TRAVEL

Sri Lanka Tourism:

Focus on infrastructure rather than numbers

Tax concessions and incentives offered to tourism in the budget will help fast track development of the industry and achieve targets set out for next year, said an official of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The budget proposed a tax reduction on all tourism related businesses from 15 percent to 12 percent, a levy of US$ 20 per bed on all five star hotels which charge less than US$ 125 per night from 2011 and reduction in duties on passenger transportation vehicles by 25 percent.

He said the budget has focused on developing tourism which benefitted from peace dividends. Tourism has rebounced since mid last year bringing the much needed confidence to the industry.

Tourist arrivals this year recorded a 50 percent growth during the first half compared to the same period in 2009. A month-on-month growth was recorded throughout the year and the projection is that arrivals would reach around 600,000 by year end.

"The focus of Sri Lanka tourism during the next couple of years is on infrastructure improvement rather than achieving numbers. The industry is keen on attracting high spenders who will be more responsible", he said.

Malaysia, The Maldives, Singapore and China have the highest number of tourists during a year, in the region. Tourists to Sri Lanka last year numbered 448,000.

Tourism experts said a consistent plan and aggressive marketing are vital to promote the country as a destination to the global traveller.

The 'Visit 2011' campaign to attract more visitors and position the country in the world tourism map is expected to boost tourism which is being geared to record 2.5 million travellers to the country.

Eight products symbolising the eight letters of the country will be promoted with the theme 'Eight wonderful experiences in eight wonderful days'.

The beaches, heritage, scenic beauty, festivals, body and mind wellness, wild life, sports and adventure and essence of life will be promoted through the campaign.

He said authenticity, bio-diversity, compactness and being an island offers Sri Lanka an unique and distinct advantage to market tourism.

"Our plan is to make tourism a US$ 1 billion industry as fast as possible. Poor infrastructure has been the main constraint to expedite growth in tourism", he said.

Sri Lanka Tourism has planned to build 30,000 hotel rooms within the next five years. Currently over 2,000 rooms are being built in properties across the country.

"Around 10,000 rooms will be built during the next year and plans are to have nearly 45,000 rooms to accommodate visitors", the SLTDA official said.

Sri Lanka Tourism is focused on developing the road network and resuming float planes to improve domestic transportation.

The operation of sea planes at the Negombo lagoon has come under heavy criticism from fishermen in the area who claim that the operation of flights will be a threat to the fisheries sector.

The SLTDA is identifying locations in the North to be developed as tourism zones. The locations will be handed over to the private sector to develop.

(LF)

IATA addresses MEET2 on climate change

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the observations of the Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani to the Second Ministerial Conference on Global Environment and Energy in Transport (MEET2).

Bisignani urged the attending governments to recognise and support the commitments of IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in driving aviation's responsible approach to climate change.

Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers are committed to work together to deliver on three tough targets:

Improving fuel efficiency by an average of 1.5 percent annually to 2020, capping net emissions from 2020 with carbon-neutral growth, and cutting net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. "Aviation is at the forefront of industries taking a responsible approach on climate change. In 2009, aviation emitted 625 million tonnes of carbon-equal to 2 percent of manmade CO2. We are working together to reduce that with the cooperation of governments," said Bisignani.

Bisignani also congratulated governments on their historic agreement at ICAO. "At last month's ICAO Assembly 190 governments agreed to work with industry to improve fuel efficiency by 2percent annually, cap emissions from 2020 and develop a global framework for economic measures.

This is the first and only agreement by governments to manage the emissions of an industrial sector. Governments must now take a stake in delivering emissions reductions. This means working with industry to provide the tools, including air traffic management reform, to achieve their goals," said Bisignani.

"Aviation will arrive in Cancun with its homework done, under the leadership of ICAO. Moreover, we will be asking governments to address four key challenges: (1) support the industry's targets with improvements in air traffic management and the legal and fiscal structures needed for the commercialisation of sustainable biofuels, (2) keep focused on developing a global framework for economic measures and reject ineffective regional schemes, (3) take advantage of aviation's role as an economic catalyst rather than using the industry as a cash cow source of funding and (4) promote aviation's achievements as a role model for others to follow," said Bisignani.

Pico Global and Montgomery Worldwide plan exhibitions in SL

Two of the leading names in the global trade fair business, Pico Global and Montgomery Worldwide, are to work in partnership, organising a series of international trade exhibitions to internationalise the local exhibition industry and serve Sri Lanka's rapidly modernising economy.

Pico begun in 1969 is one of the world's leading experiential marketing service providers facilitating total brand activation for many of the Fortune 500 companies, government bodies and non-government organisations. In Sri Lanka, Pico is the oldest professional exhibition organiser.

