Tourism action plans took a new turn last week with SLTDA and the Tourism Ministry putting their efforts into top gear, with a portfolio of lands placed online making it easier for the potential investor to align themselves to some of the exotic lands on offer…
This ‘Land Bank’ with an open invitation to both local and international investors to make use of the platform for a simplified system that can assist the growth of tourism will no doubt attract those who have been earlier sceptical in being associated with such due to the red tape that prevailed.
The assurance by the Deputy Minister Prof. Ranasinghe that the new streamlined system will cut across all that, was refreshing to hear and will be welcomed by all business minded who are agog to cash in on the great lands available now and some considering it a good deal, even describing as gold mines.
The scenic beauty of the Benthota, Trincomalee Kalpitiya lands with beach front has been eyed by many for years, however it was the system that was a sting to any progress.
The Deputy Minister’s assurance that the line Ministries also have fallen in line and will unitedly serve this endeavor, was also heartening to hear.
Tourism veteran, Chandra Wickramasinghe highlighted on the difficulties of land purchases for potential buyers in his HOTSEAT interview with the Sunday Observer Explorer, to the point of being fed up with the earlier process and revealed how this has hampered tourism growth in the country.
Indian Investor Capt. Anirban Banerjee now settled in Sri Lanka for the last 10 years in his interview in Sunday Observer Explorer’s HOTSEAT also encouraged investors to Sri Lanka describing it to be favourable for him and has made him venture into the hospitality industry, with his latest project in Trincomalee in partnership with Raddison. This is a great example for the ones desiring to invest but yet hesitant to do so.
Our cover story (page 25) gives more information on this new tourism investor drive and method that makes the process easier that will make dreams of many towns a reality and those interested can browse the link given on page 25 for further details.
‘City of Dreams’ unfolds in full
Meanwhile, speaking of investments, it is also timely and welcome news that Melco Resorts and Entertainment (MRE) partnered with John Keels Holdings’ having reached completion of the massively invested ‘City of Dreams’, is set to roll out the operations in full, with Casino, luxury hotel and shopping mall included in August. Please see full story opposite this column on this page.
Already Cinnamon Life in its first phase has made a splash in the city. Whatever that will unfold with the City of Dreams in full operation will be a delight to look forward to.
The Tourism sector’s pulse, which is human resources, is beating fast with much hope. And the current status, although alarming and a tall order to meet the demand has a veteran in Tourism at its helm to put plans into action to ensure that we have human capitol to meet the targets set, will demand.
Please read HOTSEAT on page 27 to read the ambitious plans set in motion at the Sri Lanka Institute of Hospitality Management. (SLTHM)
We have fashions on the ramp on page 32 with silks flowing- a gracious presentation of clothes and off the ramp the attendees at the Grand Sarasaviya film awards on page 31. Enjoy the various segments of the Sunday Observer Explorer that includes the Life & Leisure section from page 34.
Enjoy the journey through Sunday Observer Explorer this weekend. Wish you all Happy Reading !
