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SPOTLIGHT ON Sanjiv Hulugalle – Sri Lankan Vice President & General Manager – Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection in Hawaii

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anjiv talks about the resort’s $200M renovation and how the destination is the perfect vacation getaway to socially distance and unwind after a long hard year. They are gearing up for group business later in the year with innovative programs to make conferences and meetings successful.

What do you anticipate for the recovery in Hawaii and how have you coped with such an unpredictable market?We are seeing strong demand from guests on the mainland wanting to visit Hawaii. With the testing protocols becoming more clear, the state and Mauna Lani will come back better than ever. By nature, the resort lends itself well to social distancing: wide open spaces, private, oceanfront dining and beautiful views that can be enjoyed from your balcony.

During our closure this summer we have won numerous industry awards, including Conde Nast Travler’s Hot List and Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best. Most recently we were named to Travel+Leisure’s 500 Hotels. Through this coverage, so many new guests have learned about the resort and are excited to visit Hawaii island when the time is right. While we were only open for 7 weeks after our reimagination in the beginning of 2020, during our closure we were able to add in a robust fitness and tennis program, wellness experiences, as well as reopening one of Hawaii’s best restaurants to locals, CanoeHouse.

We anticipate group business returning later in the year, with programs set up to allow for private experiences and distance meetings. Attendees will be able to attend large conference events virtually by way of their guestroom TV, and incentive programs will take full advantage of wide open spaces and thoughtful experiences.

How have you made guests and staff feel safe at the resort?By nature, the state of Hawaii provides a haven to those seeking opportunities to be outside, explore nature and enjoy distance. Mauna Lani was designed as an indoor-outdoor retreat. From outdoor dining options and endless activities on our beach, guests feel comfortable and relaxed here, for perhaps the first time since the Pandemic started. Since reopening in November, our goal has been to provide the safest environment possible for our guests, Team Members and locals. In getting to Hawaii alone, guests traveling from the mainland and any other island must arrive with a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel. The island of Hawaii administers a second, rapid test at the airport, so that gives travelers here peace of mind that they are visiting one of the safest destinations in the world. We are one of the first resorts to be Sharecare VERIFIED by Forbes, giving an extra level of confidence. In addition to safety protocols, experiences at Mauna Lani happen where open spaces and nature are abundant.

Your $200M renovation in 2020 is quite spectacular. Can you give us a snapshot of the brief?People have always loved the elegance of this resort – the simple, beautiful natural spaces, and incredible sense of place, all deeply rooted with history. And all of that remains after our renimagination. Designed by Meyer Davis, the interiors are now brighter and more refined, with ample hardwood, natural fabrics and textures. Furnished lanai balconies offer spectacular mountain and ocean views—each presenting an understated, natural décor, setting the tone for a soulful Hawaiian escape. The ultimate island getaway is reserved for those who reside within one of our five private Residences, each with their own private pool, dedicated service and exclusive dining options. Nestled on sacred shores lined with tropical gardens, secluded warm-water beaches and natural lava plains, Mauna Lani offers an unrivaled, authentic experience, raising the bar for luxury in Hawai’i.

Oceanfront guest rooms and suites set the stage for transformative experiences while activity at the resort buzzes from Surf Shack, the heart of Mauna Lani. Guests enjoy morning yoga and embark on sunrise canoe paddles from here, and come back later in the day to live, local music and sunset cocktails. Three pools and expansive lawns are perfect for picnics and stargazing. For dinner, private dining options include highlights from Hawaii’s fresh bounty from the laid-back, yet refined CanoeHouse with Executive Chef Matt Raso at the helm.

Trends are predicting travelers will migrate to more open, natural spaces. How can guests at your resort tap into a sense of wellbeing and reconnection with the outdoors?Mauna Lani offers guests unparalleled opportunities to connect outdoors with Hawaii’s natural and cultural treasures. The land itself is sacred, nestled on 32 oceanfront acres called Kalāhuipua‘a. This raw and potent paradise is at the piko (center) of Hawaii’s five great volcanoes, and the point where volcanic plains meet the shimmering sea. Mauna Lani sits within Kalāhuipua‘a, a sacred realm whose astonishing natural beauty is equaled only by its primal, magnetic power. To walk this storied coastline, breathe the salt air, and swim in the crystalline waters is to feel the same mana—spiritual energy—that first drew people here centuries ago. This is where ancient Hawaiians mastered the art of aquaculture and where King Kamehameha came to recuperate and work in the fishponds.

