LEISURE

SLIM submits marketing report on tourism

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), submitted a comprehensive report titled "Sri Lankan tourism in 2011 and beyond" outlining the national marketing strategy for a sustainable economic growth in the Sri Lankan tourism sector. The objective of the report is to implement and adopt a policy which leads to a national strategy, shaping up Sri Lanka as a top tourist destination resulting in high export earnings further strengthening the country's economy.

Optimistic about the initiative led by SLIM, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said, "This report will further benefit the industry and boost our country's image as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The national marketing framework presented by SLIM will go hand in hand with the plans that the government of Sri Lanka envision for the tourism industry. We will continue to create a platform including further presentations and discussions with SLIM moving forward with our vision for the tourism industry".

SLIM conducted a myriad of discussions, presentations and brainstorming sessions stretching from early August in 2010, to identify key areas which are of concern, both long-term and short-term in the tourism sector. The team compiled strategies based on opinions of industry specialists for a national marketing strategy.

SLIM President Thushara Perera said, "The end of the war has created a new playing field, a new setting, in which the tourism industry must endeavour to create a value proposition that cannot be matched and meet the expectations created through branding, positioning and marketing strategies, to reach this potential. The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, comprising qualified practising marketeers, feels it has a role to play in supporting the tourism industry and the government of Sri Lanka in its efforts".

"Stake holders should put country before self interest"

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Nilmin Nanayakkara said the tourist industry is to sustain in the future if all the stake holders put the country before self interest. He was addressing the 43rd annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL).

Nanayakkara told the large audience present that the guide lecturers have a major role to play and give a good image of Sri Lanka.

The 43rd Annual General Meeting of the SLINT GL was held at the SLIWTSL auditorium. SLAITO President Nilmin Nanayakkara was the chief guest and Vipula Wanigasekara acting D.G.A. S.L.T.D.A. and the General Manager of Convention Bureau was the guest of honour.

Tilak Weerasinghe L.S.R. Chairman, Azmet Chairman Siril de Silva who participated as special guest. Past President Berty Balasooriya, Gamini Wadugodapitiya, Eric de Alwis, Bernard Andrahennady and Dudley Perera participated.

Jo Livera incumbent President and Wijesiri Manawadu Secretary General re-elected for the seventh successive year.

John Keells Hotels signs MoU with SLITHM

The John Keells Hotels Group entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (SLITHM) recently with the aim of helping youth to develop work skills that are transferable to the hospitality and related industries.

Armed with these skills, young participants are expected to benefit through increased self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance and broader career options.

This project would be a first of its kind where a private sector company has come forward to work along with the SLITHM to provide training to youth with guaranteed employment immediately upon completion of their training.

The company along with the SLITHM has selected 80 youth from the down south region as the first phase and is conducting a four-month hotel school certificate level programme covering the main hotel operational disciplines i.e. Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Services and Cookery at SLITHM - Koggala.

Upon the successful completion of the four-month certificate level programme, the company will absorb all the candidates to the John Keells Hotels as Trainees.