Widening human resources gap, a threat to Sri Lanka’s tourism growth
View(s):Sri Lanka’s tourism growth and competitiveness could be constrained by the widening human resources gap, which could potentially be a threat to the industry as a whole. This could even be a threat to price tourism related products or services if this gap is not addressed, said Omega Global (Pvt) Ltd. Director Sudesh Kolonne. Focus must be given to attracting productivity levels, enhancing the quality of personnel through effective education and skills development will be critical to Sri Lanka’s long-term tourism growth and competitiveness, he added. Recognising the growing demands for professional training and development in the hospitality and tourism industry in Sri Lanka, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM) partnered with Omega Global (Pvt) Ltd at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo recently.
In a release issued at the event, Mr. Kolonne had highlighted, “According to the Travel and Tourism Index of 2015, Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism competitiveness jumped 18 ranks over the past four years, driven by the strong government focus on the tourism sector, remarkable infrastructure growth, enhanced marketing and promotional efforts for the country as a whole. The country saw close to 1.8 million tourist arrivals last year and is working towards a target of 2.2 million this year.” Managing Director Manik Suriyaaratchi said, “The growing demand in Sri Lankan hospitality industry requires 21st century approach towards training and development.
In this context, EAHM is poised to become the world’s leading hospitality management school is a good strategic fit to launch an innovative approach beyond traditional trainings in order to produce well-equipped future leaders for the industry.” Hospitality and tourism, being considered the world’s fastest growing industries, is expected to produce more than 303 million jobs worldwide by 2020. Identifying the global trends in the hospitality industry, the academy offers an array of professional development consultancy and services, assisting clients to achieve their overall organizational vision and specific requirements of their trainees.- (RM)