-select their seat when making a flight reservation via an…

Onyx expands in Sri Lanka with Ozo Kandy

Mark Elliott May 3, 2015

Onyx Hospitality Group has continued to expand in Sri Lanka with the opening of the Ozo Kandy. Located close to the town centre and overlooking Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills,…

Egypt leads on Expedia’s outbound list for UAE residents

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2015

Expedia.com recently released its top 20 most popular outbound destinations from UAE. This list was based on bookings performed on Expedia sites. The research examines passenger…

Airlines and Aviation

Rotana Jet rolls out expansion strategy

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2015

Rotana Jet has announced its intent to introduce new destinations and increase frequencies to existing destinations. Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Rotana Jet…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile moves into South Asia

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2015

THAI Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, will launch its first routes to South Asia in the coming months, it has been reported. Thailand's English language newspaper, The…

Airlines and Aviation

Improving SpiceJet adds more flights

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2015

Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet will add more flights to Muscat next month. Commencing on 13 May 2015, the airline will increase its Ahmedabad-Muscat route from three to five flights…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways strengthens code-share with S7

Mark Elliott Apr 9, 2015

In a recent development, Qatar Airways has strengthened its relationship with S7 Airlines with implementation of additional code-share routes. The airline’s initial code-share…

Sheraton on target for 500th hotel by 2016

Mark Elliott Mar 9, 2015

The growth story for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is on track. The Group is looking forward to at least 20 new hotel openings expected by year’s end. Strong demand across…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates to fly daily to Bali

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2015

Emirates will launch a new daily flight to Bali this summer. Commencing on 3 June 2015, the airline will fly direct to Indonesia's 'Island of the Gods' using a two-class Boeing 777…

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air boosts network in South Asia

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2015

Oman Air will continue to grow its South Asian network this year, with the addition of new services to Goa and Dhaka. The Middle Eastern carrier already operates flights to 17…

Work starts on Sri Lanka’s first Amari hotel

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2015

Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group has held a ground-breaking ceremony for its first Amari hotel in Sri Lanka. The Amari Galle will be a new upscale hotel located on the Galle…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan boosts Asia Pacific connections with Jetstar deal

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2015

SriLankan Airlines will soon be able to offer a greater range of services to Southeast Asia and Australia, following the launch of a new codeshare agreement with Jetstar Asia.…

Langham unveils new upscale brand

Mark Elliott Feb 3, 2015

Langham Hospitality Group has unveiled a new upscale hotel brand; Cordis Hotels & Resorts. The Hong Kong-based company said the new "global brand" would comprise a "new generation…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad retimes US flights for better South Asian connections

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2015

Etihad Airways has announced a number of changes to its North American flight schedules, intended to enable more convenient connections for passengers in the Indian sub-continent.…

Starwood expands footprint in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Dec 8, 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the latest stage in its Sri Lankan expansion plan, with the signing of a new Sheraton resort in Kosgoda, on the country's southwest coast.…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan adds Asian links with JAL

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2014

SriLankan Airlines have signed a new agreement to expand its operations in East Asia. Under a new codeshare agreement with its oneworld alliance partner Japan Airlines, SriLankan will…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Nov 12, 2014

MARIO HARDY has been confirmed as the new chief executive officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The move marks a promotion for Hardy, who has served as PATA's chief…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways expands key international routes

Mark Elliott Nov 9, 2014

Jet Airways has boosted its international operations with the addition of extra flights to three key destinations - Bangkok, Colombo and Doha. Earlier this month, Jet added a third daily…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Nov 5, 2014

MARIO HARDY has been confirmed as the new chief executive officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The move marks a promotion for Hardy, who has served as PATA's chief…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan welcomes first new A330

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

SriLankan Airlines has taken delivery of its first new Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The new long-haul aircraft touched down at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport recently,…

Airlines and Aviation

Mihin Lanka to launch Lahore flights

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2014

Mihin Lanka Airlines has confirmed that it will launch services to the Pakistani city of Lahore next month. Commencing on 17 November 2014, the Sri Lankan airline will operate three…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Oct 20, 2014

SHANTHA DE SILVA has become IHG's new head of Southwest Asia, overseeing India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. An IHG veteran, de Silva started his career with the company 30 years ago…

Airlines and Aviation

China Eastern flies to Nepal

Mark Elliott Oct 11, 2014

China Eastern Airlines will launch its first flights to Nepal next month. Commencing on 20 November 2014, the airline will operate daily services between Shanghai and Nepal's capital…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Oct 8, 2014

DAVID UDELL has been named as Hyatt's new group president for Asia Pacific. The move marks a promotion for Hyatt veteran Udell, who has served the company for 32 years, most recently as…

Airlines and Aviation

BA suspends Sri Lanka flights

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2014

British Airways will cease operating flights to Sri Lanka next year. The company currently operates services from London to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, via the Maldives, but from…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates celebrates its worldwide lounge network

Mark Elliott Sep 18, 2014

The Emirates Lounge have catered to over 22 million customers since the airline opened its first international lounge outside of its Dubai hub. In the financial year ending March 2014,…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines enter codeshare

Mark Elliott Sep 17, 2014

Royal Jordanian and Middle East Airlines-Air Liban recently concluded a new free sale codeshare agreement that will be implemented as of the middle of this month. Under terms of the…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines codeshares to Australia with Qantas

Mark Elliott Sep 17, 2014

SriLankan Airlines has penned a codeshare agreement with its new oneworld alliance partner, Qantas. From 26 October 2014, Qantas will place its 'QF' code on SriLankan's daily…

Onyx opens new Ozo hotel in Pattaya

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2014

Onyx Hospitality Group has launched Thailand’s second Ozo hotel in the resort town of Pattaya. The new Ozo Pattaya features 164 rooms, including 'Sleep Rooms', 'Dream Rooms' and 'Ozo…

Airlines and Aviation

RJ adopts structuring plan

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2014

Royal Jordanian recently announced plans to stop its services to Delhi, Mumbai and Lagos, in light of the airline's restructuring plan, including its route network. The airline will stop…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian pulls out of India

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2014

Royal Jordanian Airlines has confirmed that it will suspend all services to India later this year, as part of its restructuring plan. Jordan's national carrier currently flies four…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways boosts Sri Lankan services

Mark Elliott Jul 17, 2014

Jet Airways is expanding its operations in Sri Lanka with the launch of a second daily flight between Mumbai and Colombo. Set to commence on 5 November 2014, the new service will…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad unveils new mobile boarding passes

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2014

Etihad Airways has introduced mobile boarding passes for passengers travelling on certain routes. Under the new scheme, passengers will be able to receive their mobile boarding passes…

Centara debuts in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jun 8, 2014

Centara Hotels & Resorts has officially opened its first resort in Sri Lanka. Set between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean on southwest coast of Sri Lanka, two hours' drive…

