Integrating Business Skills into Ecotourism Operations ... - IUCN

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Kuoni Travel Ltd.
Kuoni’s head office is located in Zurich, Switzerland, where Alfred Kuoni founded the company in 1906. Over the years
Kuoni has developed into today’s global travel services company, now employing around 12 000 people in more than 60
countries. In its European source markets the company has more than 160 of its own retail outlets and tour operating
offices. Its global destination travel services business has several different types of office: sales offices in the source
markets, particularly in Asia for group travel business; agency offices that look after guests at the destinations; offices
dedicated to buying in and selling online-based destination services; and offices specialising in MICE business (meetings,
incentives, conferences and events). Visa services provider VFS Global (external consular services) runs a worldwide
business through more than 500 offices spread across every continent. Overall, counting all business activities, Kuoni has
more than 700 offices in 62 countries around the world. Kuoni has been committed to a sustainable development of the
tourism industry for many years and strives to act as a good corporate citizen which takes into full account the current
and future economic, social and environmental impacts of its business.
Whittall Boustead (Travel) Ltd.
Whittall Boustead (Travel) Limited exclusively represents Kuoni International and has been the strategic partner of Kuoni
since 1993. Being the local Agent for Kuoni UK, Kuoni France & Kuoni Switzerland among others since November 1993, it
is one of the two destination management companies owned by Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, John Keells Holdings.
Whittall Boustead (Travel) Limited is a top destination Management company in Sri Lanka which specializes in handling
cultural tours, adventure, Nature & Wildlife tours, Beach holidays, Weddings & Honeymoons, Sports tours and tailor
made tours to suit the travellers’ requirements. Whittall Boustead (Travel) Limited is also an ISO 9001 and 14001
certified company. They take part in various community activities, the foremost which is named the ‘Siduhath Sisu Udana
project’ which was initiated 12 years ago, in order to enrich the facilities of a school in Ratnapura that was in dire need of
assistance; and at present the school has increased its population from approximately 100 to more than 200 students.
About this Training Workshop:
Project coordination, implementation and logistics:
Maria Ana Borges, IUCN Global Business and Biodiversity Programme (overall coordination)
Shamen Vidanage and Naalin Perera, IUCN Sri Lanka
Stephanie Ossenbach-Keller, Kuoni Travel Ltd.
Nalika Abeysuriya and Marini Nakandala, Whittall Boustead (Travel) Limited
Instructors:
Ajith De Silva, Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy; Hiran Cooray, Jetwing Hotels; Srilal Miththapala, Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce; Tilak Gunawardana, Aitken Spence Hotels; Jayantissa Kehelpannala, John Keells Group; Shirley
Fisher, Kuoni UK; Sunil Dissanayake, The Kingsbury Hotel; Chitral Jayatilake, John Keells Hotels; Anuruddha Bandara,
Beyond Boundaries Global Pvt Ltd.
With funding support from Kuoni Travel Holding Ltd.
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