SAARC Summit will have positive impact on country’s image and tourism

By Lalin Fernandopulle

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Despite the loss to hotels in the city, the SAARC Summit will have a positive impact on the image of the country and tourism, said President, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, (THASL) Srilal Miththapala.

He said there won’t be a dent on tourism with a week-long event.

Though the loss runs into a colossal amount hoteliers have recognised the importance of the event that will bring international fame to the country.

“Hotels in Colombo will be affected due to the area declared as a high security zone and a sharp drop in the number of tourists arrivals is anticipated during the time of the Summit”, Miththapala said.

The City Hotel Association has made representations to the government on the loss to hotels due to the cancellation of bookings for banquets and other family functions. The loss to hotels is estimated to be around Rs. 150 million.

“The government has not totally disregarded the hotels but will ensure that they will benefit from the event which will boost the image of the country as a destination for tourism”, he said.

The Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Galle Face, Holiday Inn, Taj Samudra, Intercontinental, Galadari and Hotel Hilton will be venues for the SAARC Summit which commenced yesterday. The Summit will conclude on August 3.

Miththpala said the THASL will launch a series of events during the year to promote tourism. The Hikaduwa beach festival from July 30 to August 3 will be a mega event that will create interest and attract tourists.

A carnival atmosphere will be created with family events, children’s sand castle show, road races, entertainment by foreign DJs, food festivals and a host of other activities to entertain tourists.

The THASL has planned to promote tourism through the gathering of elephants in Minneriya. Over 150 elephants gather at the Minneriya tank at any given time and it will be a beautiful sight for wildlife lovers.

The THASL took part recently in the release of elephants to the jungles from the Udawalawe Sanctuary. Foreign journalists showed a keen interest to report on a rare scene and show the world that despite the war, Sri Lankans care for animals.

Miththapala said the adverse effects of the conflict on tourism cannot be ignored but the industry should forge ahead with confidence that tourism will be the first sector to bounce back when good times dawn.

The tourism industry is facing the worst times with the sporadic terrorist attacks unleashed in every part of the country.

The number of tourist arrivals has dropped sharply due to travel advisories and adverse publicity. Many hotels are unable to sustain businesses due to the decline in occupancy rates.