Best Western debuts in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 28, 2014

Best Western has reached another landmark in its Asian expansion, with the launch of its first ever hotel in Sri Lanka. Following the company's debut in Myanmar late last year, Best…

Centara prepares for Sri Lanka launch

Mark Elliott May 20, 2014

Centara Hotels & Resorts will officially open its new resort in Sri Lanka this month. A grand opening ceremony will be held for the Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka on…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates adds fifth daily Singapore flight

Mark Elliott May 12, 2014

Emirates has announced that it will introduce a fifth daily flight between Dubai and Singapore this summer. Commencing on 1 August 2014, the new direct service will operate using a…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates adds fifth daily Singapore flight

Mark Elliott May 12, 2014

Emirates has announced that it will introduce a fifth daily flight between Dubai and Singapore this summer. Commencing on 1 August 2014, the new direct service will operate using a…

Onyx launches first Ozo hotel in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 12, 2014

Thailand’s Onyx Hospitality Group has unveiled the first of three Ozo hotels it plans to launch in Sri Lanka. Located on Marine Drive in Sri Lanka's capital, Ozo Colombo offers 158…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines joins oneworld

Mark Elliott May 1, 2014

SriLankan Airlines has officially become a member of the oneworld alliance. The Colombo-based national carrier joined the airline group on 1 May 2014, becoming oneworld's 15th full…

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay to move to Changi T4

Mark Elliott Apr 30, 2014

Cathay Pacific has become the first airline to confirm that it will operate from Singapore Changi Airport's new Terminal 4 when it opens in 2017. Changi Airport Group (CAG) confirmed…

Airlines and Aviation

Rotana Jet to expands across SAMENA region

Mark Elliott Apr 12, 2014

Rotana Jet will continue its international expansion over the next two years, targeting new destinations in the SAMENA region. Dr Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saif Al Nahayan, Chairman of Rotana…

Airlines and Aviation

New destinations for Rotana Jet

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2014

Rotana Jet today has announced new routes to its schedule. The airline will soon connect Colombo and Mattala effective 9 April 2014. The airline will operate three flights per week from…

Onyx opens Ozo in Samui

Mark Elliott Mar 7, 2014

Onyx Hospitality Group has opened its first Ozo hotel in Koh Samui. Located in the popular Chaweng Beach area of the island, the Ozo Chaweng Samui features 208 rooms, including a…

Onyx to reach portfolio milestone in 2014

Mark Elliott Mar 4, 2014

Onyx Hospitality Group has said it plans to open six more Asian hotels in 2014, as it moves towards a portfolio milestone of 40 properties. Following the recent launch of the Grand…

New Appointments

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2014

AYMAN GHARIB has been appointed general manager for Raffles Dubai. He brings with him over 15 years of luxury hospitality experience in the Middle East. His career began in 1999 as an…

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air codeshares with Srilankan Airlines

Mark Elliott Feb 27, 2014

Oman Air has inked a codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines. The agreement allows Oman Air’s customers to book seats on SriLankan Airline’s services from Muscat to Singapore, Male,…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian suspends operations to three cities

Mark Elliott Feb 27, 2014

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has announced that as per the company’s operating plan this year, the airline decided to suspend running flights to a number of cities on the route network. As shown…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Feb 26, 2014

TAN CHOON KWANG has been named as the new chief operating officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts. A seasoned hotelier, Tan has more than 30 years of expertise in Singapore, France,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X profits dip in 2013

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2014

AirAsia X experienced a small decline in profits last year, as a extra capacity and a weak Malaysian ringgit impacted the airline's figures. The long-haul low-cost carrier generated…

Airlines and Aviation

Bangladeshi start-up airline buys planes

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2014

A new airline in Bangladesh has selected the aircraft it will use to start its operations. Dhaka-based US-Bangla Airlines has acquired two second-hand Bombardier Q400 turboprop…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI boosts Asian routes, but cuts Europe

Mark Elliott Feb 9, 2014

Thai Airways International (THAI) will add extra capacity on several Asian routes this summer, but at the expense of flights to destinations in Europe. Unveiling its summer schedules…

Centara to double up in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Feb 2, 2014

Centara Hotels & Resorts has revealed that its second hotel in Sri Lanka will soft-open this spring. The new Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa is set on the Bentota Peninsula, in…

Best Western targets South Asia

Mark Elliott Jan 23, 2014

Best Western has identified the South Asian countries of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as key growth markets to drive its regional expansion. In Sri Lanka, Best Western has already…

Jet Airways launches Mumbai-Paris flight

Mark Elliott Jan 21, 2014

Jet Airways has announced the launch of its direct daily service between Mumbai to Paris. The flight will be operated with effect from 14 May 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.…

MSC Cruises to debut in Australia

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2013

MSC Cruises has revealed plans to bring one of its liners to Australia for the first time. The 2,550-passenger MSC Orchestra cruise ship will sail from Dubai to Australia in 2015, via…

Sri Lanka approves casino projects

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2013

The Sri Lankan government has approved the development of three controversial casino projects. According to China's Xinhua news agency, citing a government report, the country has…

United Arab Emirates

Emirates Holidays partners with Aitken Spence Travels

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2013

Emirates Holidays has entered into a partnership with Aitken Spence Travels in Colombo. The agency has been appointed Preferred Agent (PA) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Islands. Marc…

ONYX Hospitality Group goes full steam on new developments

Mark Elliott Nov 19, 2013

The Onyx Hospitality Group has a line up of new openings scheduled in the coming months. The first quarter of 2014 will witness the opening two Ozo properties – Koh Samui and…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad Airways boost Sri Lanka capacity

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2013

Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Colombo service from seven flights per week to a double daily schedule from 16 February 2014. The new route will be operated with an A320…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Oct 23, 2013

ADAM ALFORD has been appointed as the Low Cost Travel Group's new managing director for Asia Pacific. Having been based in Bangkok since 2007, Alford spent six years working with TUI…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Oct 9, 2013

KELVIN TAN has been appointed as Celebrity Cruises' new commercial director for Asia Pacific. Tan moves to Celebrity from the brand's parent company, Royal Caribbean, where he served as…

Airlines and Aviation

Cathay Pacific expands premium economy across Asia

Mark Elliott Sep 30, 2013

The airline initially rolled out the new class in March 2012 aboard a series of long-haul routes from Hong Kong to Europe, North America, the Middle East and India. But Cathay said this…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia flies to the Maldives

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2013

AirAsia will launch its first ever flights to the Maldives this week. Commencing on Saturday 28 September 2013, the low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, will operate four…

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai connects Odessa

Mark Elliott Sep 19, 2013

flydubai in an effort to strengthen its Ukraine services has commenced operations to Odessa. The new route will be connected with flights twice a week. Subsequently, the inaugural flight…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines to boost India frequency

