Hotel Show showcases futuristic displays and innovations

From left:LANLO Sales Manager Hasitha Abeythunge, SLAITO Immediate Past President Mahen Kariyawasam, CDC Events Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe
Hotel Show Colombo Organising Committee Co-Chair  Niroshan De Silva,  Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman  Paddy Withana,                Tourism Development and Christian Religious  Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, CHSGA Vice President Sanjeeva Perera and Suyamas International (Pvt.) Ltd Lalith Wethasinghe

By Zahara Zuhair
The 11th edition of ‘Hotel Show Colombo - 2016’ kick started yesterday at the BMICH, focusing on its theme ‘Hospitality Industry Vision 20-20’. 

Giving special focus to the boutique hotel segment, the exhibition includes 300 stalls and has new addition such as the specialised mobile app that could be used for the benefit of exhibitors and visitors along with high-tech digital signage. 

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Paddy Withana who attended the inauguration ceremony said that though Sri Lanka tourism industry is facing immense competition due to political stability and massive promotional campaign, it has helped to gain a valuable market share in the industry.  He said that the boost can be seen at this fair  as there is a massive participation,  which includes indoor and out door pavilions and he said that the fair would give a great opportunity for both local and foreign suppliers.

“Private sector involvement is a blessing for a sustainable growth in Sri Lanka’s tourism. We very much appreciate the exhibitors for their hard work,” he said.

He said that they have already invested in 168 projects to add 8365 rooms for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 which would immensely benefit the hotel sector with these projects. 
Withana called on industry stake holders, large corporates, independent small and medium entities as well as a all members in tourism related sectors to take proactive measures in promoting Sri Lanka 
as a destination. 

Organised by the Ceylon Hotel Schools Graduates Association (CHSGA), its Vice President Sanjeeva Perera said that the exhibition has turned in to a magnitude of an international trade fair which  provides products and services  of hospitality industry, from  bed to linen to kitchen equipments to food and beverages, etc.