The Pulse

Volume 4
Issue 1
December 2015

Leisure Inbound- Employee Newsletter

Day of Celebration

Inside this issue

Day of Celebration

The Other Side Team UK

Carbon Neutral
Certification
First Aid Training
V-SPARC Winners
Living a Healthier Life
A Difference Made
JKH MT In - bound
IFEAT Conference
Foreign Perspective
Inbound Team Outing

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6
6
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7
8
9
1
0
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Halloween Quiz Night

Merry Christmas

Red Carpet Extravaganza

Sports

1
2

Yohan

Leisure

Inbound
recognized
Performance and Loyalty on the 14 th
of October 2015. Manori and Rukshan
became Employee of the Year (EOY)
and Champion of the Year (COY)
respectively. Yohan and Prabath were
recognized for their 25 years of
Employee and the Champion of the Year 2014/15 had this to say
about the memorable event :
Manori (EOY) It was a dream come true and something I will
treasure for the rest of my life, hope to deliver similarly in the future
as well.
Rukshan (COY) I am grateful to have received this award and I
want to thank my superiors and colleagues for the support they have
given me throughout.

The Other Side Team UK

In terms of business as well as food they enjoy going after both with absolute passion
most joining us
with no previous industry experience but with a very good attitude and have combined
well in their own respective units handling different tour operator accounts with their
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senior team mates and I must compliment the senior team mates for the fantastic
coaching and mentoring given to the new comers who have done an outstanding job
and they most certainly have come out as a winning team. A bubbly team who works
hard and enjoy some good laughter too.

For this issue

of
thedetermination.
Pulse we decided
to feature
the UKcombination
Market on The
Othermates
Side.
and
A very
interesting
of team
+

Kishan
Kishan was a Management Trainee of JKH who received his placement at Walkers Tours 7
years ago. Currently heading the UK Market he has immense respect for his team and
the level of commitment they demonstrate. Kishan feels they are a hardworking bunch
who meets deadlines like clockwork and would go out of their way to satisfy clients while
having fun doing so. A fact that not many people know is that he used to swim for school
and also worked as a Radio Jockey in his teens.
Chantelle
Undoubtedly a critical part of the Trailfinders team Chantelle plays the motherly role
to perfection. Effective and efficient in her work she enjoys working with her team
very much. Chantelle loves the challenge and commitment that is needed to satisfy
the customers, and has absolute confidence in her team which she says is well gelled
together to take on anything thrown their way. She believes that the Inbound culture
truly does live up to the More than just a work place tagline, in ways such as
providing engaging and equal opportunity to have fun as well as to build an
unprecedented career.
Suranga
Originally working in the German market Suranga joined the Trailfinders team 2 years
back. Although been the silent one Suranga manages to crack the best jokes when the
need be. His friendly and honest personality is much appreciated by his team mates.
Embracing the diverse culture here he says that Inbound as a whole is a very dynamic and
Gayanga
Aspiring to be a personal trainer someday, Gayanga, also known as GB, enjoys that the
team is unique and amazing in their own way. Having moved from Whittalls, Gayanga has
adjusted very well into the changing work environment.

Sheron
A senior member of the team with over 5 years, Sheron has been heavily involved in
coordinating events within the team. Commitment is not alien to Sheron as she says that
no sickness can keep her away from work, however she knows when to take her foot of
Kevin
the pedal when
time calls. Enjoying the freedom, unity and constant motivation she
he is is
nicknamed
by his to
team
himself
in the UK team as his first
receives from Raymond
the team, as
Sheron
looking forward
the mates
days tofinds
come
at inbound.
ever job. An open minded and adaptive character he accepts challenges that come his
way. Kevin has adjusted quite well into the team and is very appreciative of the
welcoming individuals that the team has withheld. Something that his team dont know
about him is that he is a secret agent working for an even more secretive organization.
2

Goodbye Glennie

Sheneli
Sheneli who started off as a trainee executive, wants to make sure her UK team is happy
and filled with positive vibes. Always having an emergency food stash, she becomes the
go to person when hunger strikes. She thinks that everyone in the team has amazing
souls and feels privileged to be a part of them. Sheni, nicknamed by her team, also is a
professional costume designer for foreign commercials.
Melissa
Nicknamed Lisa, started of her career at Inbound as a Trainee Executive. Humorous at
heart, Melissa enjoys the new challenges she faces each day. Loving the culture,
people, and the unity they share she is very much enjoying her stint at Inbound.