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2013

SriLankan Airlines is planning to increase its weekly flights from India. The airline is looking at boosting the frequency from the current 48 to 60 till the year end by adding new…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Glenn de Souza

Mark Elliott Aug 26, 2013

We see big opportunities across the Asia Pacific region, with a strong focus on expanding in ASEAN countries and the Middle East. Already this year we have opened new hotels in Thailand,…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet announces new international destinations

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2013

The Chennai-based low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced the addition of three new international destinations. The carrier will add Bangkok, Muscat and Macau to its international…

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jul 3, 2013

THIERRY ANTINORI has become Emirates' new Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer responsible for all commercial operations, revenue optimisation and the Skywards FFP. He…

Jetwing launches budget hotel brand in Sri Lanka

May 16, 2013 18

Jetwing, the Sri Lankan travel company, has launched a new domestic budget hotel brand - Hotel J. Announcing the new label this week, Jetwing said Hotel J would offer "no frills…

AirAsia releases preliminary operating statistics

Mark Elliott May 2, 2013 0

AirAsia has officially released its first quarter operating statistics for 2013. The carrier, which included the figures AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Japan for the first time,…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lankan arrivals to India drop

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2013 6

The number of Sri Lankan arrivals to India dropped 10-15% in February and March 2013, compared to the year-ago period. The country’s national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines has decided…

Airlines and Aviation

Flydubai commences new Sri Lanka route

Mar 19, 2013 13

Flydubai touched down at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, also known as Hambantota International Airport, marking the opening of its new route. Through this second route to the…

Airlines and Aviation

MAS boosts Asian network

Mar 14, 2013 14

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has announced plans to boost capacity across a series of Asian routes this summer, with the addition of extra flights and the deployment of larger aircraft. From…

Airlines and Aviation

Korean Air flies to Sri Lanka, Maldives

Mar 11, 2013 20

Korean Air has launched flights to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The new service commenced on Saturday 9 March 2013 and will now operate three times a week. Services will operate from…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Arabia adds second Sri Lanka route

Mark Elliott Mar 4, 2013 16

Air Arabia announced that it has added its second destination in Sri Lanka with the launch of non-stop flights to Mattala. The inaugural flight will take off 18 March 2013. The route…

Expedition Cruising

Compagnie do Ponant launches Asia brochure

Mark Elliott Feb 6, 2013 4

French expedition specialist Compagnie du Ponant has announced the launch of a 64-page brochure to highlight the line’s Asian cruises. The itineraries, which are for the 2013/14 winter…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lanka to get first domestic carrier

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2012 14

Sri Lanka is to receive its first domestic airline next March from the parent company behind Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Chaaya Hotels & Resorts. John Keells Holidays PLC,…

Airlines and Aviation

Tiger, Scoot reveal more joint itineraries

Oct 31, 2012 17

Singapore Airlines' two low-cost units, Tiger Airways and Scoot, have announced a new range of joint itineraries. Starting today (31 October 2012), travellers on Scoot's flights from…

Hyatt to debut in Sri Lanka

Oct 22, 2012 13

Hyatt has entered into a management agreement to open its first property in Sri Lanka. Following a deal with Sinolanka Hotels & Spa, the company will develop a Hyatt Regency hotel in…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan looks to the Far East

Oct 17, 2012 14

SriLankan Airlines is focusing its efforts on Asia, with China and the Far East the focal point for its expansion. Speaking to Travel Daily at the ITB Asia trade show in Singapore yesterday…

Airlines and Aviation

Air France-KLM joins forces with Etihad

Mark Elliott Oct 8, 2012 16

Air France-KLM has formed of a new commercial partnership with Etihad Airways and its European partner, airberlin. The deal will see the four airlines start codeshare on a range of routes,…

Airlines and Aviation

Air France-KLM joins forces with Etihad

Oct 8, 2012 10

Air France-KLM has formed of a new commercial partnership with Etihad Airways and its European partner, airberlin. The deal will see the four airlines start codeshare on a range of…

Onyx breaks ground on Ozo Kandy

Sep 18, 2012 12

Work has started on Onyx Hospitality Group's new select service hotel in the Sri Lankan city of Kandy. The property is one of three Ozo hotels being developed in Sri Lanka, in addition to…

Onyx plans major international expansion

Sep 4, 2012 10

Bangkok-based Onyx Hospitality Group is planning a major international expansion in the coming months and years, with new hotels opening in the major emerging markets of South Asia, the…

OZO moves ahead with Sri Lanka opening

Mark Elliott Aug 20, 2012 7

ONYX Hospitality Group has ‘broke ground’ with its new OZO hotel in Sri Lanka as construction began on the property. Its OZO Kandy will open with 128 rooms, a swimming pool, two restaurants…

Construction begins on OZO Kandy

Aug 17, 2012 16

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group marked a key development in its expansion of the OZO brand in Sri Lanka with a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for the OZO Kandy. Facilities at the…

Airlines and Aviation

British Airways plans Gatwick-Sri Lanka flights

Mark Elliott Aug 15, 2012 11

British Airways has announced it will launch flights from Gatwick to Sri Lanka via the Maldives next year. The thrice weekly service will commence on 31 March to Colombo via Male and will…

Onyx starts work on new Ozo hotel in Samui

Aug 14, 2012 15

Thailand-based Onyx Hospitality Group has broken ground on a new hotel project in Koh Samui. Located in the resort area of Chaweng, the new Ozo hotel will be the brand's first property in…

SpiceJet plans international expansion

Mark Elliott Jul 13, 2012 18

SpiceJet has announced plans to expand its international network. The low-cost carrier is looking at starting six new international destinations, including flights to Afghanistan, China and…

Marriott to debut in Sri Lanka

Jul 11, 2012 27

Marriott has signed an agreement to open its first hotel in Sri Lanka. Opening in 2014, the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa will be developed on a beachfront site in the southeast of…

Saudia joins SkyTeam

Mark Elliott Jun 17, 2012 20

SkyTeam welcomed Saudia as its 16th member and the first Middle East carrier in Jeddah. This alliance gives Saudia a strong foothold in this important economic region. From its hubs in…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation briefs

Jun 12, 2012 16

Batavia Air plans further China expansion Indonesia's Batavia Air is planning extend its reach into China with the launch of flights between Bali and Hangzhou. Local news portal NusaBali…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines to join oneworld alliance

Jun 11, 2012 17

The oneworld alliance will add SriLankan Airlines to its membership list next year. The Colombo-based carrier's election as a oneworld member…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet to connect Dubai with Delhi, Mumbai

Mark Elliott Jun 11, 2012 16

SpiceJet further expands its connectivity launching its service to Dubai. The airline is connecting Dubai with daily services to Delhi and Mumbai and inaugural flights are set for last week…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways adds capacity on Kuwait-Mumbai route

