Creating more interest among tourists:

It’s ‘Christmas’ for city hotels

By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Despite the drawback of the global economy and the decline in the number of tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates most city hotels are preparing to celebrate Christmas and the New Year on a grand scale.

Marketing Communication Manager, Hilton Colombo, Mrs. Gigi De Silva said preparations are being made to celebrate the festive season on a grand scale.

“Some of the finest menus and music have been lined up to delight all our customers during the season. Hotel occupancy during the festive season has been satisfactory and activities will not be restricted”, she said.

De Silva said Christmas and New Year eve dinner dances will take place at the poolside and Thorana Lounge with entertainment from Kapila and Naushad.

Assistant Sales Manager, Galle Face Hotel, Brian Joseph said despite security concerns hotel celebrations will be held as usual and there are no cancellations in any of the activities. “The hotel has full occupancy and this year’s celebrations will focus on motivating visitors and creating more interest among tourists to visit the country”, he said. Joseph said Cosmic, a UK based company will entertain visitors at the Copacabana on the 31st Night Dinner dance. The hotel has lined up a series of entertainment to delight visitors during the festive season.

A Public Relations Official of Hotel Ceylon Continental said carols will be sung at the lobby on December 20 and a special buffet will be served at Christmas and New Year’s eve parties.

“The hotel is confident that there will be a large number of guests during the festive time and the number of arrivals will increase in the new year”, he said.

The Cinnamon Grand Hotel has organised activities to entertain guests with special cuisines for the season. The hotel will be a hive of activity that will boost the spirit of the festive season. The small and medium scale hotels are the most affected sectors as the number of guests has declined due to the travel warnings and the world financial crisis. Tourists have limited travelling to save for family expenses.

Officials of the Tourism Development Authority said though the number of foreign visitors has been below the one million target set for this year, the number of tourist arrivals from the Middle East, East Europe and Russia has increased.