Tourism booming in the east

With the dawning of peace the tourism industry is picking up fast in the Eastern Province with increasing numbers of foreign and local tourists visiting the area. The Government with the support of the private sector commenced several infrastructure projects including roads, accommodation facilities etc.  

The Chamber of Tourism and Industry along with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) have together initiated programmes to create awareness and training among service providers to both the tourism industry and the general public. One such programme was concluded recently with the awarding of certificates and identity cards to 48 tourist three-wheeler drivers who successfully completed a four-day training programme in Arugam Bay. The participants were trained in subjects such as the duties and responsibilities of tourist drivers, customer relations and care, the background of Sri Lanka tourism, personal hygiene and etiquette for personal development, first aid and several other related areas.  

On the invitation of the Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M.Jaufer, the Minister of Tourism and Agriculture for the Eastern Provincial Council Nazeer Ahmed graced  the occasion as chief guest at the distribution of certificates and identity cards to the tourist three-wheeler drivers who successfully completed the training. The event was held at the Pacific Hotel in Arugam Bay recently. Digamadulla District MP Faizal Cassim, Minister of Highways and Irrigation for the Eastern Provincial Council M. Uthuman Lebbe, Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman M.S. Wasith, SLTDA Deputy Director Upul Wijegunawardena, former MP for Pottuvil SSP Majid and OIC Pottuvil Wasantha Kumara were present at the occasion.

Speaking to the media Chamber of Tourism and Industry President A.M. Jaufer said that after the successful completion of the first programme in Arugam Bay the chamber plans to conduct several such programmes covering the entire province. He said that the basic training and the recognition received by the drivers will help them to provide a better service to tourists visiting the area. Tourists will also be confident in obtaining the services from trained drivers.