Plans for PPP to upgrade state bungalows and hostels
View(s):The Ministry of Tourism is planning to upgrade all holiday bungalows and hostels under the state authorities, Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said.
“I will prepare a concept paper on upgrading all these properties and this can boost tourism for both locals and foreigners. This is a great way to bring in earnings for the tourism sector,” he told the Business Times. He said the idea is to go for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) when upgrading these properties.
While a proper count of how many properties the government owns hasn’t been done, the Minister said they will call on all state institutions to submit these details. He will prepare a concept paper and go to the Cabinet for approval in the coming month.
The government owns many bungalows across the island.
Mr. Amaratunga added that these are badly run and if refurbished will be much sought after by local and foreign tourists. He said that many firms are quite interested in partnering with the ministry in upgrading these properties. “There are many who approached us and we will entertain proposals in this regard.”