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Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray (right) addressing the media. Others from left: Jetwing Hotels Directors Shiromal Cooray and Vijith Kannangara
With the unveiling of their newest property in the heart of Colombo, Jetwing Colombo Seven, the hospitality company has accelerated its growth now channelled through its new investment arm Jetwing Symphony, with plans to go public in the future.
The investment arm, which already has three properties under its management, also plans to open three more properties in Kandy, Uppaveli and Arugam Bay.
With a total investment of Rs. 10 billion, half funded by “strategic partners”, the company expansion plans stretches to 400 rooms within the next two years, generating 650 direct employment opportunities, Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray said while speaking at the launch last week.
Jetwing Potuvil Point, currently under construction, will add 20 chalets to the lineup of properties under the Jetwing Symphony brand. They have also planned Jetwing Kandy Gallery and another property in Uppaveli, Trincomalee, Cooray said.
“We decided to channel investments through Jetwing Symphany in the future as we didn’t want to change the vision of our founder. Keeping to the vision, the other properties will remain under the family-owned business,” he said.
Depending on how the new subsidiary performs in the next two years the company will consider looking beyond Sri Lanka, Cooray said, adding that Myanmar and Laos were developing markets to focus on.
He was optimistic of the Sri Lankan market which is predicted to reach 4 million tourist arrivals within the ten years.
The newest Jetwing property in the market, Jetwing Colombo Seven, marks the brand’s presence in the city promising to bring with it “resort living to an urban place”. The property, which has 70 deluxe rooms and 28 serviced apartments, aims to cater to an array of travellers including business travellers. Spread over 80 perches, Jetwing Colombo Seven, a five star city hotel, has retained its signature feature of spacious accommodation, a rarity in urban living. The hotel also houses a restaurant, Fifty7, a rooftop bar Ward7 and an infinity pool offering a panoramic view of Colombo.