John Keells Group awarded 5 Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism.

John Keells Holdings PLC the largest player in the industry with over 2100 rooms both in Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the leader in Destination Management Services handling the largest number of tourist arrivals to the country has pioneered several new innovations in the tourism sector. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality services, in 2005 the Group embarked on a re-branding initiative and has launched two distinct home-grown brands; "Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts" - an up-scale tier of hotels and "Chaaya Hotels & Resorts" - an experience to holiday in with nature and the environment. The John Keells Group Destination Management Companies were the first to expand into the region with very successful operations in the Maldives and India. Therefore, it was no surprise when they carried away an array of prestigious awards presented at the inaugural Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism.

The John Keells Group and its subsidiary companies are deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development. This commitment was reflected in the Presidential Corporate Social Responsibility Industry Award won by Chaaya Village Habarana for its outstanding contribution to the community. The 'Halmillawa Village Up-liftment' is a project of John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation and is implemented by Chaaya Village Habarana. It seeks to give meaningful support to the village and its inhabitants through Pre-School Teaching, Vocational Training, Youth Development, Empowerment of Women, Computer and English language training in the hope that the villagers gain not just knowledge and qualifications but the pre-requisites for employment as well. At Chaaya Hotels and Resorts the people, their livelihoods and ways of life are very much a part of the experience that mirrors the essence of a certain time and sprit manifesting the culture, history and environment that surrounds the hotel.

The award for the Best Effort in Tourism Marketing went to the launch campaign for Chaaya Hotels and Resorts. Executed by Masters DDB and unveiled at the International Tourist Fair in Berlin (ITB), the campaign in its many dimensions brought to life the Brand's promise of 'One Journe,. Many paths' in new and innovative ways. While the brand broke new ground in introducing the concept of 'Experience Packages' which were unique to the location of each Chaaya property, the marketing and advertising needed to 'showcase' these offerings and present them to travellers in an enticing manner. Chaaya Hotels and Resorts have since launched 5 resort hotels in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Chaaya Village Habarana was also recognized internationally and awarded the PATA Gold award in the Environment/ Eco tourism field, after competing against several international entrants within the Asia Pacific region. The resort prides itself on its eco friendly practices and believes passionately in developing the community and protecting and enhancing the environment. The hotel endeavors to incessantly provide its visitors, a travel destination rich in cultural and natural beauty, while ensuring that the eco system or life style of the local population remains undisturbed. Chaaya Village has top processors in place, having earned ISO for ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. A PATA Gold Award for Marketing Media - CD Rom category was also won by Chaaya Hotels and Resorts for the Corporate Communication CD which was developed to promote the Chaaya Brand.