Bungalows.lk launched by local internet entrepreneur projects a threefold growth

‘Bunglaows.lk’, a web portal that promotes a comprehensive collection of holiday bungalows in Sri Lanka has gathered momentum. 

The brainchild of entrepreneur Adrian Thomas, Bungalows.lk commenced its operations a little under two years ago. Understanding what it entailed to build, market and offer the disconcerting Sri Lankan traveller the best possible holiday bungalow experience suited to each one’s individual preference Adrian used his knack for seeking out the unusual and beautiful bungalows in scenic locations as well as providing plenty of insight and information about their facilities. This has led to the site generating an impressive acceptance within the short span of its operation.   

Adrian explained that Bungalows.lk categorises its partner bungalows into four different segments ranging from upcountry bungalows, eco and nature bungalows, beach bungalows and inland bungalows. Outlining the mission behind this venture he said, “Sri Lanka with its diverse climates and scenery has an abundance of some really great holiday bungalows spread throughout the country in some of its most picturesque locations. However there was virtually no publicity given to these venues. Hence the awareness was minimal amongst interested travellers looking for a different experience to that of staying at a standard hotel accommodation.

“Further research revealed an avid interest amongst many of our local travellers in wanting to experience a holiday with their family or loved ones at bungalows and venues of this nature. I realised therefore that there was a great market potential out there for this venture by making these bungalows available under one roof with the facility of searching, booking and making online payments. This resulted in receiving amazingly positive responses from both bungalow owners and interested travellers.” 

Bungalows.lk has today grown from seven bungalows since its inception to 24, projecting over a threefold growth. With further interest being shown by many reputed bungalows throughout the country, Adrian is confident that the site would feature up to 40 bungalows by end of the third calendar quarter of 2015.

Pointing out the kind of service given to bungalow owners through the site, Adrian said that they helped them in not only promoting the property but also assisting with setting up their own online presence as well as with the photography, content writing of the venue and its facilities and benefits as well as tie ups with banks for promotions.

Adrian affirmed that some their current partners comprised of the Amaya chain, Cocoon Resorts, Lalan Leisure, and Aarya Resorts, Back of Beyond as well as many other amazing hideaways. They also work with leading banks such as Standard Charted Bank, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank who have joined hands in this venture as their financial partners.  

Speaking of what he believes to be the secret of his success he states that it comprises a mix of tying up with the right partners, offering a unique product experience and the right value proposition that has convenience at its core offering.

With the unprecedented success of Bungalows.lk, Adrian is currently working on another innovative venture aimed at giving corporate executives the opportunity to enjoy further benefits in the leisure sector which he says vastly differs from any options currently available in the market. He concluded by saying, “I am passionately focused on promoting and making accessible the many beautiful places that Sri Lanka has to offer to both our local and foreign clientele through online solutions platforms.”