How does it feel when a brand becomes synonymous with the destination? Well, Jetwing Hotels has the best understanding of this emotion. Whether you’re seeking leisure, MICE, romantic getaways, or just craving for a beach vacation, if you’ve zeroed in on Sri Lanka as your destination, then Jetwing Hotels is the answer for all your hosting requirements. Hashan Cooray, Manager- Marketing & Business Strategies, Jetwing Hotels elaborates on how all their properties are unique from one another and yet have the classic Sri Lankan hospitality in common.
Bharti Sharma
Jetwing offers two distinct brands within its portfolio – Jetwing Hotels is the larger arm of the company, featuring the brand’s iconic resorts, boutique hotels, and villas while Hotel J is a select-service hotel brand that is located in key tourist areas in Sri Lanka, offering comfortable rooms and amenities at a very affordable price. With the two brands catering to different demographics, Jetwing Hotels and Hotel J both welcome Indian travellers – while Jetwings Hotels is preferred by families and larger groups for their space, service, and comfort; Hotel J clicks with independent travellers and backpackers for offering them everything that they need for a memorable vacation in Sri Lanka in their budget.
When the neighbour calls
As Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, Jetwing Hotels has a strong and long-standing relationship with India and has welcomed Indian travellers to the emerald isle for decades. This depth of this relationship took the centre stage during the travel restrictions brought about by Covid-19 where Indian travelers were instrumental in reviving and supporting the travel and tourism industry of the island. Hashan Cooray elaborates, “While India was a valuable market for us prior to the pandemic as well, since the reopening of borders between the two countries in early September, we have seen a growing influx of travellers from India and a much larger market share. The customer response from the Indian travellers at Jetwing Hotels has also been very positive and we look forward to welcoming more guests from India to our residence of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.”
MICE on your mind?
Packed with mesmerising panoramas and authentic hospitality, Jetwing Hotels’ resorts offer world-class event hosting facilities at stunning destinations across the island, which are well-equipped to cater to large business meetings, weddings, and other conference or banquet events. Throwing light on MICE facilities at.different properties, Hashan Cooray shares, “Our collection of properties on the golden coast of Negombo such as Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Beach, and Jetwing Sea, are favourites among Indian travellers for MICE events for the destination’s stunning views and the hotels’ service and facilities as well as their proximity to the airport. The panoramic setting of Jetwing Lagoon makes it the most desired choice in Negombo for weddings while Jetwing Lighthouse is at the top of the list for MICE events in Galle. Our hotels in Colombo (Jetwing Colombo Seven), Dambulla (Jetwing Lake), Panadura (JieJie Beach by Jetwing) and Jaffna (North Gate by Jetwing) all offer facilities for MICE events. Jetwing’s smaller boutique hotels are also armed with adequate provisions for conducting smaller events to provide an intimate, personalised setting for your business or personal needs.”
In comparison with the South and South-east Asian counterparts, Jetwing enjoys an elevated level of brand recognition and awareness among the Indian travelers. Travel agents, DMCs, and sales representatives have constantly positioned Sri Lanka and Jetwing within the Indian travel market and as a result, guests from India are well aware of the brand’s unique offerings leading to customer satisfaction.
Relations that date back centuries!
It is often believed that the older the relationship, the stronger are the ties. This belief becomes a practical statement when the case study of the two neighbours is put to test, which share more than just national boundaries. On relationship and sharing culture, Hashan Cooray explains, “India and Sri Lanka have a shared history that can be traced back more than a millennium to the times of kings and queens. This connection has led to strong regional travel ties that exist to this day and the sharing of culture and taste across the Palk Strait. For travelers from India, Sri Lanka is sure to feel familiar and welcoming while also being distinct in its offerings to make the experience unique and unforgettable.” Also touching upon the changing landscapes in close proximity he says, “One of the important features of Sri Lanka is its compact size, where you can spend the mornings relaxing on warm tropical beaches, enjoying heavenly seafood and to set your evenings serene head to the mist-laden mountains of central Sri Lanka for a cup of evening tea by a fireplace overlooking scenic tea estates.”
In search of newer avenues
Navigating successfully through the troubled tides forced upon by the pandemic, Jetwing Hotels looks at the future with optimism for tourism to return to normalcy and a hope that people can once again travel and experience destinations around the world freely. With optimism as a virtue, the brand is also foraging into fresh verticals, Hashan Cooray says, “As a company, we have ensured that all our associates are trained and ready to offer the best of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to our guests. We have also diversified our business and have recently acquired management of one of Colombo’s premier restaurants and bars which will operate as stand-alone dining outlets. We believe that the light at the end of the tunnel, which once was faint, is now much brighter and closer and tourism will enjoy its best years ahead.”
