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| Sunday, 20 March 2005 |
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More foreign investors for tourism by Shirajiv Sirimane reporting from Germany Berlin (Friday) The interest for foreign investments for the tourism industry has not reduced after the tsunami. In fact more investors have now selected Sri Lanka over other countries, said Sri Lanka Tourist Board Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara. Speaking to Sunday Observer on the closing day of the IB, the world's largest tourism trade fair here he said that the Ramada International hotel chain would be investing in two four star hotels in Sri Lanka. "One would be built in Katunayake and the second in Colombo," he said. This would add around 175 rooms to the local tourism industry and generate over 500 employment opportunities. The construction of the Katunayake hotel complex would commence this year. The investment for these two projects would be around 70 million US dollars. The SLTB in consultation with the Cabinet, Ministry of Environment and other relevant institutions has decided to convert an area around Kalpitiya to an up market destination with all hotels to construct over the 'four star' and above category. He said that a foreign investor has already pledged to construct a 350 room four star hotel at this venue "The investor would send a team to Sri Lanka next week to further study the project," he said. In addition the Hilton Intentional chain has also decided to construct a five star 350 room property in Pulmudai in Trincomalee. The Sheraton group has also decided to construct a 350-room four star hotel in D. R. Wijewardane Mawatha. Nanayakkara said that the feeling at the ITB was positive and he was confident that the tsunami would not have a long term negative impact on tourism. "In fact we have developed new markets and are confident to pass the 600,000 arrival mark this year," he said. |
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