Adding another global hotel brand to Sri Lanka, the centre piece of ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand, Amari will be opening their next hotel in Galle by the end of this year.

Simon Dell, Vice President and Area General Manager for Sri Lanka said that Sri Lanka has matured as an exceptional travel destination this is the reason that Amari brand is coming to Sri Lanka.

“We see Sri Lanka embarking on a significant infrastructure development and growth and we wish to contribute to this and be a part of the success story and this is why we are extending our foot print in Sri Lanka.”

A British native and a hospitality veteran, Simon Dell has an extensive hotel background with over 25 years of experience in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

He said the company is also looking at more locations in the hill country and cultural triangle to expand. “With growing importance of this exotic island as a travel destination today we consider Sri Lanka to be a separate region and have opened an office too.”

ONYX Hospitality Group operates several diverse yet complementary brands -Amari, Shama, Saffron and OZO – each catering to the distinctive requirements of business and leisure travellers.

In his current role, Dell is responsible for the continued expansion of ONYX’s presence in Sri Lanka, all operations and commercial activities.

The opening of ONYX’s first Amari property in Galle is a significant focus for Dell, from its concept and design to implementing effective business strategies, budgets, recruiting and supervising the preopening team while establishing the Amari brand hallmarks. He also oversees both OZO hotels in Sri Lanka.

“As the centrepiece of the ONYX portfolio, Amari creates experiences that embody the local culture, whilst embracing the traditions of Asian hospitality. Everything we offer here revolves around what makes Amari unique and original”.

Amari Galle offers 172 rooms including seven suites making it one of the largest hotels in the Southern Province. All rooms and suites are sea view and all have a balcony or terraces.

The hotel has an extensive outdoor swimming pool, signature Breeze Spa, Fitness Centre, Kids club and many other facilities including IPTV. The property consists essentially of 3, separate buildings, interconnected by sky bridges between the different floors also making it the first of its kind outside Colombo.

The main restaurant is Ahara Gourmet Gallery while Bommu, is the rooftop bar on the top of the 8 storied building with uninterrupted views of the ocean.

The iconic property will also offer a large banquet hall and conference facilities for 450 cover helping the region to be promoted as a major MICE destination. “We will also market this property internationally as an ideal corporate gateway.” “We will offer friendly luxury at very completive prices in Galle,” he said. “Amari Gallewill also provide employment for over 250 youth in the area fulfilling another obligation towards Sri Lanka. ONYX has a structured approach to career planning with solid programs to coach and develop leaders for the future”.

He further said that ONYX Hospitality Group along with their partners will launch Amari Galle on brand standards delivering similar indulgences to their loyal patrons around the world.

Commenting on both OZO Kandy and Colombo also managed under ONYX Hospitality Group he said that their performance are extremely praise worthy.

He said that the presence of international brand names in Sri Lanka help to emerge and to be recognized with more brand awareness as a destination and works well for the industry.

Source : http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2016/09/02/business/92073