Discovery International was the first ever company to introduce the ‘Marquee’ concept to Sri Lanka 17 years ago and has seen it evolve and expand for years as the demand for their tents grow and develop. In our ‘something old’ section, they tell us a little about how it all began and how they’ve grown.
Tell us a little bit about Discovery International Pvt Ltd?
We started our operations in 1996 specializing in designing and manufacturing products to give protection from the sun and rain for commercial and residential applications like fixed-type awnings, re-tractable awnings, canopies and motorized roller blinds tent systems. We also manufacture and export custom made indoor and outdoor cushion products exclusively made with Sunbrella® fabric for the resorts in our region.
You were the first company to introduce the ‘marquee’ concept to Sri Lanka 17 years ago – how did that happen?
We had two stripe fabric canvas rolls imported from Australia and we could not sell these two styles on awnings as most of the Sri Lankan customers did not prefer to use stripe fabric on their awnings. So we thought of making a 25’x15’ and a 15’x15 tent just to consume the fabric rolls and to see what the outcome would look like!
From back then to now – how has the marquee concept evolved?
We have stated the Discovery Tents operation with just two sizes - 15’x15 and 25’x15’ and now We have 10’x10’ / 15’x15’ / 20’x12’ / 20’x20’ / 25’x15’ / 25’x25’/ 50’x25’ which can be connected to cover larger areas.
How revolutionary was the marquee concept for weddings?
When we started, only Tin (GI sheet) Sheet tents were available in the market and customers did not have a choice. With us entering into the market, customers started asking for various sizes to accommodate more people. Therefore we had to construct tents based on our customers’ requirements. Since our tents look wonderful and their interiors are elegantly decorated, many people started using our tents for events such as engagements, weddings, homecoming, birthday parties and corporate events. Our tents are supplied with accessories such as LED fairly lights systems, fans, coolers, banquet chairs and tables with a range of covers, platforms etc. The design of our ‘Discovery Party Tents’ has become a great hit and customers always request our tent designs from the other suppliers. Our designs were replicated but we are glad that a nice concept has evolved in the Sri Lankan market!
What changes do you see in the future when it comes for tents and marquees for weddings?
We feel that more and more young customers prefer to have outdoor weddings with our Discovery Tents. They are reasonably priced and customers love to have informal functions in their own back garden or at hotel lawns. We are coming up with more designs with A/C facilities and these tents are presently under constructions at our factory under strict safety guide lines.
Interviewed by Panchali Illankoon
Photographs courtesy Discovery International
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