Amanresorts-fame Adrian Zecha bullish on post-war rebound in tourism
World-famous Amanresorts Chairman Adrian Zecha has expressed his bullishness in post-war rebound in Sri Lanka’s tourism, which has encouraged him to explore fresh opportunities for expansion.
“The post-conflict economic development process is visible everywhere in Sri Lanka. Our resorts in Sri Lanka were not economically viable during the pre-conflict period. But thanks to the peace, we are making money with our hospitality trade in Sri Lanka,” Adrian Zecha was quoted as saying by Ministry of Economic Development following his meeting with Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Tuesday.
Zecha was on a fact-finding visit to Sri Lanka in order to expand Amanresorts’ activities in Sri Lanka and met Rajapaksa.
Zecha expressed their intention of setting up an Amanresorts Hotel in Colombo. They are also doing feasibility studies to set up resorts in provincial areas such as Anuradhapura, he said.
“Due to the peace and political stability prevailing in the country, Sri Lanka has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. Therefore foreign investors are enthusiastic about investing in the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. If the authorities can respond to the requests and requirements of the investor community more quickly, investment will flow to the country in an unprecedented manner,” he added.
Amanresorts owns and manages 25 small luxury resorts worldwide. Each of its resorts is singularly unique, but all offer an experience for guests that is intimate and discreet, while providing the highest level of service.
Certain elements characterise all of its resorts – a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy. The décor of each resort makes use of locally-sourced materials, reflecting elements of the natural surroundings and the traditions of local cultures.
Since 1988, when flagship Amanpuri (‘place of peace’) opened in Phuket, Thailand, Amanresorts has established resorts in Bhutan (Amankora, 2004), Cambodia (Amansara, 2002), China (Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, 2008; Amanfayun, 2010), France (Le Mélézin, 1992), Greece (Amanzo’e, 2012), French Polynesia (Hotel Bora Bora, 1989), Indonesia (Amandari, 1989; Amanusa and Amankila, 1992; Amanwana, 1993 and Amanjiwo, 1997), India (Aman-i-Khás, 2003; Amanbagh, 2005 and Aman New Delhi, 2009), Laos (Amantaka, 2009), Montenegro (Aman Sveti Stefan – Villa Miločer, 2008), Morocco (Amanjena, 2000), Philippines (Amanpulo, 1993), Sri Lanka (Amangalla, 2005 and Amanwella, 2005), Turkey (Amanruya, 2011), Turks and Caicos Islands (Amanyara, 2006) and USA (Amangani, 1998 and Amangiri, 2009).
Always on the lookout for exceptional circumstances in which culture and history combine strongly in a unique natural environment, Amanresorts will continue to expand its worldwide presence.
Ministry of Economic Development Director General Professor Sunanda Madduma Bandara and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Baswara Senanka Gunarathne also participated at this occasion.