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2012 1

Jet Airways will enhance connectivity between Kuwait and Mumbai with the introduction of a second frequency four times a week to Mumbai. The launch of this second service will be effective…

Trichy gets automated ATS

Mark Elliott May 16, 2012 10

Trichy airport has become the first of the 38 ‘Type A’ airports in India to have an automated Air Traffic Services (ATS) facility. This new facility is intended to bolster air traffic…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet to add six new international flights

Mark Elliott May 9, 2012 11

SpiceJet has received government approval to fly to six new international destinations. The low-cost airline will add 63 overseas flights per week to its schedule this season, including…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian charts out operational changes

Mark Elliott Apr 29, 2012 15

The recently concluded general assembly for Royal Jordanian's held its fifth annual ordinary session in Amman, presided by chairman of the board of directors Nasser Lozi. The general…

Huge quakes trigger Asian tsunami alert

Apr 12, 2012 19

Two massive earthquakes struck off the coast of Indonesia yesterday, triggering tsunami alerts across the Indian Ocean. The 8.6- and 8.3-magnitude quakes occurred within hours of each other…

Airlines and Aviation

Kingfisher to cut all international flights

Mar 21, 2012 19

Kingfisher Airlines has announced that it will cease operating international flights from 25 March 2012. The troubled airline’s Chairman, Vijay Mallya said it made “no sense flying abroad”…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI boosts Asian routes

Mark Elliott Oct 9, 2011 1

Thai Airways International (THAI) will boost frequencies on a series of Asian routes for its forthcoming winter schedules, commencing 30 October. The emerging markets of India and China…

Airlines and Aviation

Paramount seeks nod to resume flying

Mark Elliott Sep 19, 2011

Chennai-based Paramount Airways has applied for permission from the government to restart airline operations with two aircraft. It had closed operations last year, after disputes with…

Sri Lanka could boost Indian market sixfold

Mark Elliott Aug 31, 2011

Sri Lanka could attract 750,000 Indian tourists over the next decade - a sixfold increase - if it can capture just 2.4% of that country's outbound market, an equities research report by…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air reveals winter schedule

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2011

Gulf Air has announced its new winter 2011 schedule that will come into effect from 30 October offering more flights, increased frequencies, additional capacities, improved connectivity and…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air boosts South Asian capitals

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2011

Gulf Air has announced its winter schedule for 2011, with a series of upgrades to its routes to capital cities in South Asia. From 30 October, the Bahraini national carrier will raise the…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air reveals winter schedule

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2011

Airline boosts frequencies to key cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Beirut...Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has announced its new winter 2011 schedule.The schedule that will come…

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air may launch economy only services

Mark Elliott Aug 7, 2011

Oman Air may launch economy-only flights on certain routes in its network, its CEO has told a Dubai-based publication.Speaking to Aviation Business, Peter Hill said the airline was…

Holiday Factory reveals Eid specials

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2011

Holiday Factory has launched a host of 'value for money' destination packages in time for the Eid holiday break from as little as AED 2,380. Commenting on the offers, Hakan Bakar, CEO,…

Airlines and Aviation

RJ to take delivery of third A330

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2011

Royal Jordanian will take delivery of its third Airbus A330 aircraft today, replacing two A310 passenger aircraft. With the new addition, the RJ fleet will comprise 32 planes serving 59…

Emirates Holidays offers Ramadan packages

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2011

Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates airline is offering a number of special Eid getaway packages to popular destinations worldwide.The company is offering a holiday package…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan sets regional base in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jul 21, 2011

Bangkok is at the centre of SriLanka Airlines' five-year development plan that focuses on the Asian market. The national carrier plans to use Suvarnabhumi Airport as satellite hub for…

Sri Lanka to build new ‘tourist city’ north of capital

Mark Elliott Jul 11, 2011

Sri Lanka will build a new 'tourist city' in the western coastal city of Katana north of the capital Colombo, which may draw US$1.5 billion in foreign investments in its first phase alone, a…

Now you can drive to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jul 8, 2011

The new ferry service between India and Sri Lanka now offers passengers the ability to drive across, the head of the company running the service was quoted saying in Lanka Business…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad signs codeshare deal with Czech

Mark Elliott Jun 27, 2011

Czech Airlines and Etihad Airways have signed a new codeshare agreement. The move will see Czech Airlines launch new direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Prague, and offer onward global…

Airlines and Aviation

China Eastern joins SkyTeam

Mark Elliott Jun 21, 2011

China Eastern Airlines and its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines have officially joined the SkyTeam airline alliance at a ceremony held in Beijing today. In welcoming the two Shanghai-based…

Ferry service to Sri Lanka flags off

Mark Elliott Jun 13, 2011

The much-awaited passenger ferry service from Tuticorin in South India to Colombo begins today with the 1,044-capacity Scotia Prince being flagged off.The service, a twice-a-week schedule…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet plans to add new planes

Mark Elliott Jun 2, 2011

With air traffic growing at a healthy pace, Indian carriers are once again looking to add capacities, a report said.Jet Airways, India's biggest airline, plans to acquire 6-7 new narrow body…

Ferry service to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jun 1, 2011

A ferry service linking Sri Lanka's Colombo port and the south Indian harbour of Tuticorin has been launched.With a capacity to ferry 1,044 people, the 'Scotia Princess' would initially do…

Sri Lanka Taj profits recover

Mark Elliott May 27, 2011

Sri Lanka's Taj Lanka Hotels, which owns a five -tar rated property in Colombo's Galle Face area said profits rose to 52 million rupees in the March 2011 quarter from 3.2 million rupees a…

Taj aims for 50 Gateways by 2015

Mark Elliott May 19, 2011

Indian Hotels Company that runs the Taj Group of hotels, sees its upscale, full service Gateway brand grow through the management contract model, reaching at least 50 Gateway Hotels in the…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air to boost Asian routes

Mark Elliott May 4, 2011

Gulf Air has announced plans to increase frequencies on routes between its Manama hub and various destinations in Asia Pacific. From 11 May, the Bahraini national carrier will boost its…

Airlines and Aviation

Gulf Air boosts summer schedule

Mark Elliott May 4, 2011

Bahrain flag-carrier Gulf Air has added more flights, additional seats and more convenient flight options to several key destinations, in addition to opening up three new destinations this…

Airlines and Aviation

ATM 2011: Gulf Air increases seat capacity on busy summer routes

Mark Elliott May 3, 2011

Gulf Air has increased its capacity and frequency on routes which have sold well on the run up to summer, the airline revealed today. Its Bahrain-Manila schedule has been increased from 10…

UNWTO backs Japan tourism recovery

Mark Elliott Mar 29, 2011

The UNWTO Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific has expressed its full support with Japan in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami, and backed the country's tourism…

