Sri Lanka seeks foreign investment in tourism infrastructure
View(s):Sri Lanka which had just a few international hotel brands like Hilton, Ramada and Taj, has now seen the emergence of brands like Shangrila, Sheraton, Movenpick, Hyatt, Marriot and Accor Hotels, a Sri Lankan industry expert told an international tourism gathering last week.
“Our industry, thus, is well on its way towards prosperity and there is no looking back,” said Vipula Wanigasekera, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) speaking at the opening of the 4-day, Asian Congress of Skal International in Negombo.
Over 150 Skalleagues (as members of this grouping are known) from around the world took part in the event.
Pic shows Vipula Wanigasekera, GM –SLCB and Hiran Cooray, Chairman - Jetwing Hotels lighting the lamp among other delegates
It took the SLCB nearly three years to lobby and succeed in hosting this event for Sri Lanka.
Mr. Wanigasekera said the holding of Skal Asia in Negombo is timely as Sri Lanka Tourism is going through a massive transformation towards development.
There is unprecedented level of infrastructure development under the purview of this government. New airports, new highways are all coming up while telecommunication infrastructure is improving and city beautification is taking place.
“Having said that, the government does not believe in developing tourism at the cost of our environment and the society. Tourist development will not adversely impact on our environment and the society. Just to illustrate a small point, if you look at Google satellite view on Sri Lanka, you will see how green we are compared to our neighbours. Similarly if you land in the airport during day time, you will see only green until the plans hits the ground,” he said.
He urged foreign participants to communicate their experience in Sri Lanka to other parts of the world profiling the country with unique products, locations and attractions.
“Earlier we had diversity from beaches, mountains, wildlife, ancient cities, eco, adventure, wellness etc. But we have gone beyond that. Where on earth can a tourist be guaranteed the sight of a leopard within a shorter period? Where on earth can you witness the majesty blue whales just 5 kilometers off the shore or a gathering of hundreds of wild elephants in several locations, or find eight world heritage sights declared by the UNESCO in a small island like ours?” he asked. The SLCB GM also referred to the existence of over 100 ship wrecks not deliberately sunk, but which capsized during colonial times due to bad weather or during sea battles. “We also have hot water wells and if you bathe, it is said that your life span gets prolonged. I am sure some of you will want to try this out; indigenous medical systems that will cure your long standing sicknesses permanently. Sri Lanka’s traditions that run back to 3000 remain untouched and unblemished,” he added.
He said there were also many potential areas for investments, not necessarily in hotels or accommodation but in comfort centres, water sports hotels, golf courses, race courses, water parks, theme parks, marinas, shopping malls, etc.
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