Tourism industry upbeat with influx

Focus on high spenders:

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The country’s tourism industry will take off quickly as it shows improvements in tourist arrivals.

Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi

Tourists enjoying the natural beauty of Sri Lanka at the Baker’s Fall in Horton Plains. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe.

“We need to concentrate on high spending tourists as Sri Lanka has a reputation of giving facilities at cheaper rates. With the introduction of the minimum room rate, the industry will progress well, Grand Oriental Hotel Chairman Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi told Daily News Business.

“The minimum room rate will also prevent undercutting by the industry players and augurs well for enhanced results,” he said. “The industry future looks bright as there are visible indications in the Colombo Stock Market that hotel related sector shares are traded high in value and volume,” he said.It is expected that after the election, the tourist industry will have a boom and a rapid progress.

The industry is set to be the main foreign exchange earner in the country.

The country needs to train human resources to handle this situation and be prepared to welcome the influx of tourists.

Many in the industry who left the country for greener pastures will return as the tourist industry could prosper due to the peaceful environment.

Sri Lanka has great deal of attractions to offer tourists and a proper marketing mechanism is essential to promote the country. The infrastructure development including the road network will have a positive impact on the tourism industry.

“The construction of Hambantota Port and the second airport are also an added advantage for the industry progress,” he said.There are specific proposals under the Mahinda Chintana to develop the tourist industry and by fulfilling them the industry could reach great heights.