Lankan tourism to revolve around niche markets

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

AWARD: The tourism industry in Sri Lanka will in future focus more on the niche markets and the demand for high quality rooms would increase as more high spenders are expected. The present cycle of violence would not have long-term negative impacts for the industry.

Chairman Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sanjeev Gardiner said that people will come and they have to be ready to accommodate them. "This is why we decided to invest Rs. 800 million to restore and refurbish 'The Regency', the new Southern wing of the hotel," he said. This would add 80 rooms.

"We believe the industry is on an upward trend and are conscious of returns," he said. Profits generated within the company have gone for investment.

Chairman, Galle Face Hotel said that the new investment, which includes suites, jaquses in each room, large space, is aimed at the niche market. "We see a growing market in this sector in the future and 'The Regency ' would fit in to that portfolio," he said.

Chairman said that the demand for Heritage properties, such as Galle Face hotel located in cities, too would increase and this has prompted them to invest a further Rs. 30 million to refurbish the exisintg hotel, which was constructed in 1864.

Commenting on the Hotels Corporation where they own over 70 percent and is being owned by GFH, he said that while they want to upgrade the properties they still want to make them affordable for the local traveller.

The GFH also received a rare honour when they became the first hotel in Sri Lanka to receive the prestigious ISO Certification for 22000:2005, for its high standards and the systems they practise for food management.

The hotel also became the third hotel in Sri Lanka to receive ISO9001: 2000 quality management system certification.