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Wednesday, 7 October 2020 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is stepping up its efforts to operationalise underperforming State-owned holiday venues under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
The SLTDA – the authority tasked with planning, development, regulation and policy implementation of tourism and related activities – is calling for expression of interest (EOIs) to conceptualise, invest and manage the National Holiday Resort in Bentota.
Bentota is Sri Lanka's first-ever planned tourist resort extended in an area of 7,555 square feet.
“We are keen to harness private sector investment and expertise to commercialise this key facility,” SLTDA Director Resort Management Chandana Wijeratne told Daily FT.
At present Bentota National Holiday Resort has a newly-refurbished main building complex with a restaurant spanning 570 square feet, three food outlets with 335 square feet and eight shops extended in an area of 6,650 square feet.
SLTDA expects successful investors to develop an overall concept to make the venue an ‘experiential destination’ for the traveller.
It also expects the potential investors to add value to the National Holiday Resort premises by organising cultural performances and first-hand activities to enhance the memorable experience of the traveller.
In addition, it expects the interested parties to undertake general maintenance, marketing and promotion, as well as weekly entertainment at the venue.
SLTDA proposes to facilitate the food service and other service providers, preferably with a seafood restaurant, coffee shop, juice bar, fast-food outlets, gem and jewellery, handicraft, souvenir, batik, garments, leather, pharmacy, and spa and wellness centre.
SLTDA expects interested parties to submit their EOIs on or before 20 October.