Montgomery Worldwide is one of the world's longest established multi-national exhibition organising companies. It staged its first industrial exhibition for the construction industry in London in 1895 and between 1970-1980 pioneered specialist trade shows for the rapidly emerging economies of Asia and Middle East.

Chairman of Montgomery, Sandy Angus said "We have been following developments in Sri Lanka in recent years and everywhere there is evidence of solid growth and strong potential. The many infrastructure projects which have been announced will benefit not only the industry, but also the Sri Lankan community of 21 million people."

"Innovative specialist trade shows are catalysts for growth that will further stimulate these trends and we are certain that the events we develop will enhance Colombo as a regional business destination and boost business tourism. Pico is an esteemed company in the world of exhibitions and I am delighted that we are bringing our respective skills together in Sri Lanka".

Executive Director of Pico Sri Lanka, Shanti Outschoorn said "We are glad to join hands with Montgomery in partnership to announce a series of international exhibitions in key developing sectors in Sri Lanka.

The exhibition industry is a critical and vital component in the economy of a country and internationalisation of the industry will pave the way in the countries that endeavour towards becoming a regional hub.

We trust these exhibitions will be a perfect B2B platform and be an aid for development of our country. In this context we are also proud to be a part of the nation building exercise".

She said that Trade Exhibitions are one of the fastest growing markets worldwide and other Asian countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand are already giants in it.

Pico and Montgomery, through their joint venture are planning a series of exhibitions to take place at Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre, Colombo.

ABTA handicraft program for women and youth

The Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) organised a four-day handicraft Program for the women and youth of Arugam Bay. The aim of the program was to encourage participants to engage in income generating activities by developing new skills, and to address the issue of the lack of souvenirs for tourists visiting Arugam Bay. "Souvenirs, such as ornaments and other gift items on Arugam Bay, were a long-felt need. With tourist arrivals expected to increase in the coming months, we believe that these items will be an added boost to the industry and the people," said Chairman ABTA M.H.A. Raheem.

Seashells - used to create ornaments and (insert) Chairman ABTA M.H.A. Raheem

A total of 30 community members, 20 females and 10 males participated in the program held at the ABTA office. Conducted by handicraft specialists and professionals from the Agro Mart Foundation, the program was funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Participants were trained in the use of seashells to create ornamental and gift items. The first segment of the program focused on giving participants theoretical knowledge of the craft and the second encouraged them to create their own designs using seashells.

The designs were showcased during an exhibition held on the final day of the program, and certificates were awarded to participants. ABTA will assist participants market their items.

Through such programs, the participation and contribution of women and youth in the economic development of Arugam Bay will be enhanced, explained Raheem. "It will provide families, especially women, an alternate source of income.

Since a majority of the people live in coastal areas, this will also provide them an opportunity to earn income from coastal resources. We will ensure that these programs are carried out in an environmentally conscious manner, protecting the natural resources of Arugam Bay," Raheem said.

ABTA established in 1999 was formally registered in 2005. Begun with 15 members, it now serves as an umbrella organisation for tourism and consists of 400 community members and 16 societies working hand in hand under the Pottuvil DS Division.

Sri Lanka to co-host ICC World Cup

In 2011 Sri Lanka will host the world's most prestigious event in the cricket calendar, the International Cricket Council World Cup. The games played in February and March will take place in stadiums located in the colonial capital, Colombo, the Southern coastal city of Hambantota and the ancient capital, Kandy.

Sri Lanka is currently 2nd in the world cup rankings, closely followed by England in 5th place. As potential favourites to go through to the Quarter and Semi Finals, the England cricket team may have the opportunity to play at one of these venues.

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo - the county's largest cricket ground, is capable of holding 35,000 cricket fans. The Pallekele Stadium in Kandy is capable of holding 25,000 visitors. The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota is being built exclusively for the ICC world cup in order to increase the capacity of Sri Lanka's stadiums.

Sri Lanka will host a total of twelve matches in these three venues raising the island's profile amongst international sport hosts.

In celebration of this event, Sri Lanka Tourism is planning to offer special promotional packages to cricket lovers. The packages include accommodation and ground transportation including domestic scenic air travel to the matches in Hambantota and Kandy from Colombo for day and extended tours at the visitor's request.

The packages will include stays in the Mahoora Luxury Safari Camps in the wilderness. Guests can also stay in nearby Yala National Park which has the highest concentration of Leopards in the world, only half an hour by car from Hambantota.

In these safari camps, guests will experience life in the jungle in a luxury setting with themed evening meals.

The newly launched webpage with the 'Visit Sri Lanka 2011' branding includes further details of the packages on offer to visitors at http://www.srilanka.travel/cricket.

