Safety and stability vital for tourism: Hiran Cooray

Thursday, 18 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Malik Gunatilleke Addressing the Momentum forum yesterday, Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray stated that despite the golden early years during the 1970s and early ’80s, tourism could never reach its full potential since then, when time stood still for the industry during the war.

“During the time of war it is a miracle that we survived, those of us who were in tourism. All of us in tourism lost our confidence and we did whatever to market the destination, because to invite tourists to Sri Lanka it is the country we have to market first, not our properties,” he recalled, adding that it was a miracle that tourism in Sri Lanka survived until 2009. Listing out reasons for the industry’s survival, he said it was because different governments provided support and soft loans to survive and tour operators helped bring in tourists to Sri Lanka despite travel advisories, while the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lanka’s people also contributed to a great extent. Since 2009, the numbers kept rising only due to peace and stability, he asserted. “Our destination marketing program started only this year. The tourist numbers that continued to come here came purely on peace and stability in the country. Because we are blessed with one of the most beautiful countries in the world.” Outlining his company’s future plans, Cooray also stated: “It is very easy for me to come here and talk in front of you but five years ago, would I ever have thought that there would be a situation for me or anybody else to be here and talk about new destinations in our own country? We were simply praying that we will survive.” Cooray welcomed the entry of international brands, stating the wider distribution, wider network and global reach would be beneficial to Sri Lanka, while it would also lead to a rise in industry standards. He also touched on the ongoing development, importance of safety and sustainability, employment generation, changes in the supplier base and social media’s role in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination. “Had the war not ended in 2009 and political stability brought into our island, I don’t think I would have been standing here talking to you. Similarly, for us, the most important aspect is safety and stability… There has to be safety and stability in a destination, first of all for the people in the country and next for those who are visiting the country; it is a must-have,” he emphasised. Cooray’s full speech will be published in the Daily FT tomorrow.