Chamber of Tourism calls for standardisation of Arugam Bay hotels

The Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, visiting Arugam Bay recently, graced the special stakeholders meeting held at the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat building. It was organised by the Chamber of Tourism Industry under the chairmanship of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Priyantha Fernando, at which the Urban Development Authority presented the tourism master plan for Arugambay.

The Chamber of Tourism Industry President A.M. Jaufer drew the Minister’s attention to reconstruct the seaplane landing dock, provide lagoon safari operators and Lifeguards with safety equipment and life jacket and standardise all hotels in the Arugambay area. 

Among other recommendations he proposed the need to establish a Tourism Information Centre, a Hotel Training School for youth, a Tourist Police Unit strengthened with female police officers, Guides and tuk-tuk drivers to be trained, national and international surfing competitions, among other things. He also requested a Sports Stadium at Arugambay and a fire brigade unit. Minister Harin Fernando instructed the officials to take steps to set up a Hotel School and requested the District Secretary Ampara to prepare an estimate for Sea Plane Landing Dock in Arugam Bay. He also advised the Chairman SLTDA to provide Life Jackets to Lagoon Safari operators and Life Guards. A.M. Jaufer requested the Minister to provide land for a housing scheme in Pottuvil and Arugambay.

The Minister also visited the Arugambay Beach and the Whisky Point to examine the sea erosion affected area where surfing waves are no more, and the Tourism Mobile Service point. 

The SLTDA Chairman, Priyantha Fernando, Director General Nalin Perera, Sri Lanka Tourism Authority District Secretary Ampara. J.M.S Douglas and other government officials participated at the meeting