Financial Times

Tourists flock to Kandy despite troubles

By Priyeni de Silva McLeod

Tourist hotels in Kandy were fully operative during the Perahera season as foreign tourists flocked to the hill capital to watch Asia’s best known pageant

Despite speculation about low turn out of tourists, the number of foreign visitors was unchanged from last year.

According to industry sources most top class hotels were fully booked for the season with one exception; there were fewer local tourists. Contrary to the common attitude some of the guests at the hotels have commented that they felt secure and were reassured of their safety by the tight security that prevailed.

Tourists said the many check points were not an annoyance but rather a reassurance. Hotels such as Queen’s and Suisse recorded a 70 -80% occupancy which was better than expected and no better or worse than 2005. Kumar Thambyah, General Manager of both hotels, said that there were many Sri Lankans who were foreign passport holders resident in the hotels. Topping it all was Citadel Hotel and Hotel Topaz which recorded a 100% occupancy rate.

However, Anura Basnayake, General Manager of Hotel Topaz said the fallout of the current war situation could surface during the period October – December 2006 with fewer arrivals.

He said foreign travellers may be more cautious in the future, resulting in a drop in numbers.

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