Siddhalepa Resorts refurbishment costs Rs 50 m:

Sri Lanka-Ayurveda therapy destination

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The country's hotel sector is gearing up to face the influx of tourist arrivals which has already surpassed the targets for this year.

"We need quality resorts to cater to the winter season in which the arrivals would increase remarkably. Sidhalepa Resorts has been fully refurbished at an investment of Rs 50 million and ready to welcome guests," Hettigoda Group Managing Director Asoka Hettigoda told Daily News Business.

There is a growing demand for health tourism and Sri Lanka could be a niche market for this segment.

"We are positive that there is a future in the tourism industry and investment at present could yield greater benefits," he said. "However, there is a need to improve facilities and provide quality service if we are to attract health tourists.

A set of standards and comprehensive guidelines are necessary to improve the sector on par with global expectations."

The country could tap markets such as England, Germany, Russia and even France and Japan to develop the health tourism sector and attract more visitors.

"We plan to promote Sri Lanka as a destination for Ayurveda therapy.

The awareness on healthy lifestyles has a positive impact on developing this market," Hettigoda said.