Sri Lanka wins sales excellence award from Emirates

The passenger sales operations of Emirates in Sri Lanka have been recognised for outstanding performance in 2010/11 with an award for sales excellence, presented at a recent regional conference of the award-winning Dubai-based international airline.

The award is in acknowledgement of revenue growth that has exceeded budgeted levels and reflected a 31 per cent improvement over the corresponding period of last year. Emirates’ Colombo office has also topped the West Asia & Indian Ocean region in reducing key cost elements during this period while rolling out effective marketing campaigns to achieve these results.

Commenting on this accolade, Emirates Sales Manager in Sri Lanka Devika Ellepola said: “This award is especially pleasing because it recognises performance during a generally challenging period of intensified competition and higher fares, particularly as a result of the surge in fuel prices.”

She said noteworthy growth had been achieved in sales out of Colombo on all three classes of travel offered by Emirates.

“This was achieved by leveraging the unique strengths of Emirates – a global network of 114 destinations, award-winning in-flight service, the Skywards frequent flyer programme and value additions such as the free limousine service for First and Business Class passengers and the extra generous baggage allowances to name a few,” Ellepola said.

These were supported by extra efforts by local Emirates staff to complement the airline’s superior product with matching sales and customer service, the cooperation of the local travel industry and the loyalty of customers, she added.  

The winner of more than 400 top international awards, Emirates has been serving Sri Lanka since April 1987.

The airline operates 21 flights a week from Colombo to Dubai and daily flights to Singapore, offering First, Business and Economy Class travel. The Emirates network now comprises 114 destinations on six continents.