'Tourism, a great binder of nations'

Irangika Range

HOTEL SHOW: Tourism is a great binder and integrator of growing relationships among nations all over the world, while generating more foreign exchange to a country, said Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao at the opening ceremony of Hotel Show 2006, a premier hotel supplier's exhibition which was held at the BMICH last Friday.

Hotel Show 2006 was organised by the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates' Association (CHSGA) for the fourth consecutive year. "Increasing tourist arrivals would drive economic growth by improving infrastructure facilities as well as creating job opportunities in the country," she said.

She said there is tremendous tourism potential in Sri Lanka and many economic, social, geological, ecological and cultural similarities between two countries would grab more Indian arrivals here. "Fifty percent Asian arrivals have been recorded among 1.5 million tourists arrivals to Sri Lanka last year and most of them are Indians. She said Indians really like to visit Sri Lanka and it is a great opportunity for local tourism industrialists to open their doors to them," she said.

She said over 3.3 million tourist arrivals were recorded in India last year while it was seven million and 11.5 million respectively in Singapore and Malaysia. Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Dr.P. Ramanujam said that the hospitality industry plays a vital role in the economic development of the country which generates over US$ 350 m annually.

It has made substantial progress over the past few years and has to be kept updated on modern equipment and facilities that are available in the industry to make consumers more at ease and enjoy their stay in hotels.

He said tourism is the fourth largest foreign exchange earner in the country and "this kind of regional exhibition will certainly assist us at a time when we are trying to convince tourists that Sri Lanka is a peaceful tourist destination for their vacations. The show provides an ideal platform for suppliers to showcase their latest innovations for developers who intend to invest in building rooms," he said. CHSGA's President Trevine Gomez said the exhibition has become an international event with participation of local and foreign delegates including India, Pakistan, Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the Middle-East. Sri Lankan tourism which is aiming at the high end tourist market would no doubt benefit immensely from the hotel show.