 

 



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Rapid Adventures Shines Again with Gold at South Asian Travel Awards 2024

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Rapid Adventures Sri Lanka continues to cement its legacy as a trailblazer in the adventure tourism industry by winning the prestigious “Leading Destination Promoter” Gold Award at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024. This remarkable achievement was celebrated at the glittering Gala & Awards Ceremony held at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel in Kathmandu, Nepal, on September 20, 2024, a news release on the event said.

“The South Asian Travel Awards, now in its eighth edition, is the region’s most esteemed platform for recognizing excellence in the travel and tourism sector. This year’s event drew participation from leading players in the industry, including hotels, resorts, airlines, travel agents, and cruise lines. Over 400 nominations were submitted for various categories, underscoring the competitive nature of the awards,” it said.

Chathuranga Madurawala, CEO of Rapid Adventures Sri Lanka, along with Sithumi Gunathunga, Business Operations Lead, represented the company at the prestigious ceremony. Madurawala expressed his gratitude after receiving the award, saying, “We are honored to win the Gold Award again at the South Asian Travel Awards 2024. This recognition motivates us to continue promoting Sri Lanka as a premier adventure destination, offering unforgettable experiences to travelers from around the world.”

This accolade is the second consecutive year Rapid Adventures has claimed the Gold at SATA, having won the award in 2023 as well. The company has continuously raised the bar by offering a diverse range of thrilling activities, such as white water rafting, canyoning, waterfall abseiling, camping and hiking, while also showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

The South Asian Travel Awards is renowned for its thorough and impartial selection process. It serves as a platform that not only acknowledges the industry’s top performers but also fosters a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration among key stakeholders. This year, the presence of industry leaders such as Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Mr. Badri Prasad Pandey, and Nepal Tourism Board CEO, Mr. Deepak Joshi, added prestige to the event, making it an unforgettable celebration of South Asian hospitality and tourism.

With this new milestone, Rapid Adventures Sri Lanka promises to deliver even more extraordinary adventures and experiences, further solidifying its reputation as a leading force in the travel and tourism sector. Adventurers can look forward to exciting new opportunities as the company continues its mission to provide top-tier adventure services.

For more information on Rapid Adventures and their offerings, visit www.rapidadventures.lk and follow their exciting journey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

This triumph marks yet another chapter in Rapid Adventures’ success story, as they inspire travelers from across the globe to explore the untamed beauty and thrilling landscapes of Sri Lanka, now one of South Asia’s leading adventure destinations.

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IIHS named one of Lanka’s best employer brands

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Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe (Chief Executive Officer - IIHS) receiving the award

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) has been recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s Best Employer Brands by the Employer Branding Institute. The award highlights IIHS’s commitment to strong human resource practices and effective talent management. Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO and Founder, accepted the award.

The award selection process was guided by senior Human Resources (HR) professionals and experts from over 36 countries, affirming that IIHS’s efforts in creating a supportive and inspiring workplace are recognised internationally, said a release.

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SLCBC completes successful trade and investment mission to Canada

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SLCBC trade and investment delegation members meeting with Tri City Chamber of Commerce officials

The Sri Lanka-Canada Business Council (SLCBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has successfully concluded a nine-member trade and investment mission to Canada, which took place from Oct 14 to 22.

Led by SLCBC President Priyantha Chandrasekara, the mission aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and explore opportunities across key sectors, including education, agriculture, and technology.

Before embarking on the mission, the delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to discuss the initiative’s objectives and anticipated impacts, underscoring its importance at the highest levels of government.

A key highlight of the trip was the Sri Lanka-Canada Business Forum, held on Oct 15, which featured Kula Sellathurai, President of the Canada Sri Lanka Business Convention (CSBC), as the keynote speaker. The forum showcased strategic advantages for trade and investment, highlighting projects such as the Colombo Port City and the Industrial Processing Zone in Kankesanthurai.

Throughout the mission, the delegation participated in networking sessions with prominent business leaders, including members of the Scarborough Business Association. They also engaged in discussions with the Council of Ontario Universities, led by President and CEO Steve Orsini, to explore educational partnerships. In Ottawa, Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament for Nepean West, welcomed the group to discuss reducing trade barriers.

The delegation’s activities also included meetings with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canada, U.L. Mohammed Jauhar, who expressed strong support for these initiatives. In Montreal, discussions with Global Affairs Canada and key food manufacturers focused on expanding Sri Lankan exports, particularly coconut-based products, and enhancing pathways for Sri Lankan students pursuing higher education in Canada.

In Vancouver, the group explored collaborative opportunities in Agri-Tech, IT, and tourism with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade. The delegation was honored at the 22nd Anniversary celebration of the Saravana Bhawan Restaurant Chain, hosted by owner Ganaesan Sugumar, who is also head of the CSBC’s counterpart organization in Canada.

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