Hayleys Travels, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in Sri Lanka, has celebrated its 40th anniversary. Established in 1984, the company is a part of the Hayleys Group, a conglomerate with over a century of history. Over the years, Hayleys Travels has become renowned for offering unique travel experiences that showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant communities.

The company has built a reputation among international travelers for its focus on sustainable tourism and immersive cultural experiences. Hayleys Travels has been instrumental in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination, offering a variety of itineraries that include eco-adventures, wildlife safaris, and tours highlighting the island's historical sites and local traditions.

In addition to its inbound tourism services, Hayleys Travels caters to Sri Lankans seeking to explore international destinations. The company provides personalized travel solutions for leisure trips, business events, and luxury experiences, ensuring a comprehensive range of services for all types of travelers.

As an IATA-accredited organization, Hayleys Travels offers a wide array of specialized services, including destination weddings, corporate meetings and events (MICE), and luxury group tours. The company also provides tailored experiences, such as dolphin and whale-watching excursions, visits to local markets, hands-on cooking classes, and traditional village tours. Accommodation options range from eco-lodges to luxury resorts, curated to suit diverse preferences.

Reflecting on this milestone, Suchitra Aluwihare, Chief Operating Officer of Hayleys Travels, expressed gratitude for the company's success. “Reaching our 40th year speaks volumes about our commitment to curate journeys for guests from the world over that leave a lasting impact to be cherished in the long run. At Hayleys Travels, we uphold the values of sustainable tourism and deepen our connection to the island and its people. This journey has been possible with the sustained trust of our travellers, partners, and team with nimble expertise. In the coming times, we are excited to showcase Sri Lanka’s vibrance to the world, creating treasured memories.”

The company’s commitment to sustainable practices and its collaboration with local communities have been key to its success. As Hayleys Travels looks to the future, it aims to continue innovating and expanding its offerings while maintaining its focus on delivering memorable travel experiences.

On November 15, 2024, Vegas Mall became a radiant hub of festivity and devotion as it celebrated Dev Diwali. The event brought together families and visitors to mark this auspicious day, which signifies the divine descent of deities to Earth.

The evening began with a ceremonial lighting of diyas, symbolizing peace and divine blessings. This act created a serene atmosphere, setting the tone for the night’s festivities.

A key highlight of the event was a soulful performance by Sant Ajay Bhai Ji, founder of Triveni Sewa Mission and Rashtra Mandir. His bhajans beautifully encapsulated the spiritual essence of Dev Diwali, resonating deeply with the audience. The musical performance added a sense of reverence and devotion to the celebration, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.

Speaking about the event, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President of Vegas Mall, said, "We are incredibly proud to have brought the spirit of Dev Diwali to our visitors. This event beautifully brought together spirituality and celebration, offering a space for everyone to come together in joy and unity. It was heartwarming to see everyone immerse themselves in the traditions and values that make this occasion so special."

The celebrations concluded with a breathtaking light display that illuminated the mall, reflecting the divine energy of the festival. The vibrant display was a visual treat, leaving visitors in awe and encapsulating the essence of Dev Diwali—a time for togetherness, reflection, and celebration.

Vegas Mall continues to demonstrate its dedication to creating meaningful experiences for its patrons, blending cultural engagement with community bonding.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) launched its first-ever "Festival of Australia" in Mumbai, a unique platform bringing together Australian excellence in education and premium food and beverage (F&B) products. The festival will travel to Hyderabad (16th November), Bengaluru (18th November), and Kochi (20th November).

The Mumbai event allowed Indian students and parents to connect directly with representatives from leading Australian universities to explore programs aligned with their career aspirations. A highlight was a masterclass titled "Not-so-natural disasters and how to prevent them", delivered by Professor David Sanderson of the University of New South Wales.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Indian schools, Australian universities, and industry experts provided insights into what Indian students seek when choosing a foreign university, offering valuable perspectives on studying abroad.

The festival also celebrated Australia’s culinary offerings with an Australian Food Pavilion showcasing a variety of premium products, including honey, sauces, cheese, seafood, lamb meat, and more. Guests enjoyed live cooking demonstrations featuring these ingredients, along with tasting sessions highlighting their versatility.

Austrade partnered with Jio Mart and Food Square to enhance accessibility to Australian products, creating an 'Australia Pavilion' on Jio Mart’s platform and featuring exclusive offerings at the festival venue.

Speaking about the event, Mr. John Southwell, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, said,
"We are thrilled to host the Festival of Australia to spotlight our top-notch education and exquisite culinary offerings. This festival reflects the growing Australia-India connection, blending academic opportunities with the rich flavors of Australian produce. We’re proud to see Australian ingredients increasingly integrated into Indian cuisine, from dals to lamb biriyani."

The Festival of Australia underscores the growing educational, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. It celebrates a shared vision of cross-cultural understanding and strengthens Australia's presence in India as a hub for world-class education and gastronomy.

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Austrade is the Australian Government's trade promotion and investment attraction agency, fostering global partnerships and showcasing Australia’s capabilities. Learn more at www.austrade.gov.au.