Aitken Spence Hotels Marks 50 Years of Excellence

Monday 2nd of September 2024

Aitken Spence Hotels is celebrating 50 years of outstanding service and innovation in the hospitality industry. Since the launch of Neptune Hotel in 1974, the company has expanded its reach internationally, establishing itself as a key player across the Maldives, Oman, and India.

Initially starting with Neptune Hotel, named after the Roman sea god, Aitken Spence broke new ground by acquiring Bathala Island Resort in the Maldives in 1994, becoming the first Sri Lankan hospitality company to invest abroad. The company continued its expansion with ventures into Oman in 2008 and India in 2016 with the opening of Turyaa Chennai. A successful collaboration with RIU Hotels Spain in 2017 further solidified its global presence.

Today, Aitken Spence Hotels operates 18 properties across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and India, offering a total of 2,629 rooms. Its flagship brand, Heritance Hotels & Resorts, is renowned for architectural excellence, featuring three properties designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Heritance Kandalama, in particular, stands out as the first LEED-certified hotel outside the U.S. and the first Green Globe-certified hotel in South Asia.

Sustainability remains a core focus for Aitken Spence. The company manages a 211-acre conservation forest at Heritance Kandalama and has eliminated single-use plastics across its Maldives resorts. Its dedication to environmental responsibility and talent development through hotel schools at Heritance Kandalama and Heritance Ahungalla underscores its commitment to the future of hospitality.

Reflecting on this milestone, Stasshani Jayawardena, Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, expressed pride and gratitude. 

As Aitken Spence Hotels celebrates its golden anniversary, the company looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence, innovation, and positive global impact.