At least 600 taxi drivers in the Western province now have an improved image as they are uniformed, courteous and equipped with first aid skills to better serve visitors to the island, an industry official said. In an interview with the Business Times, Western Province Tourist Board Chairman Claude Thomasz said they have trained nearly [...]

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The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Improved taxi service for tourists

By Sunimalee Dias
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At least 600 taxi drivers in the Western province now have an improved image as they are uniformed, courteous and equipped with first aid skills to better serve visitors to the island, an industry official said. In an interview with the Business Times, Western Province Tourist Board Chairman Claude Thomasz said they have trained nearly 600 drivers and improved the services rendered by these people for visitors to the island.

These drivers already have the ability to speak in a number of foreign languages in addition to fluency in English, he said. It was pointed out that drivers today have a clear understanding of tourist requirements and the need to ensure cleanliness and knowledge of how to assist in first aid, fire, snake bite, drowning and food poisoning and etiquette following the programme. Tourists would be notified in the future of selecting those drivers that are trained and licensed to service tourists, Mr. Thomasz said. It is hoped that this would help curb any political pressure imposed on guides and hotels to help their supporters working as taxi drivers to get hires in the future as the tourist is left to decide who they wish to ride with. This programme has attracted the attention of the Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces as well, who have requested Mr. Thomasz to help conduct programmes for drivers in these areas as well. The board is also looking out for school leavers to join the industry, he said adding that they provide Year 10, 11 and 12 students with information on varied career opportunities in the hotel management sector.

The Board has also improved the areas through the provision of an Rs.11.8 million beach cleaner for Negombo and another for Beruwala. In addition driver training costing Rs.7000 is provided at a 50% subsidized rate. A new project to train former beach boys as Area Guides would get underway next month costing Rs.25, 000 – Rs.30, 000, which would also be provided at the subsidized rate of 50%. Solar power paneled beach lighting is provided at a cost of Rs.150, 000 for 250 units installed that would allow visitors to take a stroll on the beach at night as well. Meanwhile, the Board has also carried out a survey on all hotels in the Negombo tourism zone that would determine the services provided to tourists, facilities, and number of employees and rooms available.




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