50 Years of Aitken Spence Hotels: A Story of Sustainability, Innovation & Success

Aitken Spence Hotels proudly celebrates 50 years of excellence in the hospitality industry. Since opening Neptune Hotel in 1974, the company has grown into a global leader, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. Over the decades, Aitken Spence has expanded its international footprint beyond Sri Lanka, setting new standards across the Maldives, Oman, and India, making it the only hotel chain of Sri Lankan origin to have such a wide-reaching presence.

Today, Aitken Spence Hotels manages 18 properties across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and India, totaling 2,629 rooms. The flagship brand, Heritance Hotels & Resorts, is renowned for its architectural excellence, with three properties designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa. Notably, Heritance Kandalama became the first LEED certified hotel outside the United States and the first Green Globe certified hotel in South Asia.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Aitken Spence’s operations. From managing a 211-acre conservation forest at Heritance Kandalama, which supports rich biodiversity, to eliminating single-use plastics across all resorts in the Maldives, the company consistently demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility. These initiatives are benchmarks within the industry, underscoring Aitken Spence’s leadership in sustainability. Additionally, the company’s dedication to nurturing talent is evident through its hotel schools at Heritance Kandalama and Heritance Ahungalla, ensuring that future generations of hospitality professionals are equipped to thrive.