WTM off the ground today:

Renton endorses city hoteliers’ move to charge minimum rate

Shirajiv SIRIMANE in London

Lankan hotel rates should be increased to fall in line with the other countries in the region, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Authority, (SLTA) Renton De Alwis said.

“Sri Lankan hotel charges are the cheapest in comparison to other countries in the region. We have to increase the rates to fall in line with the other countries,” he said.

He stressed this participating at the World Tourism Market (WTM) commencing today (12) at the Excel Exhibition centre, which lays a strong base for the Winter season and consolidating Sri Lanka’s presence.

He added that the under cutting among hoteliers has hindered the minimum rate being implemented. “This move is vital for the development of the industry and the Tourist Board will monitor whether this is implemented properly,” De Alwis added.

De Alwis also said WTM would also help to increase arrivals from UK especially for the up coming English cricket tour.

He added that WTM would give an opportunity for hoteliers to set the base for the season.

He said that this year’s theme would be ‘greening’ of Sri Lanka.

A 140 member strong delegation, which includes top decision makers in the leisure industry, are participating in the annual four day event. In addition to the stakeholders in the industry, Deputy Minster of Tourism, Faizer Musthapha and members from the Ministry of Tourism too would attend the event. With the relaxing of travel advisories which had a negative impact for the industry, the country is in for a better future.

The Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda in a bid to expose regional leaders has deiced to include Chief Minister Southern Province Shan Wijayalal De Silva to the delegation. “Southern Province is a key area for tourism and the Chief Minister can share his knowledge with the stakeholder in the Province,” he said.

Southern Province which hosted the World Tourism day has also held many events in the area to promote tourism.

The Southern Provincial Council has a vital role to play in facilitating the tourist industry.

The Minister’s decision to provide Provincial Government heads with opportunities to participate in international tourism promotion events is a step at ensuring that all stakeholders join in, to develop a strong product base.

As a part of this programme, Minister of Tourism of the Sabaragamuwa Province Mohan Ellawela also led a delegation along with Director General of Tourism Kalai Selvam to Andhra Pradesh promoting tourist attractions in Sabaragamuwa.