Tourism to boom with end to terror

Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The tourism industry will boom within three months with more foreign tourists, investors and expatriates visiting the country following the defeat of terrorism and the achievement of peace, said General Manager, Waters Edge Hotel, Thusith Samaraweera.

He said the tourism industry faced a major setback in the recent years due to terrorism that discouraged tourists visiting the country.

"With peace being achieved there is great opportunity for tourism to revive and be one of the leading foreign exchange earners in the country", Samaraweera said.

He said the new management of the Hotel is geared to meet the expectations of its clientele and provide the best holiday experience to visitors.

The hotel had never stopped functioning and banquet operations continue with high quality of service.Waters Edge Hotel caters primarily to the corporate clientele with facilities for domestic and foreign tourists.

Samaraweera said the hotel is an ideal location in Colombo with fine recreational facilities and best sceneries in city. The motivated staff and the quality service are some of the salient factors that attract visitors to a calm and serine environment.

A series of programs will be launched this year that will help woo more tourist to the country.Buffet offered at the lobby, enrolment of around 500 members, the Legends of Sri Lanka musical show, Sundown Dance, Cherokee and the opening of the Fine Dine restaurant with exclusive menu are the key activities that will take place next month.

He said the number of functions have increased after a lul in April which is an lean month.

There will more activites in June which is a moth for weddings.

The management of the Waters Edge Hotel changed hands this year following the landmark Court ruling on the illegal land transaction of the hotel premises.