Romello Perera, General Manager of Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo, Sri Lanka,shares insights into the property’s transition toward wellness-focused tourism, its appeal to the Indian market, and future plans to enhance its offerings. From tapping into the cultural affinity for wellness in India to catering to global markets like Europe and East Asia, Perera sheds light on how the iconic property is redefining the wellness journey for travellers worldwide.
Q: To start off, can you talk a bit about how international markets are doing for you, particularly key international markets, and where does India stand?
A: Certainly! India is a vital market for us, especially as we focus on wellness tourism. There is a deep-rooted cultural affinity for wellness in India, making it an attractive segment for our offerings. With wellness being such a crucial aspect of many Indians’ lifestyles, we believe that the Indian market presents a great opportunity for us, not just in treatments but also in addressing mental and psychological well-being.
Q: Could you share which other international markets are currently key for Jetwing Lagoon?
A: Absolutely. Following India, we see significant interest from European markets and East Asia, particularly Japan. These markets are increasingly focused on holistic experiences, which aligns perfectly with what we offer at Jetwing Lagoon.
Q: You mentioned the Indian market is picking up. How do you approach marketing in India? Is it through trade partners or direct marketing?
A: Our primary approach is through trade partners. We collaborate with our partners to spread the word about our wellness-centric offerings. Additionally, leveraging media partnerships helps to communicate that Sri Lanka has a strong wellness focus and that Jetwing Lagoon is transitioning towards a wellness-oriented model.
Q: When did you decide to shift the property’s focus towards wellness?
A: The transition towards wellness was a gradual decision. The property’s natural design and location inherently support this direction. While Jetwing Lagoon has historically performed well as a resort, we recognized the growing demand for wellness experiences. Our passion lies in exploration and offering new discoveries, which naturally led us to enhance our wellness offerings, including Ayurveda and holistic approaches to relaxation and nourishment.
Q: With numerous wellness properties available in India, what sets Jetwing Lagoon apart for Indian travellers?
A: Our unique location and iconic design are key differentiators. The experience here is not solely about Ayurveda; we integrate elements of Sri Lankan traditional medicine passed down through generations. Our focus on health extends to our food, utilizing fresh ingredients like coconut milk to minimize unhealthy oils, allowing guests to savor authentic Sri Lankan flavors while enhancing their wellness journey.
Q: How significant is the domestic market for you, especially given your proximity to Colombo?
A: Being established and easily accessible from Colombo is indeed advantageous for us. Our proximity to the expressway means we can attract many domestic travelers, further enhancing the diversity of our guest profile.
Q: What future plans do you have for the property? Are there any new wellness facilities in the pipeline?
A: Yes! We are expanding our wellness offerings with four new treatment rooms and a pharmacy that will allow our guests to see and even participate in the preparation of local herbal remedies. This interactive experience enhances our holistic approach, making wellness a more engaging journey for our guests.
Q: For travellers arriving at Jetwing Lagoon, what is the ideal length of stay they should consider?
A: We offer various packages starting from three nights and extending to 14 nights. However, we also understand that some guests may wish to experience our offerings for just one or two nights. We can customize packages to accommodate shorter stays while ensuring guests receive a holistic wellness experience tailored to their needs.
Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share about Jetwing Lagoon?
A: At Jetwing Lagoon, we emphasize holistic wellness that goes beyond just therapies. Our goal is to create an enriching experience for our guests, guiding them towards mental and physical well-being in a serene environment. We are excited about the future and the opportunities to further enhance our wellness offerings, making Jetwing Lagoon a must-visit destination for wellness enthusiasts.