25 April, Colombo – Jetwing Vil Uyana, a flagship property of Sri Lanka's premier hospitality brand Jetwing, walked away with the Environment Award at the 2014 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council and held in Hainan, China. The win is historic to say the least, as the unique eco-luxury resort beat tough competition in the form of Great Plains Conservation and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and is the first time a Sri Lankan property has won at this prestigious ceremony.

The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are one of the world's highest accolades in the Travel & Tourism industry. They are aimed at recognising best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry worldwide, and each year receive hundreds of applications from all over the world. Applications can be made under six Award Categories – Destination, Environment, Community, Business, People, and Innovation. The judging process then begins, with a three-step process including site visits, and an international team of 18-20 judges possessing a range of backgrounds and expertise in the travel and tourism industry. 

For the 2014 Awards, 18 finalists were selected under the six categories including Cathay Pacific Airways, TUI Travel, and Abercrombie and Kent. Jetwing Vil Uyana is now in its 8th year of operation, and is no stranger to the international limelight – being listed by National Geographic last year as one of the Best Eco-lodges of the World. The property features 30 dwellings in five distinct categories: Water, Paddy, Forest, Marsh and Garden. Originally an unutilized plot of land in a remote location a few kilometers from the ancient Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, Jetwing embarked on an ambitious project to create a man-made wetland that provides the perfect blend of luxury and nature.

Launched in 2006, Jetwing Vil Uyana was considered a fool's dream – situated far from the traditional tourist destinations, a massive investment, which involved a complete reimagining of an abandoned dry land previously used for slash-and-burn agriculture, and created during a time of unrest and conflict. Over the years, the property which has oft been referred to as “Sri Lanka's best eco-resort” has grown in reputation, and has been a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World for since its inception.

Aided in their efforts by renowned eco-architect Sunela Jayawardene, the project went above all expectations. The grounds have now become home to many species of flora and fauna, including 80 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 36 species of butterflies and 21 species of amphibians now residing within the hotel grounds as well as rare and threatened Otter and Fishing Cats. The VIP guest is the endangered Grey Slender Loris - looking like it is now a full time resident, with a growing population and with a separate area marked as a Loris Conservation site; the first in the country.

With a 94% approval rating on the largest independent travel site, TripAdvisor, Jetwing Vil Uyana receives raving reviews on a daily basis. Jetwing has plans to expand the property, and add 5 more dwellings to the current inventory whilst maintaining the spacious elegance it is renowned the world over for.

“Jetwing Vil Uyana has always been a property that we have looked upon with pride. We set out to do something different in the tourism industry, and to also see if such a project could be sustainable. Over the years, we find out that we are indeed on the right track, as evidenced by this prestigious award. My thanks go out to our engineering and construction team, Sunela, associates of Jetwing Vil Uyana, and WTTC and their judges for bringing a vision to life” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 41 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Programme; with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of earth saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the Programme.

Zinc Hospitality (www.zinchospitality.com), the hospitality arm of the diversified global conglomerate Cinnovation|CG (www.cinnovationgroup.com) is a cutting edge hospitality company breaking new ground through pioneering hospitality products that stand out for the value and experience they provide to guests and stakeholders. The company provides strategy, management and brand-related investments for new or existing hospitality projects throughout Asia, Indian Sub-Continent, Middle-East, East Africa, to name a few. Zinc Hospitality already has joint investments in some of the leading and prestigious assets across these regions with some of the other leading brands as well.

Media Relations – Jetwing Hotels

25 April 2014

For any queries regarding this press release please contact us:

Angie Samuel (Marketing Communications Manager)                  - angie@jetwinghotels.com

Prasanna Welangoda (Senior Events & Media Executive)              - prasanna.w@jetwinghotels.com

Jetwing Vil Uyana:

Did you know that this hotel was possibly the first in the world to create a man-made wetland with a spectrum of water-based and forested habitats on land previously used for slash and burn agriculture thereby greatly increasing the area's biodiversity. Presently 80 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 36 species of butterflies and 21 species of amphibians are found within hotel premises.