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TV Times

'The Heritage': New look of old flame
By Sanat Weerasuriya
'The Heritage' in Nuwara Eliya is not a new hotel but baptised with a classy touch, that would give the tag word- 'The Friendliest Hotel in Town'.

The Heritage Hotel, formerly known as Ceybank Rest, has changed hands and now under new management - The Heritage Asia (Pvt) Ltd, a Company specialising in managing and marketing Heritage Hotels in the region.

The Heritage Asia (Pvt) Ltd, is backed by three well established Companies in United Kingdom having their roots in the hospitality industry.

'This was own by the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council earlier. After taking over, we have given complete face-lift and now it is in par with top hotels in Nuwara Eliya' said Saman Rajapakse, the Managing Director/CEO of the Heritage Asia Limited.

Nuwara Eliya, a plateau on the hills developed by early British settlers as a country's premier holiday resort is ready for holiday makers not only in April but through out the year. Sri Lankans and specially overseas visitors love to spent their holidays in this beautiful city.

The Heritage hotel promises its clients a pampered stay in this 20 roomed lordly mansion built according to classical architectural concepts of Victorian era, which is among the most stately buildings in the hill-country.

The views from the Bedrooms is magnificent. The rooms are large and airy with attached toilets, hot and cold water on tap and with individual heaters.

'Our rooms are very large not like modern day hotels. All rooms are carpertted and with all facilities.' He said.

The 'Waterfalls' Restaurant, which is famous for its quality Eastern and Western Cuisine, has two separate sections for Smokers and Non-Smokers and its walls are decorated with beautiful pictures of Waterfalls situated in and around Nuwara Eliya area.

The well-stocked "Black-Magic" Bar along with the Billiard room is a popular place with the holiday makers and the planting and business community in the region.

'Heritage is now geared to meet the new demands of the travellers such as excursions and day trips to various places of interests in the region' said gamini Fernando, the manager of the hotel.

The Heritage Lanka (UK) Ltd, the financier of the projects, headed by a professional hotelier Robin Jehaseelan, successfully runs franchise outlets in Buckinghamshire under the prestigious names; ESSO, KFC & Supermarkets.

The Principal/CEO of the "Hospitality Biz" of Norfolk, Mr. David Wood, the former Chief Executive of the Hotel & Catering International Management Association (HCIMA). UK, and the present CEO of the BAHA (British Association of Hospitality Accountants) who also serves on The Heritage Lanka - UK Board has formed a strategic alliance with 'The Heritage Group' to function in the capacity of Consultants in Products and Organizational Development.

'Instead Limited of Sheffield, a specialist marketing company in the United Kingdom will spearhead the marketing campaign of the Group in Western Europe.' Saman said.

'There is said to be a significant number among discerning tourists who would prefer spending their holiday in a heritage property, where old world charm and traditions blend with modern aids to comfortable living and the service is friendly and personalized. He explained.

In the global Heritage Hotel movement, grand residences, palaces, ancient buildings etc. have been converted into Heritage hotels reflecting their individual history and traditions and has been a great success. The Heritage Group of Sri Lanka was formed to promote this movement.

The Heritage Hotel concept though not very popular in Sri Lanka is a unique institution in the global hospitality industry. In particular, it caters to the need of the highly discriminating professional, independent business person or holiday maker.

'The aim of the Heritage Group of Sri Lanka is to cater to this unique market segment - the discerning clientele with high expectations who usually patronize the heritage properties around the world.' Saman explained about the Heritage Group.

On being asked about their future plans, Saman Rajapakse said that their Team (Investors) from UK is expected shortly to access business environment in the Country, identify the investment opportunities and to finalize the expansion programme of the Group.

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