The island will provide the perfect backdrop to the ICC world cup, as cricket is Sri Lanka's national sport. The world cup which first began in 1975 takes place every four years and has had nine editions to date. 2011 is the tenth anniversary of the event, which is set to be one of the largest celebrations to date.

FCCISL investor forum, Trincomalee

An investor forum was held in conjunction with the Trincomalee Trade Fair organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Trincomalee District (CCITD) on a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) initiative, in collaboration with FCCISL held at the Hindu Cultural Hall, Trincomalee recently.

Organised with the focus on SME development, the forum was directed towards investment opportunities in Sri Lanka following the end of the conflict, to create a platform for importers, exporters, service providers, buyers, sellers, those looking for investment opportunities, investment promotion agencies, exporters who wish to find products for export, local suppliers of finished products and raw materials and logistics providers to meet at one venue.

The resource persons were Bandula Haputhantrie, Senior Assessor, Department of Inland Revenue; Chamitha Hemantha Gamage, District Commissioner of Labour, Trincomalee; S Uhanathan, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, Eastern Provincial Council and Urmila Senthilkumaran, Program Coordinator, OxfamGB, Trincomalee.

R Rajarammohan, President CCITI highlighted opportunities available for canning of tuna fish, expansion of tourism, creating handicraft items out of sea shells, potential for agro related ventures and the availability of land.

"Networking opportunities for market oriented Agro Enterprises" was the theme of the first day's sessions with a presentation on "Investment Opportunities In Agriculture Sector".

This session was supported by - CHEER of the FCCISL and funded by the EU/ACAP. Sam Stembo, National Project Director of FCCISL CHEER spoke of the project's initiative in facilitating investment with special focus on agro related enterprises.

"Why is the SME sector vital for our country and banks", "How are SMEs different to Corporates", "Bank's Approaches to Lending to SMEs" "Matching SME and Bank expectations in Lending" and "New Approaches to Lending" were topics discussed the second day.

An 08 member business delegation from Colombo, whose visit was facilitated by FCCISL, participated. The delegates were afforded the opportunity to meet with their counterparts from Trincomalee.

LOLC Micro Credit felicitates Gr. 5 scholars

LOLC Micro Credit Ltd. (LOMC) - the Micro Finance Company of the Lanka ORIX Leasing Company PLC.(LOLC), held its inaugural Isuru Diriya Sisu Upahara Scholarship awards at its head office recently with Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardhana as chief guest.

Deputy Chairperson, LOLC Group Ishara Nanayakkara; Executive Director LOLC Group, Mrs. Kalsha Amarasinghe; Group Managing Director Kapila Jayawardena and Director and CEO of LOLC Micro Credit Ltd., Ravi Tissera were present.

P.M. Navanjana Pabasari of Chilaw, G.K.G.C. Dilshan De Samarasinghe of Aralaganwila and R.D. Supunsara Dissanayake of Nikaweratiya were among the 27 students recognised and rewarded.

Isuru Diriya Sisu Upahara is the chief CSR initiative of LOMC, where it felicitates and supports exceptional educational achievements of students showcased at the Grade five scholarship examination.

Children of LOMC customers - mainly comprising rural based farming and entrepreneurial communities of the SME and Micro sectors - are felicitated making this an extra special event.

Prior to the exam, the Divulapitiya Isuru Diriya Centre organised a special preparatory seminar for the children of the community as its CSR initiative.

Director and Chief Executive Officer LOMC, Ravi Tissera said," Isuru Diriya Sisu Upahara is our first step towards developing the communities that we serve. By supporting the educational needs and skills of children at the grass roots level, we hope to take our CSR initiative a step further. Although it is a first to LOMC, our parent company is not new to the education sector. LOLC is already involved in providing Business English and IT education to the rural masses. Similarly, we want to invest in bringing the children of the communities we serve to the forefront of the country's development process."

New GM at Airport Garden Hotel

by Sapumali GALAGODA

Shekhar Walavalkar took over as the new GM of Airport Garden Hotel Seeduwa last week. He has over 30 years of hotel experience, starting his career with the Indian hotels company.

Shekhar Walavalkar by Chinthaka Kumarasinghe

Walavalkar will drive the transition of the Airport Garden Hotel to the Gateway Hotel Airport Garden in January next year following the announcement made by the Taj Group in early September on the new brand architecture of its properties. Walavalkar has turned around many projects and has implemented some of the best practices in the industry which will assist the transition of the hotel.

He has worked with sister concerns of Tata including Cox & Kings and Taj Air Caterers.

"I am looking forward to taking on the challenges that will come with the re-launch of the hotel. There is no doubt that the new phase of the hotel which is a new concept to Sri Lanka will be well received". This is the change we have all been waiting for, said Walavalkar.

Tata Group is the only international chain to own three properties in Sri Lanka.