Ishane
Ishane is a new addition to the team here at Inbound, Ishibilll, as his team has
nicknamed him, has adapted well to his new job role although been the silent one in
the team. Ishane enjoys the comradery his team provides and says his team is filled
with genuinely nice people.
Rangani
Rangani enjoys the company of her team and emphasizes that their biggest strength is
that they put their heart and soul into their day to day work. She feels Inbound is great
place to progress up the cooperate ladder. With an eye for detail she is keen to see that all
deadlines are met. Rangi, nicknamed by her collegues, hopes for an amazing journey
ahead.
Amrick
Given the opportunity to join Traifinders, Amrick jumped at the idea and has been
enjoying ever since. A shy and introverted individual in the past, Amrick has changed
persona after joining Inbound. A charismatic character now, Annie is a salient part of
the team. He says that Inbound is a dynamic and challenging industry and has so
much to offer.
Nilushika
Having joined
the Trailfinders team right at the peak season Nilu got hands on exposure
Nuwan
to the fast paced
operationsfrom
herethe
at Inbound.
a year
Nuwanaction
joinedofTraifinders
AustralianAlmost
market
earlyon,
thisNilushika
year. Heis has already
more than confident
with
her
team
mates
who
gives
her
support
when
needed
at any
grown close with his colleagues and they too have been very supportive.
The fun team
given time. environment
When askingTraifinders
for adjectives
to
describe
her
team,
diverse,
fun,
loving
and
strives on, is a good place even during the more stressed out
vibrant weredays.
not left
out of the reply.
Bagging
mostNuwan
number
nickname from
her in playing
An Interesting
fact about
himthe
is that
hasofrepresented
Sri Lanka
teammates video
such games.
as phoebe,Nilushi,Lulu,Lu,Sid,Nilu Furtado and is proud of the
prestigious Inbound culture.
Fatema
A fairly newbie to the team Fatema joins Trailfinders as her first job. She takes on an
additional role in teaching Hindi to her team mates. She loves the on the job training
and
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exposure she is getting as well as the different personalities that she is exposed to in the
team itself. Something her team may not know is that she is a competent painter and has
been so since the young age of five.

Hiran
With 6 months into his career at Walkers Tours Hiran is already confident to say that he
is part of a great team who has an unparalleled work ethic. Inbound as a whole provides
an amazing work culture. Hiran represents JKH regularly in its cricketing endeavors and
he makes sure to bring that same team work and comradery into the office each day as
well.
Afra
Afra nicknamed the Fraazz has been a part of this team for five months. She says
her role in the team is to be the nurturing sole. Afra loves the dynamic team
environment she is placed in and feels privileged to be a part of the Traifinders team.
Praveen
Three months into his stay here, Praveen has familiarized himself quite well. Bro as hes
known by his teammates, considers his team to already be family. He is a source of
vibrancy at Trailfinders and it comes as no surprise to us as his uniqueness as he claims is
that he treats everyone like family.

Rochelle
An animal lover at heart, Rochelle, joins us from a banking environment. Having
started off with the basics, she gradually became a more responsible team player at
Trailfinders. With over one years experience Rochelle feels Inbound is not only a
better place to work but also a place to enjoy while working. The silent nature of her
character is deceiving as she has been named the silent killer by her team mates,
which suggest otherwise. She enjoys the comradery the whole team has with each
other and feels like it is an amazing place to work.

Carbon Neutral Certification

Walkers Tours, was recently honored by the countrys leading sustainability solutions provider - The
Carbon Consulting Company, renewing our status as the operator of the countrys only internationally
certified CarbonNeutral vehicle fleet. This year despite a significant increase in the fleets
operations, there was an overall reduction of the fleets operational carbon footprint by over Ten
percent. The presentation of this certification was held at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.

