Climate right to invest in tourism industry

Shirajiv Sirimane

This is the right time to invest in the tourism industry and the Taj Hotels have taken the lead and invested in a new 100 room property.

The new hotel would be built adjoining the Taj Airport Garden hotel in Seeduwa mainly anticipating the future demand for the leisure sector.

"The local tourism industry is going to bounce back soon and we are living in hope," said General Manager, Taj Airport Garden hotel, Mathew Thomas.

Thomas is not too far from Sri Lanka hailing from the state of Kerala.

Having got into the leisure sector in his youth as a marketing trainer he has been with the Taj group for nearly three decades. Having served in Yeman and undergone advanced training in Dubai, his assignment in Colombo would be memorable for him as it's his first overseas assignment as a General Manager.

Thomas feels that education is very important for any administrator and one should not think that 'you know everything' after overseas assignments and completing higher education. "I am still into distance education as I think there is no age limit to learn," he said.

Another aspect most of the senior executives tend to forget is health as the focus is too much on business.

One must balance life between health and gaining wealth. Thomas speaks to Daily News Expat Chit chat.

Q: How do you see Taj Airport Garden hotel today?

A) It is a very good property ideally located close to the airport and the city. Since it has over 30 acres there is more potential to improve. The Free Trade Zone in Katunayake is also brining us benefits and the hotel has been maintaining over 85 percent occupancy which is very encouraging. The future bookings too are impressive. This is also the reason why we are building a new hotel.

Q: How is the Taj Group doing?

A) Taj is a part of the Tata Group of companies, India's premier business house. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces which is over 100 years old comprises 57 hotels in 40 locations across India with additional 18 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Africa, and the Middle East. It's getting stronger and have gone to New York as well. They already have over 1500 rooms in San Francisco and Boston.

Q: How do you Sri Lanka as a destination?

A) Sri Lanka tourism has great potential and we know that better times are ahead.

The rich bio diversity and most importantly 'smiling' people is a great advantage for tourism. The visa on arrival policy and 'super' air connectivity and a good international airport is another major advantage.

Q: How do you see Sri Lanka staff?

A) I am so happy with the Human recourses which are a blessing and advantage for me. The Group has on going HR training programmes which have helped to mould their 'jobs.'

Q: What is the huge success of Kerala and Indian tourism?

A) I think the main reason is that Kelala, dubbed as god's own country, is being marketed in the right direction both locally and interracially. It addition infrastructure has come at the right time. Also there are close public private partnerships programmes which also helps the regions fast track infrastructure development. There are three international airports and a fourth is being built. Networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.

Overall in India I see high value, luxury properties which have resulted in high room rates. Several Maharaja Mansions have been converted to hotels and fetching exorbitant rates while large international chains have also invested in the country. This is also evident in Hill Stations. Due to the vast development of IT industry youth are more independent and have more spending power. This leads to more traveling both locally and overseas.

Q: What are the interesting places in Sri Lanka?

A) I am new to Sri Lanka and have not got the opportunity to travel a great deal. I have seen the southern beaches and the country's hill station is fascinating. I am eagerly waiting to see the history in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.