Over US$ five billion investment:
PJ Hotels goes for four seven star hotels
Charumini DE SILVA
PJ Hotels (Pvt) Ltd., will develop a range of hotels and will open
four seven star hotels under the brand name ‘Our Way’. Most of the
investors are Asians and mainly Indians and Chinese investors will
contribute, since they are in the region, as they understand the
necessity.
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Prasanna
W. Jayawardene |
“The investment of these hotels is nearly US$ five billion. Through
the development of these hotels the GDP and per capita income will grow
substantially. The company will open a hotel with 1,000 rooms in Mannar
under the tagline ‘Northshore Icon’.
These hotels will be constructed with an eco-friendly method and
construction work will commence in the next four years.
The target market for the range of hotels is mainly Asians as they
have shown a huge interest in exploring Sri Lanka”, said Chairman, PJ
Hotels (Pvt) Ltd., Prasanna W. Jayewardene.
Asia has half of the world’s population and it has the fastest
growing economies. This population is keen on travelling around the
world and Sri Lanka has the potential of attracting more tourists to the
country with the dawn of peace.
Sri Lanka as a tourist destination has great potential among
investors who are eager to invest in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The coastal lines in these areas are very attractive, as it has not been
affected due to the war, which drove the country backwards for three
decades.
“There are possibilities of developing games since tourists will
arrive and be a part of it while travelling around the country. The
surfing beach in Arugam Bay will capture the attention of many local and
foreign tourists. In addition these activities will contribute to
increase foreign exchange earnings”, he said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has already declared the year 2011 as the
‘Visit Sri Lanka Year’ and is expecting 2.5 million tourists by the year
2016. The Northern province will be one of the most developed provinces
within the next few years.
Tourists will not only arrive by air, but the ferries will also
increase, especially with India. In addition the Sri Lankan diaspora
will also join to build and invest in Sri Lanka since their response is
tremendous.
“With the development of these hotels in the Northern and Eastern
provinces many job opportunities will be created and many jobs will be
created within the area. Meanwhile, the other sectors related to tourism
and the hotel industry will motivate their business”, Jayewardene said.
“Sri Lanka is enriched with vibrant cultures. Many religious and
cultural celebrations will take place in every nook and corner and the
people will be enthusiastic to experience these events. The whale and
dolphin watching trade has many opportunities and these sectors have to
be enhanced with innovative ideas, as they will contribute to the
country’s economy vastly”, he said.
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