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Strengthening security at city hotels has become one of the top priorities for the Ministry of Tourism, officials said on Wednesday, a day after LTTE air raids in Mannar and on the Kelanitissa power plant in Colombo.
Ministry Secretary George Michael told reporters that Minister Milinda Moragoda has appointed a security advisory team to make recommendations to hotels in Colombo on beefing up security measures. A DIG, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence, will also be appointed as a member of the committee for a 6-month period.
Mr. Michael said internal security is a function for the respective hotels and that there are no plans to put in armed guards on hotel premises. However, the DIG will function as a consultant or a go-between for the Ministry of Tourism, the Defense Ministry and the hotels and is expected to work closely with all three parties.
Mr. Michael added that according to statistics, tourism has declined by 9% from January to September 2008 to 317,546 arrivals compared to the corresponding period the previous year where there were 350,779 arrivals. He said he anticipates some improvement of those figures during the winter season which is upcoming.
Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) S. Kaleiselvam said they are focusing on tourism product development which includes resorts, the quality assurance of those locals, community relations, tourism research and domestic tourism and resort management. The SLTDA is focused on several projects including the development of the Kalpitiya Dutch Bay Resort, a 4000-acre spread of land with 14 islands, nine of which have already been acquired. He added the remaining five islands will be secured before the end of this year.
The SLTDA is also focusing on the 1200-acre Dedduwa Lake Resort Project for which the acquisition of the land is expected to take another year. Another is the Bentota Resort which was set up 30 years ago but is undergoing a renovation. This resort which is located on 100 acres of land and consists of 6 hotels with 700 rooms will get a new shopping complex and other facilities. The SLTDA is calling for investors for the development of the one-acre Kantale Rest House. The China Bay Airport is going through some interior work on the civilian air terminal. Mr. Kaleiselvam said another focus is on the informal sector integration as well as tourism mobile services, research and the development of domestic tourism with a 'home away from home' concept.
The SLTDA will also concentrate on facilitating SME's and working together with provincial councils to share power and resources. (NG)
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