Occupancy rate of hotels down 70 percent: THASL

3 May 2019 03:02 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the occupancy rate of hotels has declined by 70 percent countrywide, Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President Sanath Ukwatte said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Mr. Ukwatte said a substantial percentage of booking cancellations were reported because of the travel advisories issued by various foreign countries following the incident.

“The hotel industry is in jeopardy and we are faced with serious issues,” Mr. Ukwatte said.

“Hence, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called a meeting with heads of hotels industry to discuss the matter on May 29 where it was decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee,” Mr. Ukwatte added.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to appoint a cabinet sub-committee led by Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga to recommend measures to support the tourism industry consequent to what transpired following the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Meanwhile, countries like the UK, the US and Saudi Arabia have issued travel advisories over the prevailing situation in the country. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 11

Asanga Friday, 03 May 2019 03:23 PM

What will happen to the hotels and Lodges which carry signage "Foreigners Only" in the south? Would the local tourists be the "kings" again?

asun s Friday, 03 May 2019 03:48 PM

please appoint a better person to save our industry. Get Gota back

Anpanman Friday, 03 May 2019 03:55 PM

Off for holidays at hotels as I expect the prices too to drop by 70%. These hotels overcharged their guest.

Sunil Friday, 03 May 2019 03:56 PM

Exactly! They were treating the locals as garbage. Now, they will come begging for our patronage.

Joseph rajaj Friday, 03 May 2019 04:26 PM

It is fault of the both parties. Always they gave a ministerial post to Muslims but the entire country is staved on the back. Allways and everybody says majority of the Muslims are peaceful but they own over 1600 Madarasas and teachers are from pakistan. Hatred toward other community are already planted and we cannot eradicate.

Cluless Friday, 03 May 2019 04:27 PM

Hotels and resorts should adopt like during the time of war and attract more locals. The priority should be keep the staff employed until tourism picks up.

Blackwater Friday, 03 May 2019 04:27 PM

Locals should not patronise these hotels

Dee Friday, 03 May 2019 05:16 PM

Looking forward to go to Galle fort and visit one of those ' foreigners only ' hotels and just buy a bottle of water and patronise those who always welcomed us. Won't mention names here.

Rohan de Silva Friday, 03 May 2019 07:44 PM

Dee. You should name and shame those hotels

Lanka putha Friday, 03 May 2019 07:56 PM

Hope you won't get a shock when you get the bill.

latley gunasekera Friday, 03 May 2019 09:09 PM

I am a local guy who lives abroad last 45 years. Our family we travel very often along the globe and lodge only high end hotel Such as Dorchester in London,Fullerton or Grand Hyatt in Singapore, Waldorf Astoria in NY etc. I stopped to stay in Colombo 5 star hotels ,most time they treated as second class guests. Even in down south I was blocked to enter one place saying "foreigners only". So now look for foreigners!!! I

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Occupancy rate of hotels down 70 percent: THASL

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