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| Friday, 22 October 2004 |
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Lankans in Thailand the highest spenders From Shirajiv Sirimane in Thailand Sri Lankan tourists are the highest spenders in Thailand and the business community there prefers them.
He said that Sri Lankans spend heavily on shopping and their preferred items are garments, shoes, electrical items, IT and fancy items. Many Sri Lankans prefer the whole sale markets in Bobby and Patunam while the ladies prefer the night market shopping. The Sri Lankans also engage in sight seeing tours. The Golden temple, Emerald Buddha and Kings palace, floating market are some of the most favourite places, while foot massage is also in demand. Although most of the European tourists prefer to spend on night life and other activities related to it only a few Sri Lankans spend heavily on this. Managing Director A. W. Business Inn in Sukhumvit, Ms. Pishuma Siringhol who was educated in Sri Lanka said that the special packages offered by SriLankan Airlines have increased the Lankan arrivals to Thailand by over 20 percent than last year. "This is very encouraging for the Thailand hotel industry," she said. She said that they have acquired two additional hotels to meet the demands of the Lankan tourists. However one of the problems faced by the Sri Lankans is the excess baggage problem. The airport is very strict about this," she said. Though Thailand is a Buddhist country the religious tourist arrivals are low in comparison to India and Nepal. "This is an area Sri Lankan travel agents should concentrate in future," she said. The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Thailand, like other Asian countries, has been influenced by contact with foreign cultures. But the never-changing character of Thai culture has remained dominant, even in modern city life. Often depicted as fun-loving, happy-go-lucky folk (which indeed they often are), the Thais are also proud and strong, and have struggled for centuries to preserve their independence of spirit. Recent history is shadowed by the economic boom and bust of the 1990s, from which the country is still bruised. AIDS also has hit Thailand relatively hard, yet there are signs that the rate of infection is coming under control. On the economic front, growth has been sluggish. ********************* Eden Resort reopens Eden Resort and Spa owned and managed by Confifi Group of Hotels reopened recently. The hotel, only five star property in Beruwela invested over Rs. 150 million for the refurbishment. The Hotel was closed for almost three months.
The property over the years gained a reputation for providing world-class facilities and services combined with warm Sri Lankan hospitality. "The investment was part of our commitment to provide excellent facilities and services as well as to keep abreast with the ever changing market trends and needs of international travellers," said Confifi General Manager Sales and Marketing Anushka Lovell. The renovation work was undertaken by a Malaysian architect Karim Hussein in collaboration with Bali-based Australian interior designer, Franco Benidinelli. "They have transformed the hotel into a brand new luxurious product with a totally new look from the hotel's public areas, food and beverage outlets to guestrooms," she said. Graciously landscaped garden, a refurbished lobby, four check-in desks offer guests a more personal welcome. The hotel has 158 spacious rooms including a custom-designed new deluxe room category. Eden's new signature restaurant 'Temptations', a first of its kind on the south west coast, located on the second floor, offers intimate dining-a-deux in charming elegance. The Chameleon Cafe, sleek and stylish with an aura of fun, serves snacks, fresh salads, delicious entrees, special blends of tea and coffee, 24 hours of the day. The restaurant offers indoor air-conditioned seating and a timber deck overlooking the swimming pool for alfresco dining. The Chameleon Cafe, is also a trendy venue for fine cocktails and evening entertainment. Also refurbished are the sports and entertainment facilities, including the gymnasium. The spa, an already popular facility of the hotel, has also been upgraded to provide a wider range of massages and treatments for different groups and varying needs, including a full range of aromatherapy treatments and many more. (SS) |
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Produced by Lake House |
According to Dharshana Perera, First Secretary of the Sri Lanka Embassy
of Thailand, an average Sri Lankan spends over 3500 baths (around Rs.
9,000) per day. "This is the highest by any other country," he
said.
