Optimistic of benefiting from the post-war boom in tourism, the three-day Hotel Show 2010 kicked off yesterday at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.
Around 90 companies including a dozen from overseas are showcasing via 161 stalls a range of suppliers and service providers to the hotel sector.
President of Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association Sarath Fernando stated that the stalls have been "totally sold out" with the exhibitors having to be placed outside the perimeters as well. "This is a good omen of things to come. This surely and clearly shows that Sri Lanka is poised to reap maximum benefits during the good times," Fernando said.
He said that the event has gained momentum over the years and with peace now on Sri Lankan cards the number of exhibitors has increased so much so that certain stalls had to be placed outside the demarcated perimeters. "At previous occasion we had to have the inauguration ceremony inside the hall because there was so much space left. But today we have to have it in the foyer. The response has been great," Fernando said.
Chief guest Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa pledged government support for the private sector development of the industry. Stating that the government is all ears for businessmen quarries and to facilitate and assist them, Rajapaksa stated that the much needed fast tracking of approvals and other requirements are now in place.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Nalaka Godahewa stated that in the country's vision to bring in economic prosperity, tourism is a key sector under focus as the sector could be expanded without depending on anyone else. "Tourism could be developed without depending on anyone else. We alone can make the difference," Godahewa asserted. "What must be done is for the government and private sector to work collaboratively."
The target of tourist arrivals for 2011 is 800,000, Godahewa said. That along with the 2.5 million by 2016 is a highly achievable one, he claimed.
source - www.dailymirror.lk
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