Airlines and Aviation

New aviation initiative unveiled in SL

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2011

Srilankan Airlines and budget airline Mihin Lanka are to increase their fleet size to 30 aircraft to support growing demand for flights in and out of Sri Lanka. The announcement was made by…

Investors shocked by SL government backtracking

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2011

Foreign investors are knocking down the cabinet's door in Colombo, begging for a stake in the exploding tourism sector. However the government would be well advised not to treat them…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan to add three India destinations this year

Mark Elliott Mar 18, 2011

Hungry for growth and with February arrivals from India up more than 20%, SriLankan Airlines has announced plans to relaunch its Colombo-Kochi service from 27 March with special opening…

Medical tourism on Sri Lankan horizon

Mark Elliott Mar 11, 2011

The Lanka Hospitals Corporation is looking to increase capacity and expand into regions beyond Colombo. It is also exploring partnerships with investors and is urging the public sector to…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan announces summer expansion

Mark Elliott Mar 11, 2011

SriLankan Airlines is to expand its global route network, with new services to Karachi, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat, and Kochi.Much of the increase in capacity is in the Middle East, with the…

World Cup opens in Dhaka

Mark Elliott Feb 18, 2011

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup got underway in Dhaka yesterday with a spectacular opening ceremony. The Bangladeshi capital's 36,000-capacity Bangabandhu Stadium played host to the 14…

Azamara announces Asian voyages for 2012

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2011

Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled 54 itineraries ranging from five to 16 nights, due to set sail between March 2012 and February 2013, aboard its Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest…

SL-India ferry service to set sail in March

Mark Elliott Feb 7, 2011

Ferry services between India and Sri Lanka will take a step closer to reinstatement this week when a multi-agency officials' group from Colombo visits Tuticorin inspect preparations at the…

Airlines and Aviation

New Thai airline ready to take-off

Mark Elliott Jan 24, 2011

Thailand's newest passenger airline, Crystal Thai Airlines, has received its air operator's certificate (AOC) and will launch operations by the end of this month. The carrier,…

SL approves US$500mn hotel project in capital

Mark Elliott Jan 17, 2011

The budding Sri Lankan tourism sector has not gone unnoticed by the Chinese who have just received approval from the Sri Lankan government to build a luxury hotel in Colombo. The…

India back SL port redevelopment

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2011

The Indian government is throwing its weight behind Sri Lankan ambitions to redevelop the Kankesanthurai harbour as it looks to take an active role in rehabilitating of the country's…

Oman Air launches sales to UK trade

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2011

Oman Air has launched its winter sale to the UK travel trade following a successful pilot. The airline's sale covers online fares for services to Bangkok, Kathmandu, Male,…

Airlines and Aviation

Saudi Arabian Airlines to join SkyTeam

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2011

Saudi Arabian Airlines has signed an agreement to join the SkyTeam alliance in 2012. The airline will be SkyTeam's first member from the Middle East, and will add 35 new destinations to…

Airlines and Aviation

Saudi Arabian Airlines to join SkyTeam

Mark Elliott Jan 11, 2011

Saudi Arabian Airlines has signed an agreement to join SkyTeam in 2012. The airline will be SkyTeam's first member from the Middle East, adding 35 new destinations to the alliance…

SL-India ferry services a step closer

Mark Elliott Jan 10, 2011

India and Sri Lanka have taken a step closer to resuming passenger ferry services between the two nations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Passenger Transportation by…

Shangri-La to open two properties in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2011

Shangri-La Asia yesterday revealed plans to develop two brand new properties in Sri Lanka, its first in the country. The hotel giant's first property, a 300-key city resort on approximately…

Shangri-La to launch two Sri Lanka hotels

Jan 4, 2011

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The…

Airlines and Aviation

Chennai becoming regional aviation hub

Mark Elliott Nov 22, 2010

Chennai is gaining international appeal it appears as international airlines add the destination to their route network and increase flight frequencies to and from the destination. Recently…

Etihad celebrates seven year milestone

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2010

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will celebrate its seventh anniversary tomorrow. In seven years of rapid growth, Etihad has flown more than…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad to launch all-economy services

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2010

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, will start flying its first 'all Economy' class aircraft next week.The Airbus A320 will be configured to carry 162…

Airlines and Aviation

Youth fares from SriLankan

Mark Elliott Oct 26, 2010

SriLankan Airlines has just launched a special air fare encouraging all young Indians to visit and discover the island nation from now on until 30 June 2011. Travellers between the ages of…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet group moves to Delhi Terminal 3

Mark Elliott Oct 22, 2010

Jet Airways and its subsidiary carrier JetLite, will migrate the group's domestic operations to Terminal 3 at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport from 30 October. As part of a…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan to improve business class services

Mark Elliott Oct 17, 2010

SriLankan Airlines will soon equip its long-haul fleet with Flatbed Seating and the latest Audio-Video-On-Demand (AVOD) Entertainment System, providing Business Class passengers on…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet to breakeven within two months

Mark Elliott Oct 13, 2010

SpiceJet is optimistic that it will achieve an 80% load factor on international flights within the first month and will breakeven on international operations within two months of launching.…

Jet Airways launches Milan flights

Mark Elliott Oct 11, 2010

Jet Airways is set to launch a new daily direct service to Milan, Italy. Effective 5 December, the flights are designed to offer customers enhanced connectivity across Europe. "Jet…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan to launch services to Guangzhou

Mark Elliott Oct 8, 2010

SriLankan Airlines' global route network will expand to fifty destinations shortly, with the planned launch of new services to Guangzhou (Canton) in China.The announcement of new…

SriLankan Air Taxi takes is back

Mark Elliott Oct 8, 2010

SriLankan Airlines is set to re-launch its domestic floatplane service - SriLankan Air Taxi - starting this December in time for the winter tourist season.SriLankan's Head of…

Airlines and Aviation

Kingfisher, BA codeshare deal begins today

Mark Elliott Sep 13, 2010

British Airways and Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines are to start codesharing on each other's flights across India, Sri Lanka, the UK and continental Europe from September…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet to launch international services

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2010

SpiceJet, India's most preferred low fare airline, announces the commencement of its international operations with its first flights to Kathmandu and Colombo ready to take off in…

Hotel investment pours in Sri Lanka

Aug 30, 2010

Major Sri Lankan Hotel Chains are pumping in approximately AED 18 billion into new projects The hotel industry will experience a 45% influx in room capacity The double-digit growth of…

Sri Lanka targets US travelers

Mark Elliott Aug 26, 2010

Sri Lanka has launched the first in a series of 'Signature Tours' targeting US tourists. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism…

Airlines and Aviation

JetLite introduces new designer uniforms

Mark Elliott Aug 11, 2010

As part of an evolutionary strategy to deliver a superior guest experience, JetLite, the wholly owned subsidiary of Jet Airways India Ltd, has unveiled a new uniform for its…

