Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse recently awarded Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa with a fourstar certification. The hotel was audited in every aspect of its hardware and software skills by an eminent panel of auditors representing Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and industry professionals prior to being classified as a four-star tourist hotel.

The four-star rating achieved reflects that the hotel maintains an overall high quality of service standard and provides its guests superior comfort and quality accommodation together with a highly skilled staff.

At the ceremony, Minister Rajapaksa noted that there has been a steep development in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka with the arrival of nearly one million tourists in 2012. This has been the most number of tourist arrivals since the end of nearly three decades of unrest.

He also noted that as the tourist numbers are steadily rising there would be a greater demand for starrated hotels with superior facilities on the island. The minister predicted that by 2016, this number would increase to 2.5 million.

The minister projected that through the five-year tourism development plan that has been initiated, the tourism industry in Sri Lanka would be worth three billion dollars by 2016. This would result in 500,000 job opportunities associated with the industry and the construction of 50,000 hotel rooms.

“We are pleased to receive this certification as Sri Lanka is gearing up to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia,” said Sanjeeva Perera.

“To keep up with the demand of tourists arriving on our shores, our aim at Chayya Tranz Hikkaduwa is to create unmatched and memorable experiences for our customers and give them an unforgettable holiday experience,” he said.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkadwa also obtained certifications for adopting focused environmental system, stringent hygiene, food and safety practices, as well as international occupational health and safety management systems recently.