Infrastructure; not the only pillar to build success, says THASL President
View(s):Infrastructure projects and programmes are not the only pillars on which Sri Lanka could build success. Quality and value are the keys to success and product development while ‘how we deliver’ must become the new implicit motto, says Jayantissa Kehelpannala, President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL).
He made these comments at the Annual General Meeting of the association last week at the Kingsbury in Colombo.
He said, “Sri Lanka is increasingly investing on physical infrastructure. Physical infrastructure and modernization are important to drive growth in the post-war context. With a range of new hotels in the pipeline and hotel infrastructure upgrades and renovations, it amply demonstrates the hotel sector’s willingness to participate actively in the public and private sector partnership in infrastructure development.”
Mr. Kehelpannala also said that the country needs to become more professional. Sri Lanka needs to develop a host of programmes that includes training and education, culinary development, sustainable tourism for environmental management and many others, all geared to help Sri Lankan hoteliers increase the quality of their product and their competitiveness, he noted. ‘Quality and value are the keys to success and product development is how we deliver’ must become the new implicit motto he added.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka must find a way to halt the current shortage of staff. “As more hotels open, competition among hotel operators, workers choosing to seek jobs overseas and a lack of suitably trained employees will put enormous pressure and this could be the single biggest challenge that the hospitality industry may face,” said Mr. Kehelpannala.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will face increasing global competition, especially from the neighbouring countries in the region attracting growing numbers of tourists. If Sri Lanka wants to take the place as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, the country has to provide ‘oxygen’ to the hospitality businesses. Practical impact assessments, balanced legislation, reduction of red tape, competitive energy tariffs, improved access to finance and lower taxation are essential for speedy growth.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Chairman, Bhashwara Gunaratne noted that even though the tourism industry was protected during the difficult times of Sri Lanka, the trend has now turned towards investing on tourism considering it as a fashion. International tourism brands are also seeking their share in Sri Lankan tourism market.
Sri Lanka has the potential to attract tourists into the country better than any other Asian destination. The country’s focus is on long term sustainable development of the tourism industry rather than short term policies that would look fascinating but not long lasting, he said.
(RM)