Aitken Spence Travels wins 2 Presidential Awards again

Aitken Spence Travels and its fully-owned subsidiary Ace Travels & Conventions won the awards for the Best Destination Management Company and the Best Professional Conference Organisation for the second consecutive year at the Presidential Awards for Travel & Tourism held on Monday at the BMICH under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ratnasiri Wickramanayake. Inaugural version of the industry’s most prestigious and sort after awards were held in January 2008.

Apart from walking away with the 2 main awards, Aitken Spence Travels founder late R. Sivaratnam was recognised with a Tourism Legend award for his tremendous contribution for the development of tourism in Sri Lanka.

Gehan M. Perera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels & Ace Travels & Conventions dedicated the achievement to the incredible team at Aitken Spence. He noted that the last few years have been very challenging for tourism in Sri Lanka with tourist arrivals dropping significantly. However, he asserted that the team at Aitken Spence Travels & Ace Travels & Conventions have risen to the occasion by opening up new markets and showing remarkable growth, despite the difficult environment.

“Innovative thinking, dedication, hard work and the relentless pursuit of excellence have contributed to the success of Aitken Spence.”

“The management team is thankful to their worldwide tour operator network which they have built up over the years and the suppliers in Sri Lanka for the support extended in keeping Sri Lanka’s tourism flag flying”, said Mr Perera

The industry veteran indicated that the best support they could give the partners in times such as this is excellent service to the principals and more business to the hotel partners and suppliers. “This will be achieved through a process of careful planning, being alert to the markets and having the right resources”, he added.

“The most important factor for the success of Aitken Spence is the very strong and experienced management team which undoubtedly is the best in the industry in Sri Lanka” he asserted.

Perera paid a glowing tribute to his professional team for their dedication and their commitment to constantly nurture young talent and empower them. “The management team has led from the front and has been a great inspiration not only to our team but also to tour guides, chauffeur guides and support staff who deliver the high service standards set by the company”, he stated.

Perera reiterated Aitken Spence‘s commitment to Sri Lanka Tourism and the readiness of his team to face the challenges ahead to provide even better service to customers and stronger support to partners and suppliers.