Reyhan Morris now CEO of Asia Leisure

Wednesday, 10 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reyhan Morris has been appointed CEO of Asia Leisure. Being at the helm of this group that currently owns and manages three distinct properties with an accelerated thrust on expansion takes a whole lot more than the routinely defined leadership role. Asia Leisure’s focus until the recent past had solely been on intimate properties that provide deeply engaging experiences for guests. The group’s current expansion is multi-pronged. As new properties with unique concepts are being created, they are also looking at taking on the management of select hotels and villas. In a symbolic step, the group is simultaneously spreading business interests vertically in the business to business domain by having opened a travel company, Asia Leisure Travel.

Commenting on the current sphere of tourism in the island where creating and increasing value for all stakeholders involves an adept balance, Morris said: “From investors to guests or sourcing of designers, the tentacles of hospitality are intrinsically global.” Morris elaborated that this creates a complex web of interrelations. “We must move well beyond the spectrum of traditional business models and performance measures toward insight that allows you to adapt tools and optimise support of multiple stakeholders.” He affirmed that this is a prerequisite to be a frontrunner in today’s dynamic and volatile business place. It’s a fine blend of his accolades and character that make him the right guy to inject new energy for Asia Leisure’s strategic turnaround. A graduate of William Angliss Institute in Australia, having specialised in Hospitality Management, Reyhan then joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Handling a multiple of their brands, he shone at the core of opening the first luxury resort for W Hotels Worldwide; the strategic rebranding of select Sheraton properties and also as part of a Task Force for special projects at Westin. On the property sector, Morris had this to say: “Asia Leisure’s core value is to stand out. We create awe-inspiring vacations for today’s indulgent traveller.” He elaborated that luxuries for a new breed of traveller involve boldly taking on fresh concepts and making the hotels the destination in themselves. “Less is more,” he opined, on his principle of lower room inventory allowing for a high focus on bespoke services. His vision is carved out at Shinagawa Beach, Balapitiya, a modernist, 26 room resort on the south coast that was launched under his guidance. He has also seen both Shinagawa Beach and Tamarind Hill, Galle enter the elite circle of Small Luxury Hotels of the World earlier this year. The third property, The River House located in Balapitiya as well, is an escape of sheer seclusion. The group’s newest addition Taprobana, Wadduwa opening in mid-September will push the limits of avant-garde design and service. This 27 room hotel will offer luxuries for a new breed of traveller with multiple banquet halls and outdoor spaces for spectacular events too. This property will also represent the group’s first move in creating a hybrid brand architecture with more properties to open under the ‘Taprobana’ umbrella. With expansion in full drive, Asia Leisure has also just announced the commencement of construction on its largest property yet – a 100 room luxury hotel on a stretch of prime beach in Galle. It’s easy to see where Morris will make his most indelible impression. He is a people-person. Asked what he most treasures in his role, he says, “Talent development.” Morris is assured that Sri Lanka yet has much unrivalled natural and historical beauty. “As islanders, we have an inherent desire to smile through any task.” He believes that if you truly inspire and mould talent, Sri Lanka will be victorious in its vision for tourism.