Airlines and Aviation

Ethihad to begin ‘all economy’ service

Mark Elliott Aug 11, 2010

Etihad Airways is launching new 'all economy' services to Sri Lanka and Kerala as it looks to launch a price competitive product on short haul destinations across the Indian Sub Continent…

Etihad to launch all-economy services

Mark Elliott Aug 10, 2010

Etihad Airways will launch all-economy services in October, in a move that has surprised many in the Middle East trade.The airline will introduce two all-economy A3230s on selected…

LOLC buys Sri Lanka’s Confifi Hotels

Mark Elliott Jul 14, 2010

LOLC Securities Ltd, a subsidiary of Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC, has branched out into the hospitality sector by securing major stakes in Confifi Hotel Holdings Plc and…

Sri Lanka hosts World Spice Food Festival

Mark Elliott Jul 8, 2010

The 5th World Spice Food Festival is set to take place from 14 to 25 July in Sri Lanka, with world class chefs being flown in from all over the world to bring the capital,…

flydubai launches first Sri Lankan service

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2010

flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, notched up its fourth new destination in a week when its inaugural flight to Sri Lanka touched down in Colombo.flydubai will operate four…

RJ ups frequencies to 110 daily

Mark Elliott Jun 20, 2010

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has increased flight frequencies operated to and from Amman to more than 110 daily in response to demand.RJ President/CEO Hussein Dabbas said this summer the airline…

Airlines and Aviation

MAS to fly daily to Seoul

Mark Elliott Jun 6, 2010

Subang (7 June 2010) - Malaysia Airlines will be expanding its operations in Korea by introducing daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Seoul starting 15 November.The flight will…

Airlines and Aviation

flydubai to launch flights to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 26, 2010

Dubai, UAE, May 26, 2010: flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, is expanding its network in the Indian sub-continent with the announcement of flights to the Sri…

flydubai to serve Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 26, 2010

Flydubai has revealed that it will fly to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, four times weekly from 23 June with prices starting from AED 450 one way.FZ555 will leave Dubai…

India opens visa office in northern Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott May 12, 2010

India has opened a visa office in Jaffna, on the northern tip of Sri Lanka, to assist tourists from the area. Previously, applicants would have had to make the long 300km…

Bollywood comes to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2010

Colombo, 22 April 2010. The glamour of Indian cinema comes to Sri Lanka between 3 to 5 June at the 11th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways launch ‘Konnect Select’ premium service

Mark Elliott Apr 22, 2010

Mumbai, April 22, 2010: Buoyed by the improvement in the global economic environment and the resultant upswing in air travel demand, particularly business travel, Jet…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways adds new FFP partners

Mark Elliott Apr 20, 2010

Mumbai, April 19, 2010: Jet Airways' Jet Privilege, India's largest frequent flyer programme, has entered into a partnership with twelve new partners across the…

Jet Airways adds new FFP partners

Mark Elliott Apr 19, 2010

Mumbai, April 19, 2010: Jet Airways' Jet Privilege, India's largest frequent flyer programme, has entered into a partnership with twelve new partners across the…

Jet Airways to launch Jo’burg flights this week

Mark Elliott Apr 11, 2010

Mumbai, April 9, 2010: Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, is set to open up the exotic and unexplored continent of Africa to Indian and international…

Sri Lankan food festival set for Renaissance Dubai

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2010

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion's Middle East Bureau announced the launch of a food festival in conjunction with the Renaissance Hotel Dubai from April 7 to 21 designed to raise awareness about…

Jet, Gulf Air to codeshare on Bahrain-India flights

Mark Elliott Apr 5, 2010

1 April 2010: Jet Airways, India's premier international airline has entered into a code share agreement with Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air, enhancing network connectivity on…

Oman Air to launch eight new destinations in 2010

Mark Elliott Apr 4, 2010

Oman Air will add eight new destinations to its network in 2010 - Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Dar-Es-Salaam, Islamabad, Lahore, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain and Milan…

Oman Air flies new A330 to Paris

Mark Elliott Mar 30, 2010

One more of the new A330-300 aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year, joined Oman Air fleet last week. The brand new aircraft flew on its delivery flight from its home in…

Staff Appointments w/e 25 March 2010

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2010

MICHAEL SENGOL has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts, barely a month after being appointed as the company's Chief Operating Officer. Sengol…

Sri Lanka welcomes tourists

Mark Elliott Mar 22, 2010

Sri Lanka is welcoming record numbers of visitors as it recovers from decades of conflict. Last month tourism arrivals surged to a record high of 48% ahead of the previous year. Before…

SpiceJet to launch international flights

Mark Elliott Mar 12, 2010

Indian low-cost carrier, SpiceJet, will launch international operations in June, with flights to Kathmandu, Colombo and Dhaka. According to an Economic Times report,…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways to serve South America

Mark Elliott Mar 12, 2010

11 March 2010, ITB Berlin - Qatar Airways yesterday announced plans to fly to Brazil and Argentina, spreading its award-winning service to the South American continent for the…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar announces South American routes

Mark Elliott Mar 11, 2010

Qatar Airways has announced plans to fly to Brazil and Argentina, its first South American services. The continent's two largest cities - Sao Paulo in Brazil and the Argentinian…

Jet Airways Konnect goes daily to Dehradun

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2010

New Delhi, March 09, 2010: In keeping with its move to connect major Indian metros with smaller cities across the country, Jet Airways Konnect, Jet Airways'…

SIA Airbus on more routes

Mark Elliott Mar 8, 2010

Singapore Airlines will soon operate its new Airbus 330-300 aircraft, which comes with the carrier's latest product and service offerings, on selected routes serving the Middle…

More SIA routes to feature new cabins

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2010

Singapore Airlines' Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring the Airline's latest product and service offerings, will soon operate on selected routes serving the Middle East, West…

Sri Lanka targets MICE

Mark Elliott Feb 24, 2010

Sri Lanka is seeking to expand its reach into the MICE market by exhibiting for the first time at International Confex, the trade show dedicated to the conference and exhibitions…

Oman Air to commemorate Sri Lanka flights

Mark Elliott Feb 22, 2010

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman will be commemorating its flights to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on February 26th. The flights to this destination were…

Papa Bello to expand ops in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Feb 21, 2010

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Papa Bello Enterprises (Pink Sheets: PAPA) is pleased to announce that the company has partnered with Thilanka Hotels and Resorts to develop…

Airlines and Aviation

Kingfisher to launch Delhi-London service

Mark Elliott Feb 11, 2010

Mumbai, February 10, 2010- Kingfisher Airlines, India's only Five Star Airline rated by Skytrax, today announced that the Government of India has granted it traffic…

Kingfisher to open seven new international routes

Mark Elliott Feb 11, 2010

Mumbai, February 10, 2010- Kingfisher Airlines, India's only Five Star Airline rated by Skytrax, today announced that the Government of India has granted it traffic…

