China to build five-star hotel in Colombo

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

For the first time, a Chinese hotel chain is to build a 400-room-five star hotel at Galle Face adjoining the Taj Samudra Hotel. This is expected to be a US$ 500 million investment and is the first time the Chinese government is getting involved in commercial operations in a large way.

The project, expected to get off the ground at the end of the year, would be a mixed development project. There would also be a shopping complex and residencies. The investor would be China National Areotech Import and Export Corporation.

President, Tourist Hotels Association, Anura Lokuhetty said that this would be a major boon to cater to enter the Chinese tourism industry which is considered one of the biggest in the world.

He said that the hotel would also for the first time, open doors for Sri Lankan employees in the leisure sector in China.

The Shangri-A group from Hong Kong too has signed contract to build an ultra luxury hotel in the Galle Face area.