Colombo, Sri Lanka (June 03, 2024): Marking a significant milestone for Sri Lankan tourism and women’s empowerment, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, in collaboration with Transcend Drive, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative – the country’s first-ever female chauffeur service. This innovative program underscores a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences while simultaneously creating new opportunities for women in the workforce.

Catering to a Diverse Clientele and Redefining Guest Comfort

The introduction of female chauffeurs caters to the evolving needs of the travel industry, particularly the growing segment of female travelers seeking a safe and comfortable transportation experience. As Elton Hurtis, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, emphasizes, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our core values of diversity, inclusion, and putting people first.”

A Gateway to Rewarding Careers in Hospitality

The program goes beyond enhanced guest experiences. It empowers women by providing access to new career paths within the hospitality sector. Transcend Drive, the leading provider of luxury guest transportation in Sri Lanka, is spearheading the initiative. Kishan De Silva, Founder and CEO of Transcend Drive, highlights the program’s significance: “There have never been female chauffeurs before. It’s a whole new world of opportunity for them.”

Investing in Training and Building a Supportive Ecosystem

Transcend Drive prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its female chauffeurs. A meticulously designed selection and training process ensures they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the job. This includes classroom training on tourism industry specifics, guest service excellence, and first-aid training. The chauffeurs also gain valuable practical experience through simulated transfers, excursions, and shopping tours.

The safety and security of the female chauffeurs is paramount. Transcend Drive offers clear guidelines on work hours, ensures transportation after dark when needed, and fosters open communication channels with superiors. Secure locker room facilities are also provided within the hotel.

A Catalyst for Positive Change in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Landscape

This initiative is expected to have a ripple effect, positively impacting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Guests will benefit from a more personalized and comfortable travel experience, while female professionals gain access to rewarding careers. It aligns with Marriott International’s commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment, as Sudeshika De Silva, Director at Transcend Drive, emphasizes: “The women are getting more and more powerful… We would like these chauffeurs to be that, for the industry as well.”

Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Future for Sri Lanka’s Transportation Industry

Both Courtyard by Marriott Colombo and Transcend Drive expressed their optimism for the program’s long-term impact. They envision a future where the chauffeur workforce reflects a more balanced gender ratio. This initiative sets a precedent for a more inclusive and progressive transportation industry in Sri Lanka, paving the way for women to take the driver’s seat in their careers and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

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About Courtyard by Marriott®

Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With more than 1,265 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter.

About Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is the new travel program replacing Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) starting February 2019. Comprised of a portfolio of 30 hotel brands and home rental offering Homes & Villas by Marriott International, members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from Chase and American Express.  The program offers 120,000 destination tours and adventures on Marriott Bonvoy Moments. When members book direct on Marriott.com they receive perks including free and enhanced Wi-Fi and exclusive member-only rates, and on the Marriott app they enjoy mobile check-in and checkout, Mobile Requests and, wherever available, Mobile Key. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.