Industry wants hotel “zones” demarcated

In a bid to boost organisational capacity and revenue, leading hoteliers are calling on the Government to demarcate zones for the industry around the country.

They note that this would enable prime land to be utilised for upmarket hotels and the rest demarcated according to the standards of the establishments.

By Shezna Shums

This would enable the best piece of land to gain the maximum benefit from development, they argue.

“When a hotel is built, the most important thing is location, location, location,” stated Tourist Hotels Association President Anura Lokuhetty, pointing out that if a prime beach front property in the east coast or Kalpitiya was to be used, then the Government should allow large developers to construct high quality five star hotels and only allow the same upmarket hotels, shops and establishments in and around this area.

“In a place where there is a five star hotel, these types of tourists will not want to see cadjan hut stalls or eateries in the neighbouring areas. Likewise, there should also be areas for four and three star hotels and shops and restaurants as well as low cost hotels and shops for people on a budget,” he explained.

Developments according to standards should be planned systematically to ensure that the tourism industry expands pragmatically. Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, natural resources and other attractive tourist destinations and the country needs sustainable tourism now to improve the industry.

“Like rubber and tea have their specific areas, the tourism industry too should have its own areas, catering to tourists and holiday makers.”

The President also stated that the local tourism sector should be looked at and its specific needs met. For example, locals wanting to have a Sunday outing where they can use the pool and have a sea bath and activities for families with children should be accommodated, Lokuhetty pointed out.

Another important factor when new developments are being planned within Sri Lanka’s limited space is for the Government to plan the infrastructure well.

“The sewage system, storm drainage systems, garbage incinerators and other common facilities should be built in these allocated tourist areas and the developers should be charged a proportionate amount for their usage. By duplicating the resources, the facilities will be cheaper for the hotels and thereby benefit the holiday makers,” he said.

It would also utilise less resources as opposed to when each and every establishment builds its own facilities.

The President said that this reflected the thinking of other hoteliers and developers, especially when comparing foreign tourist destinations with Sri Lankan tourist destinations and urged the Government to take these ideas into consideration.