Gandy's, a clothing brand with a unique story founded by brothers Rob & Paul Forkan, and travel experts Kuoni have formed a new partnership through a combined love of Sri Lanka. In a first for both the travel and fashion industry, the brands have come together to create a holiday itinerary that has been shaped by the brothers' favourite places.

Rob & Paul tragically lost their parents in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and the experience ignited their mission to create a clothing brand inspired by travel and fuelled by giving back, with 10 per cent of their profits going towards fellow orphans through children's homes they have set up – one being in Sri Lanka.

Inspired by this tale, Kuoni has designed a holiday to Sri Lanka that follows in Rob & Paul's footsteps from the Cultural Triangle to the coastal city of Galle via the breathtaking Hill Country and Yala National Park. It can be found in Kuoni's new Indian Ocean brochure and website, which launches on the 01 June.

As part of Kuoni's commitment to responsible travel and giving back, the company will make a donation to the Gandy's Foundation, specifically for the kids' campus in Sri Lanka.

The fully flexible car and driver holiday will allow customers to choose the number of nights spent in each destination, pick the hotel and add on experiences. They will be accompanied by a local English-speaking driver/guide who has a wealth of knowledge about the country and the places visited.

Highlights include soaring above Sigiriya in a hot air balloon (seasonal) and a visit to one of the brothers' favourite places – the village of Ella, which is becoming a real hot spot in Sri Lanka's Hill Country with a trail that leads to Little Adam's Peak and views of the sweeping Nine Arch Bridge.          

One stand out experience, available on a seasonable basis, that can be added on is the train journey from Kandy to Ella, one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, which ascends into the heart of Sri Lanka and passes through villages and tea plantations travelling up into the clouds. 

Paul Forkan said: “Sri Lanka is such a special place for us and we wanted to find a way to share this amazing destination and the experiences it offers with more people.  Kuoni is the perfect travel partner and the itinerary people can follow is awesome – particularly the hot air-balloon and the train!”  

“We started volunteering at a young age when we were travelling with our family all around the world, so we are passionate about putting something back into the world.   It was a great way to learn new skills, improve our confidence and to understand different cultures and ways of living.”

Sheena Paton, senior product and commercial manager, Kuoni said: “Having spent time in Sri Lanka growing up, Rob and Paul have the same shared love of Sri Lanka as we do and the places and experiences they've picked have created a holiday experience that will be unforgettable. 

“It's the first time we've done anything like this, but felt the passion they have for exploring the world and creating designs inspired by travel and giving back are a great fit for our own vision and values.” 

The holiday is bookable through any of Kuoni's own stores or via travel agents.   Details can be found on the Kuoni website www.kuoni.co.uk   

Ends

For further information please contact:

Kuoni:

Rachel O'Reilly

tel: 07866 427870 or email rachel.oreilly@kuoni.co.uk 

Gandy's:

Ruth Wright

Tel: +44 (0)7929623883 or email ruth.w@gandyslondon.com