18 July 2014, Colombo – Known as Sri Lanka's premier hospitality brand, Jetwing once again walked away with the prestigious PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Grand Award in the Environment category for the entry titled 'Man and Nature in Perfect Harmony' – based on the very concept that made Jetwing Vil Uyana the country's most iconic eco-luxury resort. This occasion marks the second consecutive year Jetwing has won a Grand Award; with Jetwing now possessing three out of only six Grand Awards won by Sri Lankan companies.

The PATA Gold Awards put the spotlight on tourism innovation and excellence. This year's awards attracted 181 entries from 66 organizations and individuals worldwide. Judged by panels of experts, the PATA Awards recognize exceptional achievement in six categories:-Marketing, Environment, Heritage and Culture, Education and Training, Marketing Media and Travel Journalism. The award ceremony will take place at the PATA Travel Mart this September, in Cambodia.

Set over an expanse of just over 24 acres, Jetwing Vil Uyana represents the rich potential in sustainable and eco-friendly destinations. Formerly an abandoned land used for sporadic agriculture, Jetwing transformed the property into a man-made wetland featuring two lakes and thirty individual dwellings over distinct habitats such as Water, Forest, Paddy, Marsh and Garden. Over the years, the resort went on to be home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as the elusive loris, and also counts 20 species of mammals, 112 species of birds, 36 species of butterflies, and 35 species of amphibians and reptiles. Nature is highly respected, and provided ample space to flourish – with three acres being designated as a loris conservation site, the first in the country. Jetwing Vil Uyana was also the recipient of the Tourism for Tomorrow Award for the Environment category in April 2014, organized by the World Travel and Tourism Council, and was also listed in National Geographic Traveler's Best Ecolodges of the World issue in August 2013.

“It brings me much happiness to see Jetwing Vil Uyana winning its second Grand Award, for a concept and an idea that most were sure would fail. We accomplished a lot of what we set out to do almost 10 years ago, to become a resort where nature is not just outside your room – rather, it is a part of the entire experience” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. “I would like to thank the associates of the property, for all their hard work and commitment in making this award a reality”, he continued.

About PATA

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 90 government, state and city tourism bodies, nearly 30 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 57 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 41 local PATA chapters worldwide. Visit www.PATA.org

About Jetwing Hotels

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.

Media Relations – Jetwing Hotels

18 July 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 20 species of mammals, 112 species of birds, 36 species of butterflies, and 35 species of amphibians and reptiles are found within hotel premises.