Walkers Tours launches first-ever regular weekly charter service from China
Thursday, 3 July 2014 01:15
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Walkers Tours, exclusive represent of Chongqing Huapont International Travel Service Co. Ltd. in Sri Lanka, together with SriLankan Airlines, started the first-ever weekly flight from Chongqing to Colombo on 1 July.
The aircraft, carrying a full load of 140 passengers, landed in Colombo today, as a result of the agreement signed between Chongqing Huapont International Travel Service Co. Ltd. and SriLankan Airlines – signed on 8 May.
The partnership was a brainchild of Walkers Tours, Sri Lanka’s premier Destination Management Company (DMC) for over 45 years, in a move to meet the increasing demands for air services between China and Sri Lanka.
John Keells Group Executive Vice President, Head – Destination Management Sector Vasantha Leelananda stated: “We are delighted to associate ourselves with Sri Lankan Airlines and Chongqing Huapont International Travel Service Co. Ltd. to promote Sri Lanka from South West China, covering the Sichuan Province. This has given us an opportunity to open a new hub out of Chongqing and we thank Sri Lankan Airlines for the cooperation extended and our partner in China for having confidence in the destination. This is the first time that a regular weekly service on a charter basis has been undertaken by an operator with SriLankan Airlines and it is a very exciting project.”
The flight was scheduled to depart Colombo at 2340hrs to arrive in Chongqing at 1015 hrs local time. It left Chongqing at 1115hrs to arrive in Colombo via Bangkok at 1605 hrs today. As such, the flight will now operate weekly until 25 November and will thereafter resume operations on 13 January 2015. Passengers get the opportunity to enjoy the relaxing ambience and the best of Sri Lanka’s hospitality on board a SriLankan Airlines’ A320 aircraft that will be operated on the route.
SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena said: “Having identified China as one of our key markets, we are constantly looking for new avenues to expand our operations in the region through increasing frequencies and introducing new destinations. With the introduction of charter flights to Chongqing, we are now catering to a new segment of passengers who will no doubt, enjoy convenient and hassle-free travel with a touch of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality.”
Chongqing Huapont International Travel Service Co. Ltd. Manager of International Department Iris Huang commented: “I was impressed by the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka during my visit first. This Charter initiative, out from Chongqing to Sri Lanka together with our local partner Walkers Tours and SriLankan Airlines is definitely going to create a good connection between Chongqing, as well as South-Western China and this destination.”
China has been identified as one of the largest contributors of tourism into Sri Lanka in the future. The Chinese market into the country grew a mammoth 96% in the year 2013 alone, and is continuously rising with a 36% growth seen to date in 2014. Opening up Southern China, according to Walkers, is a huge turn in the right direction, as with this initiative, Sri Lanka will be marking its presence in south-western China as well.
The visiting tourists in today’s flight were indulged at the Bandaranaike International Airport’s exclusive Silk Route Arrival Service – the concierge service for the discerning traveller, courtesy of Airport & Aviation Services Ltd. (AASL), thereby ensuring a memorable first impression of the country.
