Domestic tourism on the rise

Shirajiv Sirimane

INCREASE: There is a sharp increase in Sri Lankans travelling within the country and this is helping the industry, said the Chairman, Galle Face hotel Colombo Sanjeev Gardiner.

The Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) is one oldest and most sped hotel group, which is catering to this market. "We are going to invest Rs. 100 million to refurbish the CHC properties which needs a face lift," he said.

However though these properties are refurbished the rates would not be made beyond the reach of the less affluent traveller. We are looking at a better volume to make profits, he said

The Gardiner Group now holds 72 percent and having 4500 shareholders.

The Galle Face Hotel also announced three new appointments with Rajiv Khanna been appointed CEO, Director and General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel, including both the Classic Wing and the newly refurbished Regency Wing.

Khanna, who commenced his Hotel training in the United Kingdom, worked for the Taj Group of Hotels for over 20 years. He had been the General Manager of several of its properties, including several luxury hotels such as Rambagh Palace Hotel in Jaipur. He had also worked with the Shangri-La Group of Hotels and other 5-star properties in India.

Anura Lokuhetty has been appointed as CEO of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation and COO of the Galle Face Hotel Management Company, in which capacity he will overlook the operation of other related properties.

Lokuhetty is the President of the HCIMA Sri Lanka Chapter. He was the CEO of the Confifi Group and has over 30 years experience in the Hotel sector and also functioned as Director Operations and General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel for over three years.

In addition Chandra Mohotti has been appointed Vice President - Leisure Sector of the Galle Face Hotel Management Company. Mohotti was the CEO and Chairman of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation and prior to that, for many years, he was the General Manager of the Galadari Hotel, Sri Lanka.

Previously, he held several managerial positions at the Hotel Ceylon Inter-Continental. He counts over 33 years experience in the Hotel Sector, which includes working for the Marriott and Meridien Chain of Hotels.