Taj GM confident of tourism future

The Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo like many city hotels is struggling against low occupancy and declining tourist arrivals. Nevertheless the Indian hotels group is confident of a tourism recovery given its decision to implement a major and costly renovation of the hotel.

“The Taj Group has always had a long term perspective for Sri Lanka and this is further reinforced with the recently concluded renovation. We were one of the very first hotel chains to arrive here 25 years ago, and have weathered periods of upheaval and boom,” noted Taj Hotel’s General Manager Saurabh Ratan in a media statement this week.

He said the Taj Samudra has initiated a massive renovation project that is being carried out in four phases over the next three years. This renovation involves a substantial outlay of US $ 15 million with the completion of it’s first phase, which encompasses a complete revamping of the hotel’s superior rooms and executive floor, the poolside as well as the recent launch of the all day dining restaurant “Latitude”.

Ratan says the already completed Superior Rooms on the first three floors have been well received by the market whilst the plush and elegant rooms of the executive floor promise unequivocal luxury. “The Executive rooms have evolved around the concept of “Addictive Convenience” which corporate business travellers look out for in selecting a hotel room” he explained. “The long chord hair drier, wide body shower head, lumbar supporting work desk chair, international plug sockets, lap top and cell phone chargers at bedside and wi-fi connectivity are some of the few features that make staying in these rooms so convenient”.

The general manager believes tourism can be actualized from being the fourth largest foreign exchange earner, to topping foreign exchange earnings at first place. He cautions however against detrimental short term tactical moves. “In situations such as the present, several countries have made the mistake of positioning themselves as inexpensive destinations with the resultant evils impacting the industry as a whole,” he explained.