‘We see tremendous growth from the Indian market for functions’ – Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels

Q. What is the USP of Jetwing Hotels?
A. In a nutshell, our strongest feature is the world-renowned brand of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. We focus on our visitor at every point of contact to provide the best service, and to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Our commitment to guest experience is complemented with our preference for a unique and luxurious environment, as evident by properties such as Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Lighthouse. Finally, but possibly one of the most important, is our dedication towards the country and communities through the Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme (JEEP), which sets guidelines for our operations – resulting in properties such as Jetwing Lagoon, Jetwing Vil Uyana and Jetwing Yala; and also award-winning initiatives such as the Jetwing Youth Development Project (PATA Grand Award winner).Q. What is the contribution of Indian guests across your properties in Sri Lanka?
A. As the Indian market is still growing, we see around three to five per cent contribution from Indian travellers towards our hotels. We also see a tremendous growth in terms of functions, such as Indian weddings, and we have hosted seven so far in Negombo – at Jetwing Lagoon, Jetwing Blue, and Jetwing Sea.Q. Please elaborate on the composition of Indian guests and their average length of stay at your properties.
A. We have received visitors from both Northern and Southern India, and these segments of travellers are further divided into those who travel for pleasure, business, or for functions such as weddings. The average length of stay would vary from two to three nights.Q. How are you geared up to cater to Indian guests?
A. As our cultures are quite similar, we have received positive feedback from our Indian guests that we are definitely on the right track. Jetwing Blue, for example is quite popular as a venue for traditional Indian weddings, due to the quality of food, location, and different venue options—from the beach to the ballroom. We are able to accommodate a sizable number of guests. In the future, we hope to focus more on serving Indian food, cooked by Indian chefs to add authenticity.

Q. What are the sales and marketing activities chalked out to attract more Indians?
A. Presently, we have established relationships with leading Indian travel providers along with crafting specialised packages and offering incentives for the Indian market. These packages range from weddings, honeymoons, MICE and leisure. Our incentive offerings include specialised rates and packages with value additions and discounts. We have also entered public view thanks to being the chosen destination and company for shooting the Kingfisher Calendar in 2011, and the hospitality partner for the big budget and upcoming Bollywood film, Bombay Velvet.

Q. How do you work with Indian travel trade partners to establish the brand in India?
A. We work closely with our Indian partners, and attend travel fairs and exhibitions in the country along with personalised visits, staff training via presentations, and through our sister company, Jetwing Travels who recently appointed a representative in the country.

Q. Please tell us about the expansion plans of Jetwing Hotels.
A. In the next three years, we are looking at completing the following projects: Sunrise by Jetwing, Passikudah with 60 rooms, opening in July 2014; Jetwing Yarl – Jaffna with 55 rooms, opening in 2015; Jetwing Colombo with 70 rooms and 28 serviced apartments, opening in April 2016; and Jetwing Lake – Dambulla with 90 rooms and 4 suites, opening in January 2016.

Q. Could you please elaborate on the hotel collections of the group?
A. As of May 2014, we have a total of nine hotels spread over five destinations. At Negambo we have Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, Sri Lanka’s first wellness resort dedicated to the traditional art of Ayurveda, with 12 individual pavilions. Jetwing Beach, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), has 75 rooms and three suites. Jetwing Blue is a five-star resort, with 112 rooms and a ballroom capable of accommodating up to 600 pax, and Jetwing Sea, a four-star resort, features 83 rooms and has a rooftop spa and gym. Jetwing Lagoon, a member of SLH, is historic as it is Sri Lanka’s and Geoffrey Bawa’s first resort. Now renovated, it features 55 rooms (including suites) and 100-mtr straight pool. At Galle we have Jetwing Lighthouse, a member of SLH, and designed by Bawa, which features 85 rooms with five-themed suites and two conference and banqueting halls. At Sigiriya, we have Jetwing Vil Uyana, a member of SLH, and the winner of the Environment Award at the Tourism for Tomorrow 2014 Awards. It is also rated amongst NatGeo Traveler’s Best Eco-lodges of the World, and features 30 dwellings set over a man-made wetland. At Nuwara Eliya, we have Jetwing St. Andrew’s, which is an over-a-century-old colonial mansion, set in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town. The hotel has 56 rooms. At Yala, we have Jetwing Yala, the company’s newest property; which is only 45 minutes drive from the Mattala International Airport and 3km away from the Yala National Park. Featuring 79 rooms and one suite, Jetwing Yala aims to redefine the traditional holiday into one of supreme comfort and luxury.