Decked in holiday cheer Hilton Colombo looks to better times
Hilton lobby: Wheeling in the festive spirit. Pic by Indika Handuwala
It was just earlier that Tuesday morning before he met with the Sunday Times, that Hilton Colombo’s General Manager Manesh Fernando attended one of the frequent blessing ceremonies at the hotel and took to heart the sage advice spoken by priests from all four religions noting that life is a challenge that needs to be faced with patience. It is with patience, hard work and dedication that Hilton Colombo marked their 34th anniversary this year amidst a time of unprecendented uncertainty and mounting challenges.
Thirty-four years ago on September 11, 1997 an ‘oasis in the city’ opened its doors inviting people from all walks of life and personalities to experience their hospitality. A treasure trove of memories and stories, Mr. Fernando shares that the Colombo Hilton has not just hosted many a president, prime minister, and numerous celebrities but has also catered for 52 Heads of State during CHOGM ( Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) and for numerous State occasions.
It is not just the presence of these dignitaries that they value but also watching generations of families celebrate milestones and create traditions and lasting memories at their hotel choosing it for first dates, birthdays, proposals, weddings, christenings and more.
The 34th anniversary was in keeping with the difficult pandemic times. “To commemorate every year that Hilton Colombo has been in service, for 34 days straight beginning in September, we provided meals for the less privileged through a non governmental organisation,” Mr. Fernando says adding that they are really thankful that some form of normalcy has returned.
With the focus now being on reviving the city, reviving tourism and getting back to some form of normalcy, Hilton Colombo follows the hybrid solutions, CleanStay and EventReady implemented worldwide at all Hilton hotels. Recognising that with the pandemic challenges there can be no compromise, Mr. Fernando says this was an unprecedented battle unlike any other faced by the owners, the Hilton team and staff and the guests.
GM Manesh Fernando
“We had to go with the flow and see what’s happening in the environment. We had to innovate, we had to entertain customers here, we had to send food out and do deliveries. We’ve learned to do things which we never thought we could do. It’s added a new dimension to our business. Most importantly, we had to work with everyone, be mindful and move forward,” he points out, adding that they found ways of doing things with less, believing they would benefit in the future after a difficult 20 months.
“Through thick and thin, the worldwide brand Hilton has withstood the test of time,” Mr. Fernando says. While the world was a standstill, the Hilton was not. Although it cannot be heard or seen, a massive project of renovation is happpening at the hotel. An investment towards their physical infrastructure has been made and the hotel is under renovation, area by area.
As Area General Manager for Hilton Hotels in Sri Lanka Mr Fernando reveals that despite being opened up in the middle of the pandemic last November, the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort is doing really well. A Hilton Yala which is going to ‘change the face of Sri Lankan tourism’ is also in the pipeline for 2022 and the structure for Hilton Negombo has been completed.
“We look at Sri Lanka, with great optimism as an amazing location. I’m sure if we maintain our composure and maintain the protocols, we’re going to see very good tourism arrivals. I can see those results already. All our regulars are flying back from around the world. It’s ones and twos but they all add up,” he assures.
Already decked out in holiday cheer beckoning the upcoming Christmas season with a gorgeous display of mammoth Christmas trees, elegant wreaths and the centre of attention a vibrant double decker bus, Hilton Colombo has taken a head start on the Christmas season to get everyone in the mood.
“ We are going to do everything we normally do to bring the spirit of Christmas to Colombo. Christmas is like a universal celebration. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get together but we should not forget that this pandemic is not over so we have to be really mindful not to have a repeat of April keeping in line with the safety regulations and guidelines,” Mr Fernando shares.
Mindful of the current constraints, new initiatives like the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) ‘Press Club’ of which Hilton is the host hotel are on pause until the situation allows for such gatherings to be held.
From taking care of its people, loyal guests to dedicated staff and delivering exceptional experiences, Hilton Colombo’s commitment that the hotel be an oasis in the city has only been strengthened by the pandemic.