Lighthouse Hotel turnover records Rs. 259 m

The turnover of the Lighthouse Hotel and Spa increased by 5 per cent from Rs. 247 million in the previous financial year, to Rs. 259 million.

The after tax profit of the hotel decreased from Rs. 93.3 million to Rs. 89.3 million. Despite the fall in profits, the Directors have recommended a final tax-free dividend of 8 per cent. This together with tax-free interim dividend of 10 per cent results in a total tax-free dividend of 18 per cent, Chairman Hiran Cooray said in its annual report.

'The hotel purchased a land beside the river (Kappu Ela) in Galle, Which would be developed to create a different atmosphere and also to give a unique 'Village Type' experience at this site. We are looking at the possibility of purchasing some more land around the hotel and the car park.'

'The banquet and conference halls and the Cinnamon room will be fully refurbished during the year.'

'The construction of the staff quarters will commence in May. Continuous upgrading and refurbishment of the hotel would be undertaken and this would be carefully planned around the occupancy of the hotel,' Cooray said.

The hotel is now well established as a high-end premium luxury hotel. The hotel continues to receive very positive comments from overseas guests as well as guests resident in Sri Lanka with regard to excellent service standards and quality food.

The hotel also performs very well in the global market place as a leading member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is also a member of the Great Hotels of the World - Luxury Spa Collection.

With continuous upgrades to the quality of service and the product, the hotel was able to successfully complete the re-positioning of rates at a higher level.

The hotel continues to implement this strategy to shift its clientele to a higher yield segment, such as FITs (Free Independent Traveller), Specialist Tour Operators and Travel Agents at the high-end. In line with the strategic vision of Jetwing of becoming "World Class", we have continued to upgrade the quality of services through continuous training programmes. "We have commenced the computerisation of the operational processes. This includes local area network as well as the wide area network," he stated.

The Lighthouse Hotel and Spa won a prestigious gold award at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 2005.

This was awarded under the category of 'Education and Training'. The winning project was titled 'A Taxi Service Through The Community' that involved educating the local taxi drivers to provide service with excellence for our customers while improving their own livelihood, enhancing their knowledge and practices.

The current rate of recovery of the tourism industry in the post tsunami period is very encouraging. Yet again, the industry has proven its resilience to adversity, despite its sensitivity to events in the external environment.

The industry is eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new Tourism Act. Under this Act, a Tourism Marketing Bureau would be established and the Hotel School would be re-organised and re-vitalised, which is a critical need for the long-term development of tourism.

The development of human resources is an integral part to repositioning Sri Lanka as an up-market destination. The Hotel School will facilitate this, whilst the proposed Tourism Marketing Bureau is expected to raise the profile of Sri Lanka internationally.