Several hotel giants in Sri Lanka are undertaking expansion, refurbishment and development plans in the wake of increased demand for hotel rooms post conflict resolution.
The projected inbound tourism figures are at 2.5 million by 2016.
John Keells Holdings (JKH) has invested 400 million LKR to upgrade and rebrand Club Oceanic to Chaaya Blu in Trincomalee.
The group has currently undertaken a 2 billion LKR investment on a new 4 star 190-room hotel in the Beruwela area. Coral Gardens in Hikkaduwa, Bentota Beach and Habarana Lodge are all being given a facelift with the total renovation costing upto 1.6 billion LKR. The chain also has lands in Ahungalla, Wirawila and Nilaweli, upon which new properties are planned.
Amaya Resorts and Spas development process is to be carried out in 4 stages. This includes developing the existing properties which is estimated at USD$10 million.
Jetwing is also all set to spend 700 million on rebranding and refurbishing Blue Oceanic as Jetwing Blue. Besides this the chain will spend approximately INR500 million at Sea Shell which will be converted to Jetwing Sea and INR400 million will be spent at Blue Lagoon. Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Sea are slated to open their doors for business in December this year.
Tourist arrivals have increased to nearly a staggering 48% for the month alone when compared with June 2009.
The first half of 2010 has registered a 48.4% increase in inbound tourism when compared to the same period in 2009.
