Jaffna’s tourism industry to bounce back in 2Q, 2010
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
The travel and tourism industry in Jaffna is expected to be fully
operational by the second half of next year as development work is
improving rapidly, Manoj Express Services, Managing Director, S.
Manoharan told Daily News Business.
He said that entrepreneurs in the travel industry are getting ready
to meet this potential demand by improving accommodation, building new
hotels, improving transport and other services. A few star hotels are
being built and another 35 rooms will be ready by early next year.
After the Government resettled those in IDP camps, Jaffna is crowded
compared to previous years and people have peace of mind to travel even
at midnight without any fear.
As a result many people are seen in the city until late evenings, he
said. Around 2,500-3,000 people move to and from to Jaffna by road daily
and another 100-150 by air including Government officials, VIPs and
foreigners.
Manohara said that a special two-day tour package has been introduced
by his company where visitors can enjoy traditional Jaffna food,
accommodation and transport to visit important places at an affordable
rate.
Manoharan said that it was good that the Government did not open the
A9 highway fully because the essential services were not ready. It would
have become difficult to control large crowds coming to the city making
people uncomfortable.
A number of private sector companies such as insurance, banks and
hospitals have started businesses and some banks have approved loans
from Rs 200,000 up to Rs 5 million.
This has resulted in a keen interest among those who wish to invest
in SMEs, he said. |