Vasantha
Leelananda

Sanith de S.

Vasantha Leelananda Executive Vice President at John Keells Holdings stated The
need for sustainable practices in the tourism industry is vital. Having understood the
vital nature of integrating sustainable practices in to the business operation Walkers
Tours spearheaded an initiative 3 years ago. We became the first DMC in the Asian
region to have a carbon neutral fleet. Sustainability of the environment we live in is
equally important as achieving our business goals and we will make every effort to
achieve this. We are constantly looking at new ways to introduce sustainable
practices in to every area of our business which will assist us in practicing
responsible tourism.
Commending the companys performance at the occasion, CEO of the Carbon
Consulting Company Sanith de S. Wijeyeratne stated, Walkers Tours have been Sri
Lankas only internationally certified green fleet for over 4 years now. The companys
unrelenting focus on tracking, managing and improving its environmental impact has
paid off handsomely. This year we have been able to confirm an overall reduction of
the fleets operational carbon footprint by over Ten percent, and this is despite a
significant increase in the fleets operations. Their Senior Management has put into
place a long term strategy that incorporates better environmental performance with
some stringent reduction targets built in. This kind of a visionary approach is what is
lacking and our country needs corporate leaders such as Walkers who will lead by

First Aid Training

Health

Adding
to the Walkers
Teamaid
Vivian
Frost programs
said, Walkers
Tours jeep
have
and Safety
teamher
of congratulations
Walkers Tours organized
two first
training
targeting
made
fantastic
progress
this
year
in
reducing
their
carbon
footprint
and
continuing
suppliers in Yala and Habarana national parks. Jeep suppliers have been categorized as of materialto
reduce
their
net risk
zero
their risk
CarbonNeutral
fleet
importance primarily
due to
the residual
potential emissions
health and to
safety
andthrough
environment
exposure.
The first aid training
in
Yala
had
an
audience
of
approximately
55
drivers
and
the
Habarana
training
certification. They are a great example of a company committed to reducing the
captured approximately
30 drivers.
Theoftrainings
were
conducted
by well-trained facilitators from St.
environmental
impact
Sri Lankas
tourism
industry.
Johns Ambulances. Upon completion of the training all participants were awarded certificates which
increases their credibility and employability.

V-SPARC Winners
Emerge

Health and Carbon

Two of our colleges Abdul and Heshan cycled over
Conscious
12km to get to work
as an initiative to raise awareness

towards a healthier living and carbon consciousness.

Two issues we all face and hurdles the world is still
struggling to overcome in this day and age.
non-profit

Global,
a
registered
organization in Massachusetts, USA currently
operates in Sri Lanka as The Emerge Lanka
Foundation. The organization which was founded
in 2005 focuses on the rehabilitation of young
girls, aged 10 to 18 who have suffered from
sexual abuse. Most of the girls have children of
their own as a result of rape or incest. These girls
are taken away from their abusive homes and
given the kindness and support needed to
rediscover their personal beauty. These girls are
given the necessary tools to be self-sufficient and
be a voice for other girls suffering in their
Award Recipients: Kalana (Transport
communities.
Division) & Shazra (Finance Division)

A Difference Made

It is important to understand that these young

girls have been shunned by their communities
and labeled for something that they did not ask
for. As a result the process of rehabilitation is
slow and delicate with some girls requiring more
time than others before returning back to their
lives. While appreciating the selfless efforts of
the volunteers and employees of the foundation,
Walkers Tours extend its fullest support to the
Emerge Lanka Foundation by sharing proceeds
from sales of tours with the foundation which will
in turn be used to enrich the lives of these young
and deserving girls. Walkers Tours takes pride in
supporting such initiatives and bringing back the

