[Colombo, 27.01.09] The Tea Factory, Sri Lanka’s first theme resort was awarded the Presidential Award for Best 4-Star Resort at the second annual Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism held at the BMICH.

The awards were adjudged by an eminent panel of judges based on a comprehensive evaluation criteria comprising revenue generation, innovation, social, cultural, environmental and economic best practices, as well as its contribution as a role model for tourism excellence.

The Tea Factory is a unique hotel concept, where a tea factory built several decades ago during the British Raj has been converted into a plush hotel. Retaining its traditional character, this most unusual hotel is situated 6800 feet amidst the misty mountains and the lush plantations of the hill country.

“This is a great honour and tribute to our dedicated staff who work diligently to ensure that our guests’ expectations are met and surpassed when they visit us” said Mr. Roshanlal Perera, General Manager, Tea Factory Hotel.

The Tea Factory was recently recognized by one of Britain’s leading newspapers ‘Sunday Times’ as one of the 100 best places to stay in the world and ‘The Independent’ selected The Tea Factory as one of the 5 best factory hotels in the world.

The Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism Excellence was inaugurated by the Ministry of Tourism to foster competitiveness and uplift the standards of the local tourism and travel industry.

“Being awarded the Best 4-Star Hotel in Sri Lanka is a fitting recognition for the Tea Factory where we have been able to provide a hospitality experience which is truly unique to the world” said Mr. B H R Sariffodeen, Assistant Vice President, Aitken Spence Hotels.

“Winning this award attests to our commitment towards maintaining a high standard of service at our hotels while we continuously yearn to position Sri Lanka as a world class tourist destination” said Mr. Malin Hapugoda, Managing