Tourism industry could bounce back easily
ANJANA Samarasinghe
The tourism industry is a sector that could easily bounce back to
normal in any crisis, said Managing Director of Confifi Group Hotels,
Stefan Furkhan.
He said that the tourism industry could generate a large number of
employment opportunities and attract foreign exchange to the country
soon after a crisis. Unlike other industries tourism can easily bounce
back to normal.
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Stefan Furkhan Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe |
The less spending partners and sudden job cuts in our traditional
markets, UK and Europe due to the current economic crisis has diminished
the number of tourist arrivals to the country.
In the recent past there was bad publicity about Sri Lanka due to the
war and now the war is ending. This will give a significant boost to the
number of tourist arrivals. Repeat clients who have kept away for a long
time due to the war need to know that the war is almost over in Sri
Lanka. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is still equipped with products over
25 years and investments need to be made in the industry.
The buses used to transport tourists are quite old and some tour
operators are demanding the latest coaches to transport their guests in
Sri Lanka.
At times after a long flight tourists have to travel to the south and
it takes long hours due to traffic congestion. The industry together
with the government needs to address these issues for the betterment of
the industry, he said.
He said there is much potential for tourism development in the
Eastern province.
The industry needs to be geared to derive the maximum benefits soon
after the war. |