Award Recipients: Kalana & Shazra

Q. How has your experience

been like so far?
Its been different because its
the first time for me in the
tourism industry. I got the
opportunity to dive in and find
out how the tourism industry
works and what makes Inbound
so successful and overall its
been an exciting experience
Q. In what way has this
training at Inbound helped
you in your Management
Trainee program?
As a Management Trainee it is
my duty to learn the ins and
outs of the operations and the
stint here has enabled me to do
so by working in different
Shown as
below
the
profiles
of the three girls Walkers Tours as a team has decided to lend a
markets
well are
as in
HR.
So Ive
helping
to. a lot in the
ISHDA
been
ablehand
to KAVIN
learn
ANONE
process even more than I
expected. Ive worked hands on
with the Middle East market and
have been helping out in the
Italian market as well. So Ive
learned a lot in the past two
Age: 16 Years
Age: 15 Years
Age: 14 Years
months.
It
was
good
to
experience. All markets operate
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Color:
differently
and Pink
even
the
customers vary from market to
Favorite Food: Rambutan
Favorite Food: Banana
market.
Learning
styles of
Favorite
Food: the
Apple
each market and each of them
has
their
own
approach
Hobby: Singing
Hobby:Trainee
Studying
Hobby:
Visiting
dara
Cumaratunga,
thetowards
JHK Management
commenced her management
trainee program
clients, those differences proved
with a 2 month stint with us. Udara is an old girl of Visakha and Gateway College. She has
to be unique experience and
Favorite
Subject:
Sinhala
ever
felt
like
the new
comer.
Favorite Subject:
Favoriteher
Subject:
completed
degree Art
in Business Management
and also gone through
the
fast
track
program
of
one that was never expected.
also been
many
John Keells in 2014. Having represented
Sri Lanka in swimming at Theres
international
level, so
Udara
is
Dancing
uniquewhile days
where
accustomed to the competitive environment. Eager to learn and enjoy
overcoming
her
Q. How was the transition
executives
to
problems, she seems a bright prospect to look forward to in the future.
We caughtwould
up withcome
her and
like?
work with their clients and it
The transition was very smooth.
was nice to see such
Everyone was welcoming during
contrast in work styles here
the process and even allowed
at inbound. The culture here
me to get in on the trade
also has had an impact on
secrets. So overall it was much
my life
welcoming environment.

Q. Do you see yourself

working with us in the
future?
I very much enjoyed my time
here and Im sad thats its
coming to an end. Would
definitely come back if given the
opportunity and would like to

JKH MT In- bound

Q. Would you like to give

a Message to our
readers?
Want to give out a huge
thank you for welcoming
me
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and supporting my efforts.
And I would like to thank the
management
for
the
opportunity given and the

Q. Whats your opinion on

the work culture here at
Inbound?
Leisure inbound has a very
exciting and nurturing culture.
Team work is a large part of the
operations
and
is
a
key
component of the organizations
continued success.
Q. In what way has Inbound
lived to the more than just a
work place mantra?
It is more than just a work place
because theres so much of
interactions and events. Even
the markets themselves have
the tendency to bring treats and
do such small things which
motivate you unexpectedly, it
isnt a formality, yet its nice
from time to time to have such
interactions.
Q. For the next MT, what
advice would you give to
them?
My advice would be for them to
come here with an open mind.
The work is tough. But a lot of
fun and its a good opportunity
st
to 27th
learn September
and improve
he IFEAT conference was held from
to 1yourself
October 2015 at the Cinnamon Grand
not
only
in
terms
of
work
but
as from different divisions came in
Hotel. Walkers Tours handled a group of 1200 delegates. Employees
an
individual
as
well.
to support this movement for the event to be a success. Following are few experiences shared:

IFEAT Conference

Q. What would be the most

memorable
moment
experience here at inbound?
Every day has been its own
different experience.
But the

