Tourism to create 500,000 jobs by 2016

The program for building 50,000 more new hotel rooms to accommodate 2.5 million tourists expected in Sri Lanka by 2016 is now nearing completion, making the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ vision a reality, said Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa was speaking at the opening of a newly-built hotel – Michelle boutique in Balapitiya – last week.

The hotel, comprising 16 tastefully deluxe suites – namely, Delux, Super Deluxe and Rose Petal – could be reached in one hour on the Southern Express Way from the Kottawa entry point.

It consists of most modern facilities including swimming pool, kiddies’ pool, large timber deck, spa, gymnasium, high speed wireless broadband, and many more features.

The number of tourist arrivals last year was over one million, exceeding the target.  This was due to the five-year tourism development plan worked out under Minister Rajapaksa’s guidance.

More tourists are being drawn to Sri Lanka as a result of the country being identified as one of the best tourist destinations of 2013, according to international tourism advisers. This has prompted developing of hotel projects for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.

Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation to Chairman of Michelle boutique Dr. Saman Weerasinghe for providing tourists with high standards and modern comforts.

According to Michelle boutique hotel Managing Director Ranjaka De Mel, it is mainly Russian tourists who are attracted to Michelle since it is built according to Russian architecture with many statues and sculptures within the hotel, which faces the sea in Balapitiya.

By 2016 tourist arrivals are expected to generate an annual income of nearly three billion dollars and create 500,000 jobs through the developing tourism industry, including the construction of 50,000 new hotel rooms.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody, Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Alexander Karchava, Galle District MP Sajin Gunawardena, Bentota Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Gayan Sirimanne and SLTDA Chairman Bashwara Goonaratne were among the large crowd which attended the opening events.