The Hotels’Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has released the names of the 46 finalists of ‘Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017’, marking the end to the three- month-long evaluation process conducted at regional and national level. Four regions, Colombo, Negombo, Upcountry and South have prominently shown their dominance in the contest. President of The Hotels’ Association of Sri Lanka, Sanath Ukwatte said, “It was the first time the Hotels’ Association organized a contest of this nature and scale, and the response from the young hoteliers across the country has been overwhelming. Our industry is the second largest net foreign exchange earner in the country, with hotels investing millions of dollars in the local job market.”
“Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 has laid an ideal platform to identify and recognize the key roles pivotal in hotel operation, in addition to popularizing the industry while inducing fresh blood,” he said.
“Next year we are planning to recognize the contribution made by women in the hotel industry, and further encourage and support their progressive career development. We hope more and more participants will join this competition to further their skills in the future,” Ukwatte said.
The demanding and competitive evaluation process of Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 was aimed at eliciting and rewarding the most outstanding young personalities in the hospitality industry. Thousands of young people representing over 200 member hotels vied for the honours under nine specific categories namely Concierge/Bell Hop, Receptionist, Public Area Attendant, Room Attendant, Steward/Waiter, Kitchen Steward, Bartender, Pool Attendant/Life Guard and Telephone Operator.
A judging panel comprising experts from the hospitality and related industries spearheaded the rigorous sorting and evaluation process. The judges included Dilip de Silva - Chief Judge, Rosy Senanayake, Otara Gunewardene, Paddy Withana, and Anton Godfrey. Rising Stars of Hospitality 2017 awards ceremony will take place on October 24 at the Srimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and in the presence of dignitaries representing the Government and the Industry.