Gayanga
This was the first time I have ever been involved with such a movement and without a doubt it was
an amazing experience. To deal with different clients from top corporates all over the world checking
into the hotel throughout the day at different times was no easy task and to be able to pull an allnighter was a whole different experience all together.
Madura
It has been a great exposure to the world of MICE tourism. Coordinating the event with fellow
colleagues and networking as a team and making swift decisions amid the busy atmosphere was an
unforgettable experience! It was a real challenge but every moment we spent trying to achieve it was
worth it! I think it was truly a stepping stone to reach greater heights in the industry as the premier
Destination Management Company and a nation
Michelle
The experience I gained from the IFEAT conference was amazing. This was a great opportunity to be
a part of a massive event. Although the entire process was very tiring I enjoyed every bit of it and the
hard work actually did pay off.
Riyaz
Yes with an amazing team effort and team spirit, we handled another successful Event this Year.
IFEAT gave us the experience of handling such a large group of VIP clients and Im so glad that I
was a part of the team.
Mandakini
veteran
travel
representative
for
9 as
consecutive
attest
Kuoni,
Sophi
works
a Destination
Being
a part
of IFEAT
was great! It
was
if we were seasons
put into a
where
all our
skillsas
were
judged
Manager
for
Kuoni
Destinations.
She
joins
the
Whittalls
team
for
her
6
month
stint
in
Sri
Lanka.
and I think it was indeed a great opportunity to show the best of our skills as stakeholders ofHaving
a
travelled
almost
a dozen
countries
in just
four and
half years,
andrepresentatives
calling Swedenfrom
her home,
clear
talented to
and
top class
company
in the
tourism
industry.
Meeting
aroundits
the
that
Sophi
not just your
normalas
tourist.
world
wasis fantastic
as much
it was tough given the difficulties when communicating. The
sleepless nights, the hectic work load and collaboration with all participants to offer the best service
During
herdelegates
stint here
ata Inbound
Sophi experience.
feels that Sri Lanka has been very welcoming towards her.
to all the
was
great learning
Adjustment has been easy, with all of her encounters been met with a can do attitude. Punctuality of our
people was emphasized upon when she was asked what the most prominent features she noticed in her
stay so far.

Foreign Perspective

Being a travel representative we asked her to explain more about her own homeland, Sweden. Terrestrial
Snowy downpour was prominent in her answer to us and being unable to locate the car on a snowy day
was a normality. Interestingly enough she mentioned that Sweden experiences 3 months of daylight
annually.
Working with Kouni theres always been a drive to accomplish something she says and all have been
open minded towards doing so. Eager to travel more at her stay here and explore the countries wonders,
she named Kandy and Yala as one of her must travel to destinations.
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Inbound Force
The
additions
Inbound
described
themselves

new
to

with

JavedCharismatic

FatemaDiplomatic

Inbound Team Outing

Team Walkers and Whittalls had their annual team outing at Bentota Beach Hotel and Chaaya Tranz
SuhanyaHikkaduwa. Living the spirit of work hard play hard culture with two days of food, music, fun and laughter.
Friendly

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Leisure

Halloween Quiz Night

Inbound celebrated Halloween with a twist! Nine teams participated in this fun quiz that
brought out the spooky side of our employees. Their knowledge was tested on phantoms and wraiths
and the best zombies prevailed. The most popular team was Devils in disguise of the Middle East
market who emerged victorious over the tricksters with just one like difference in a Facebook likes
battle. The Tricksters of the web sale team ruled Zombie land with a whitewash over their competitors.
The most creative team name was Uga-Chaka of Trailfinders.

Merry Christmas All

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Christmas Season was celebrated in Office on Wednesday, 23 rd of December

Red Carpet Extravaganza

Walkers and Whittalls Red Carpet themed annual get together was held on Monday 14 th December
2015 at Ramada Colombo, here are some of the highlights of that glamorous day.

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Red Carpet Extravaganza

JKH Inter Company Rugby 7s

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Travel Trade Pool Championship

Travel Trade Pool Championship

JKH Inter-Company Swimming Meet

Team Walkers and Whittalls became victorious this year and was able to retain the title Champions for
the third consecutive year at the JKH Inter-Company Swimming Meet 2015

Travel Trade Hardball Cricket 6s 2015

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Sporting Weekend

Walkers and Whittalls took part in the Travel Trade Swimming and JKH Intercompany softball cricket

st
nd
rd
sixes on the 21
and 22
of November respectively. Team Inbound scalped 3
position in the
immensely competitive swimming tournament that took place. In the softball sixes tournament the
cricketers of Walkers A managed to fight their way into the quarter finals before getting knocked out to

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us?
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