THASL’s first tourism awareness program for A/L students a resounding success

Thursday, 30 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) in association with Negombo Hoteliers Association and Institute of Tourism and Hospitality

Management conducted the first tourism awareness program for A/L students on 23 January at the Jetwing Blue hotel. Over 100 A/L students from 12 schools in the Gampaha, Kiribathgoda and Negombo regions participated along with their teachers in charge. The program kicked off with THASL President Jayantissa Kehelpannala welcoming the students and giving them an overview of the demand for staff in tourist establishments in Sri Lanka today. He said that THASL will be conducting similar awareness programs for A/L students in other regions of the country as well, as a community service to help the youth of Sri Lanka to be aware of career opportunities in the tourism industry. THASL Past President Srilal Miththapala then gave a general overview of the tourism industry and the various job opportunities available, both direct and indirect. He also outlined the attributes that are needed for each type of job. This was followed by presentations by Food and Beverage, Front Office, House Keeping Managers and Chef of the hotel, who gave a more in depth outlook about each respective department and career prospects. After the tea break, the students were taken in batches to visit different departments of the hotel on a guided tour by the hotel staff. Both teachers and students alike were full of praise for the exposure that they were given, and thanked THASL for providing them this opportunity.