Youth in tourism

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Youths have much to offer in making the world a better place. They are skilled, technology-savvy, want to be heard, more engaged and passionate.They are not just the manpower but also suppliers of the content and ideas to a developing nation.

Maintaining employment and sustainable economic growth are two crucial factors for development. Tourism offers unparalleled potential to generate growth. It is something that we can expand in Sri Lanka. We have the resources and the means. All we lack is the drive. This is because most of the youth do not see means of finding a profitable occupation connected with the industry.

“This is the issue we have addressed in this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations. Empowering youth to look at the tourism industry as a career development drive to enhance the economic growth of the country is our main focus. With more young people contributing to the sector, the tourism trade has the capacity to become the number one industry in Sri Lanka,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa said.

He calls future leaders of the nation to join hands in taking the industry forward. Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority (VTA) and Sri Lanka Hotel Association (THASL) have come together to organize a host of activities to arouse youth and school children’s interest in the prospects of looking towards the tourism sector as a beneficial employment strategy.

Celebrated under the theme ‘Tourism – Linking Cultures’, set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sri Lanka will host a number of programmes on an islandwide scale. The main festivities will take place in Colombo, around Beira Lake on September 27 and 28.

One of the highlights of the celebrations is a demonstration kitchen

Tourists frolicking on the beach

Anura Lokuhetty Dr Nalaka Godahewa

“Serious consideration needs to be given to redefining the education system of the country. It should cater to the development of resources and identified industries that could make a difference in developing the country’s economy. We need to work towards achieving that target,” VTA Chairman and CEO Dhammika Hewapathirana said.

THASL President Anura Lokuhetty said that the UN World Tourism Organization’s theme goes well with Sri Lanka because the country has a great diversity in cultures. President Mahinda Rajapaksa had targeted 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2016. This means that there will be direct employment opportunities for at least 500,000 people. The figure will ascend to four million tourist arrivals by 2020 with the target income generation being US$ eight billion.

Around 2000 students from 150 schools will contribute to painting a one kilometre length art wall. Participants will be asked to draw their perception of Colombo in 10 years. Cultural items such as Sokari and Kolam which are unique to Sri Lanka will be showcased. A water light programme will add some colour to the festivities.

One of the highlights of the celebrations is a demonstration kitchen. It displays all the main features that a kitchen should have and how the equipments operate. Chef Dr T Publis Silva will unveil some recipes belonging to the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Hindu, Burger, Malay and Vedda communities. These dishes have been prepared by our ancestors and have faded out of the limelight with time.

“The jobs that we offer will be on par with professions such as doctors, architects, engineers, accountants and lawyers. Salaries and perks are sometimes even equal or better then in some of the professions in Sri Lanka. The other advantage in the hotel industry is that there are so many job opportunities across the globe as tourism and leisure industry is the largest employer in the world. This is an industry which cannot be automated since it requires the definite attention of human beings,” Lokuhetty said adding that this is the answer to the country’s employment issues.

He noted that students are welcome to make a request through their principal and visit a hotel and witness the types of services they offer and the work involved. Many school leavers can begin their careers in tourism and hospitality rather than go for another industry. They will be able to work in an enjoyable setting, making people happy. The tourism industry has many perks. The reason that youths do not consider it as their first choice of employment is because they have not recognized the pleasant environs and advantages that the sector has to offer.

“The only other industry where you work directly with people is the health industry. However in the hospitality trade you will be ensured a very pleasant environment because you will work toward making people happy. You will be trained well because the industry requires extreme professionalism. Consider hoteliering as a suitable profession. Reduce the brain drain. Do your bit to make Sri Lanka the wonder of Asia,” concluded Lokuhetty.