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Taj Samudra, Colombo, has re-opened its doors after extensive renovation costing $20 million. The property overlooks the scenic Galle Face Green and the Indian Ocean, and is situated at the heart of the city’s business hub. It has 300 rooms of which 71 rooms and 15 suites have been renovated. A new category called the Taj Club rooms has been introduced, along with a Tata Suite or presidential suite.
Commenting on the re-opening of the hotel, Rohit Khosla, General Manager, Taj Samudra, said, “Following a year of ambitious renovation, Taj Samudra welcomes Sri Lankans and international travellers to experience Taj’s legendary hospitality.” The renovation was undertaken by interior designer David Edwards. “The interior offers both a traditional and a contemporary feel, and is influenced by Sri Lankan culture,” said Rajshree Bakshi, General Manager- Marketing International Hotels.
Apart from the refurbished rooms, the reopening also saw the launch of the Pebbles Lounge, the Lobby Lounge, and Yumi, a resto-bar offering authentic Japanese food. “We have taken Japanese cuisine out of the conventional low-tables and cushions style of dining, reinventing the way people experience it,” said Rajshree.
While the hotel tariff has seen an increase, it is “befitting the investment made in the upgrade, along with a host of other facilities such as access to the exclusive Taj Club Lounge being provided to our guests,” said Khosla. “This is a value for money proposition for business travellers.”
Occupancy In terms of occupancy projections, the management envisages a 5-8 per cent increase, given the “buoyancy in the market,” he says. At present, highest occupancy rates are seen in November to April, and the lowest in May to October. While Indian tourists dominate this inflow, they are closely followed by Europeans, Chinese and now, those from West Asia. “Sri Lanka expects tourist inflow figures to go up by 15 per cent this year,” Khosla added.
Regular, local customers of the hotel said that when an internationally trusted brand like the Taj increases investment in its assets in Sri Lanka, it paves the way for others to follow suit and view Sri Lanka as being “open for business.”
pradipti.jayaram@thehindu.co.in
(The writer was in Sri Lanka at the invitation of Taj group and SpiceJet.)
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