Professional groups heed Dr. Godahewa’s call; volunteer to support tourism

Tuesday, 5 June 2012 01:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Cheranka Mendis

Supporting the rapid growth of tourism in the country, four professional institutions have come forward to link up with Sri Lanka Tourism and conduct voluntary projects aimed at creating awareness about the tourism product among people.

Uniting towards the nationalistic cause is the Colombo MBA Alumni Association, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka branch and Postgraduate Institute of Marketing (PIM) MBA Alumni Association.

At a progress review meeting held last week at Sri Lanka Tourism, the four associations briefed Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa and other officials of Economic Development Ministry and Sri Lanka Treasury on the proposed projects for upliftment of the industry.

Colombo MBA Alumni proposed a program to educate and encourage Government Agents (GAs) and other decision makers at regional level to align their thinking and work towards realising and supporting the Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plan launched last year.

To be held in phases, phase one is likely to be organised this month or latest early July where GAs will be educated through an interactive seminar at which two programs for their respective area of work to improve tourism will be identified. Colombo MBA Alumni assured that the association would work closely with the GAs, monitoring the progress of their work regarding the project.

SLIM introduced a project titled ‘Colombo City Attraction – Marketing for Tourists,’ where the institution is deliberating on publishing a book with key attractions within the city. It will be working with Sri Lanka Tourism, leading hoteliers and hospitality industry professionals to list out the attractions.

To be developed as a self-funding, sustainable one, the institution will put in the initial investment. Funds are to be collected through advertisements, etc. The book will be available at key tourist gathering locations such as the airport, hotels and major shopping destinations such as ODEL and will be given free of charge to tourists. The project is to be implemented by August this year.

Proposed projects of CIM and PIM MBA Alumni are still at planning stages. CIM is looking at a project to enhance customer service at the airport, focusing on all customer contact points. Meanwhile, the PIM MBA Alumni is focusing on a rest house owner skill development and education oriented project or a community tourism development project selecting a modern village. The progress of the projects is to be finalised by mid this month.

Godahewa stated that the idea of voluntary direct partnership of the private sector came about as many ideas of ‘what more to do’ came in to Sri Lanka Tourism.

“So many had ideas and they were constantly telling us what more to do or what else should be done. As there is only a limited time to do all of this, we thought it best to give private sector a chance to do what they think would help the industry. We will act as facilitators and support the projects.”

He assured that more companies were welcome to continue the same sort of work provided that they find the necessary resources and funding to activate their projects.