Aviation

Fuel reduction advantage to travellers

Excel: SriLankan Airlines is now eased to a certain extent with the fuel benefits and will pass the advantage to the customer soon, said CEO, SriLankan Airlines, Manoj Gunawardane.

CEO, SriLankan Airlines, Manoj Gunawardane greeting Tourism Minister Milinda Moragada when he visited the SriLankan stand at the WTM with Director UK and Ireland, Sri Lanka Tourism, Sanjaka Perera and Managing Director Sri Lanka Tourism Dilup Mudadeniya. Picture by Shirajiv Sirimane

Speaking to the Daily News Business from the two tier SriLankan airline stand at the WTM said that this would also lead to a revision of fares in time to come.

He said that Middle East and Far Eastern destinations are very viable while some routes in Europe and India are not yielding good financial results.

It is also one of the largest foreign carriers operating to India, with weekly flights to 11 destinations, and the largest carrier into the Maldives with direct flights from Europe. The airline has reduced their 100 flights to Indian destinations. “This is something temporary and it would be increased soon,” he said. “Trends are changing and we have to adjust to fall in line with them.”

Commenting on the cargo handling he said that it was down for sometime and now it’s up to expectations.

The global cash crunch many have an impact on the cargo.

Commenting on the WTM he said that they are here at a time when they are looking at the winter contracts for 2009. “We have lot of optimism in the future and as of today it’s an unknown situation,” he said. SriLankan now serves 41 destinations in 22 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.

Major destinations include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Dubai. He also said that London, Frankfurt and Paris flights would continue and additional frequencies would be decided as and when there is a demand. The airline has also added thrice a week flights to Rome.

“We are closely working with the Sri Lanka Tour Operators and the Sri Lanka Tourism and would be looking at Poland too,” he said.

 Singapore unveils Sweet Christmas

The Singapore Tourist Board launched their “Christmas in The Tropics 2008” Programme on the eve of November 19 at Ngee City Civic Plaza attracting a large number of visitors from overseas and Singapore with a special line up to mark the 25th year of Christmas Light Up in Singapore.

The theme this year is “A Sweet Chritmas in Singapore” The Orchard Rd and Marina Bay shopping belts were beautifully decorated with sparkling lights and ornaments making the people delighted and upgrading the spirit of all Singaporeans and tourists.

The ceremonial Light Up was done by the Speaker of Singapore Parliament and after that all the visitors were taken in open top decorated buses to see the light up on the two streets.

Christmas in the Tropics Programme is organised every year during November and December to showcase the Christmas Festive offerings in Singapore during the month of November and December.

Over one million tourists from overseas have visited Orchard Road last year during Christmas and a survey has revealed that more than 30 per cent of those who come make a repeat visit.

The Singapore Tourist Board hoped that despite the uncertainty of the global economy at present the events and promotions would not only heighten the buzz of the year end festivities by making a Singapore more attractive holiday destination but also to help to round off the year on a sweet note for their visitors.

Among the special offers this year is families travelling with children will be able to enjoy special vistor promotions at selected attractions and dinning places under the “Kids Holiday Free”For every two paying adults and two children will enjoy free admission special meals and other sweet surprises.

Visitors get free Christmas Light Up Tour on the HIPPO Bus daily.

A number of countries have already arranged tour packages to Singapore to visit Singapore during Christmas with a number of benefits to vistors.

Noodle promotion at Taj Airport

A November Novelty titled “ Oodles of Noodles “ takes place at the Taj Airport Garden Chinese Specialty Restaurant.

Chef Xiong from China has for your delight a delectable array of Noodles and Noodles and some more Noodles ... try the Chili fried Hakka Noodles with Crab Meat and Sea Food or the Sichuan Pork and Noodle Soup with Fried Pork Dumplings.

The array is simply amazing and you can taste this Noodle Promotion at the Golden Dragon from November 16 to 30 from 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.