Serene Pavilions joins SLH

Mark Elliott Feb 1, 2010

Serene Pavilions, a new venture in luxury hospitality located in Wadduwa on Sri Lanka's west coast, has joined the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. Opened at a…

Serene Pavilions joins SLH

Jan 30, 2010

Serene Pavilions, a new venture in luxury hospitality located in Wadduwa on Sri Lanka's west coast, has joined the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. Opened at a cost of…

Registration opens for PATA London Exchange

Mark Elliott Jan 28, 2010

Travel trade buyers can now register for the second annual PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Exchange. The event, which will be held at Australia House in London on March…

Registration opens for PATA London Exchange

Mark Elliott Jan 28, 2010

Travel trade buyers can now register for the second annual PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Exchange. The event, which will be held at Australia House in London on March…

Sri lanka popular cruise destination

Mark Elliott Jan 2, 2010

Calls by international cruise vessels to Sri Lanka are on the rise in the post-war era with an increasing number of cruise liners including Sri Lanka as a port of call in their itineraries…

Etihad increases Beirut services

Mark Elliott Jan 2, 2010

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will increase its Abu Dhabi-Beirut services from double daily to 18 flights per week from 1 January,…

Staff Appointments w/e 24 December 2009

Mark Elliott Dec 24, 2009

GERARD EE HOCK KIM has been announced as the new Chairman of Tiger Airways. Ee is an experienced independent director and has a background with auditing firms such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways launches Dhaka flight

Mark Elliott Dec 22, 2009

Effective December 23, 2009, Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, will introduce new, direct services on the Dhaka -Mumbai - Dhaka sectors,…

Sri Lanka becoming a popular cruise call

Mark Elliott Dec 22, 2009

21 Dec 09 (TravMedia.com): Calls by international cruise vessels to Sri Lanka are on the rise in the post-war era with an increasing number of cruise liners including Sri Lanka as a port of…

SIA makes capacity adjustments

Mark Elliott Dec 17, 2009

Singapore Airlines is to make changes to its route network in the coming months that will include frequency increases on several routes. The changes will also include the suspension of…

Airlines and Aviation

Singapore Airlines makes network changes

Mark Elliott Dec 16, 2009

Singapore Airlines is to make changes to its route network in the coming months that will include frequency increases on several routes. The changes will also include the suspension of…

JetLite launches new internet booking system

Mark Elliott Dec 9, 2009

JetLite, the wholly owned subsidiary of Jet Airways India Ltd, today launched its new state- of - the-art online booking engine. This move by JetLite is an attempt to offer a…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways launches Mumbai to Dhaka service

Mark Elliott Dec 8, 2009

Effective December 23, 2009, Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, will introduce new, direct services on the Mumbai-Dhaka-Mumbai sectors, aboard…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways experiences 33% rise in passenger traffic

Mark Elliott Dec 7, 2009

Jet Airways, India's premier airline, today reported a 33 % increase in its domestic passenger traffic for the month of November 2009, as compared to the same period last…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways joins with Trip Advisor

Mark Elliott Dec 3, 2009

Jet Airways' JetPrivilege, India's largest frequent flyer programme, has entered into a partnership with TripAdvisor , the world's largest and most popular travel community…

Test flight for Etihad A330-200 Freighter

Mark Elliott Nov 9, 2009

Etihad Crystal Cargo's new A330-200 freighter has made its maiden flight over Toulouse in France, where the aircraft manufacturer Airbus is based. The flight marks the start of a 200…

Etihad Airways resumes flights to Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Oct 22, 2009

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to resume flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka, starting in January 2010. The airline will operate four flights…

Etihad resumes Sri Lanka flights

Mark Elliott Oct 19, 2009

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is to resume flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka, starting in January 2010. The airline will operate four flights…

Six Senses Hideaway to arrive in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Sep 29, 2009

The Dutch Bay integrated, sustainable, 6 Star Resort Development is a one of its kind and placed within the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka. The concept of the development is to…

Jet and Showmesingapore launch photo contest

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 23 September 2009: In conjunction with the launch of showmesingapore.com/jetairways, visitors to Singapore are encouraged to submit their travel photos taken…

Oman Air receives its first A330-200

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2009

Oman Air has moved a step closer to its fleet expansion target when the airline took the delivery of its first Airbus A330-200. The aircraft was handed over to the airline at a ceremony held…

Hertz enters Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Sep 14, 2009

September 11, 2009 - The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world's largest general use car rental brand, has entered Sri Lanka with a multi-faceted approach to offering…

Jet Airways Press Statement (3)

Mark Elliott Sep 10, 2009

Mumbai, September 9th, 2009: Due to continued pilot agitation, disruptions are expected on the Jet Airways network and consequently, certain flights have been cancelled.…

Sri Lanka is new 2010 destination for SpiceRoads

Mark Elliott Sep 7, 2009

Bangkok, Thailand (September 7, 2009) - SpiceRoads Cycling Adventures in Asia has launched Sri Lanka Spice Trails, a new bicycle tour for 2010. Biking from the coast to the…

Etihad launches cargo service to Baghdad

Mark Elliott Aug 30, 2009

(28 August 2009) Etihad Crystal Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, is to launch a twice weekly service from its hub at Abu Dhabi airport to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The…

Mihin Air launches two new India routes

Mark Elliott Aug 17, 2009

Mihin Lanka Airlines, the Sri Lankan low-cost carrier, has launched flights from Colombo to Varanasi and Bodhgaya, using its Airbus A320 aircraft. Anil Mathur reports that…

Kingfisher comes to Thailand

Mark Elliott Aug 11, 2009

Kingfisher Airlines has announced the launch of daily direct flights between Kolkata and Bangkok from 14 August. After London, Colombo, Dhaka and Dubai, Bangkok will be the…

Kingfisher to launch new international routes

Mark Elliott Jul 13, 2009

Kingfisher Airlines has announced the planned launch of flights on eight international routes before the end of the year, The Times of India has reported. The new routes are…

Emirates expands Sri Lanka, Maldives offerings

Mark Elliott Jul 3, 2009

Emirates has stepped up its presence in South Asia with additional services to Colombo and the Maldives, Gulf News has reported. Emirates will add four flights to Colombo and five to…

Sri Lanka plans resort in former danger zone

Mark Elliott Jul 1, 2009

Sri Lanka's tourism authorities have unveiled plans for a substantial new resort development in the previously off-limits north of the country. According to a report in The Telegraph,…

Kingfisher to launch in Middle East

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2009

India's Kingfisher Airlines has announced its entry into the Middle East, with flights to the UAE. The new route will connect Bengaluru with Dubai with direct, daily services using…

MAS expands SriLankan codeshare

Mark Elliott Jun 25, 2009

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and SriLankan Airlines have signed an agreement to enhance their long-standing codeshare partnership. The agreement enables MAS to codeshare on SriLankan's flights to…

Kingfisher to launch Kolkata-Dhaka flights

Mark Elliott Apr 28, 2009

Kingfisher Airlines will launch its Kolkata-Dhaka services from 15 May, the Hindustan Times has reported. The Bangladeshi capital will be served daily using the carrier's 60-seater…

AirAsia plots Indian expansion

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2009

Low-cost carrier AirAsia is planning a huge expansion in South Asia this year, flying to at least six more cities in India, as well as Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. Bernama…

Dusit takes first step into Europe

Mark Elliott Apr 17, 2009

The brand's European expansion is through a jointventure with international development and management company MPg, which specializes in small luxury hotels.Following a EUR15 million…

Oman Air to launch four new routes

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2009

Oman Air will fly to four more destinations in Europe and Asia this year, the company announced on Sunday. As previously reported in TDA, 2009 will see the launch of new routes…

Giant crocodile caught in Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2009

A huge 5.03-meters crocodile weighing up to 1,000kg was caught in Sri Lanka on Sunday, Xinhua has reported a local newspaper as saying. The giant croc was captured by residents in…

Kingfisher starts Mumbai-London flights

Mark Elliott Jan 6, 2009

Kingfisher Airlines launched its direct daily Mumbai-London flight on Monday, the Hindustan Times reported. The route will be served by Kingfisher's Airbus A330-200 aircraft with…

Airlines and Aviation

Kingfisher gets green light for international routes

Mark Elliott Dec 5, 2008

Kingfisher has received approval to operate Mumbai-London,Kolkata-Dhaka, Kolkata-Chittagong, Mumbai-Hong Kong, Mumbai-Singapore,Chennai-Colombo,…

SriLankan returns to Rome

Mark Elliott Nov 26, 2008

SriLankan Airlines has announced it will restart services to Rome from 3 December. The thrice-weekly service will operate the route Colombo-Rome-Paris-Rome-Colombo, using the carrier's…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan upgrades Chinese services

Mark Elliott Nov 18, 2008

SriLankan Airlines is now providing passengers with Chinese Language Assistants on board each flight, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation has reported. Captain Milinda Ratnayake,…

THAI launches ‘Follow Your Dreams’ Promotion

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2008

Thai Airways has introduced its 'Follow Your Dreams' the winter promotion, offering international round-trip special fares from Bangkok to THAI's destination worldwide from now until the end…

Emirates slashes up to 35% off fares

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2008

Emirates Airline has announced a revision on its Business and Economy Class fares for tickets issued in the UAE, the Gulf News has reported. The move will see fares reduced by 7-35% on…

SriLankan expands online check-in

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2008

SriLankan Airlines has announced it is expanding its On-Line Check-In (OLCI) facility throughout its route network. The carrier introduced OLCI at its Colombo hub in December last year,…

Best foot forward

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2008

Best Air, a new private Bangladeshi airline, has started flights between Dhaka and Dubai, the Gulf News has reported. The carrier will serve the route four times weekly,…

Malaysia targets Sri Lankan tourists

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2008

Malaysia wants to do more to woo Sri Lankan tourists to its shores. Some 31,000 Sri Lankan tourists visited Malaysia last year, Bernama said, but optimistic Malaysian tourism…

Airlines and Aviation

Online check-in for SriLankan

Mark Elliott May 22, 2008

"Singapore is an important market for us and online check-In is a major initiative that is part of our ongoing plans to improve the services for everyone travelling on SriLankan Airlines"…

Charity / Sustainability / CSR

Carbon emission trade "anarchic": academic

Mark Elliott Apr 9, 2008

The market-based approach to capping and trading carbon emissions is currently "anarchic" and will not necessarily help the poor, according to Professor Mohan Munasinghe, Vice…

TMS on staffing crisis panel

Mark Elliott Mar 28, 2008

TMS Asia-Pacific has been invited to address the PATA on the industry's staffing crisis. The recruitment specialist's Managing Director - Asia, Andrew Chan will join an…

Quote of the Day

SriLankan works on India outbound

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2008

SriLankan Airlines has redoubled its efforts to bring more tourists to Sri Lanka from India. Manoj Gunawardena, Head of Worldwide Passenger Sales, said: "We are fully focused on…

Quote of the Day

Balloons over Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2008

The skies over Sri Lanka will light up from March 22 for two weeks as the Sri Lanka Balloon Festival 2008 takes off.Over 70 international ballooning enthusiasts, mainly from the…

Indian agent convention meets outside Asia

Mark Elliott Mar 6, 2008

By Anil MathurIn what is being described as a win-win situation for all, the Travel Agents Association of India will hold its next annual convention in London- the first time the…

Aussie advisory on Sri Lanka

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2008

Australians are being warned not to travel to some of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations after the latest deadly bomb attack to hit the island. At least 20 people were killed…

Sri Lanka sees slight rebound

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2007

Sri Lanka saw more foreign visitors in November with Western Europe, a key generating market rallying 40% percent to drive total arrivals up by 20%, the tourism promotion office…

Another dent on Sri Lanka tourism

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2007

Tourist arrivals during the month of September slipped 3.6 percent year-on-year to 37,104, Lanka Business Online reported.The drop for the first nine months of this year was 21…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan serves Coimbatore

Mark Elliott Oct 9, 2007

Coimbatore, sitting near the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, provides an ideal gateway for travellers from East Kerala to fly to the Middle East, South-east Asia, and…

Airlines and Aviation

Sri Lankan LCC flies to Singapore

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2007

"It is our intention to establish and strengthen our presence into Far East, Asia & the Middle East," a statement said. With Singapore, Mihin Lanka now flies to six…

Sri Lankan tourism in recovery

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2007

Emirates Airlines resumed flights in and out of Colombo on the 15th of July, and SaharaAirlines resumed their 2 a.m. flight on the 22nd July. The Chairman of the Tourist Board Renton de…

Airlines and Aviation

SriLankan Airlines’ survives its toughest year

Mark Elliott Jul 19, 2007

Influences such as the dramatic downturn of visitor arrivals due to the country's political unrest and the surge in fuel prices threatened the organisation's efforts in making their…

Back to business after Etihad bomb scare

Mark Elliott Jul 13, 2007

Services to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram commenced at the beginning of June and since then Etihad has reported passenger figures on both routes have averaged more than 90 per cent across…

Airlines and Aviation

Day flights only

Mark Elliott May 7, 2007

SRILANKAN Airlines will reschedule its flights to operate between 5am and 9pm to and from Colombo International Airport effective immediately, due to a heightened security situation in…

Airlines and Aviation

Columbo schedule changes

Mark Elliott May 3, 2007

Theairline is working closely with the government to monitor the situation toensure passenger safety and convenience. Singapore Airlines however, has announcedimmediate changes to…