Special Report from tsunami affected regions

Three member hotels affected by the tragic Boxing Day tsunami explain why it is so critical that tourists start returning to their coastlines.

Hiran Cooray (pictured left),
MD, Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka:

“On Boxing Day morning, I was contacted by our general manager at the Lighthouse Hotel & Spa, who alerted me to the traumatic situation taking place on the coast. At first, my reaction was one of disbelief but the reality soon sunk in. I heard how our hotel staff were rescuing bodies, dealing with the injured and providing food and shelter. Most tourists left within two days of the tsunami.

Now the most important thing is that tourists support our desire to get on with our lives by returning to the country. We are not a nation of mourners and are ready to extend the same level of care to visitors as we did before the tsunami. Tourists should not feel reluctant about enjoying themselves. There are no obstacles for those who want to visit our hotels, in terms of transport. Most tourists arrive by bus or car transfer and the relevant roads are operating as usual. The rail track in the south has been damaged but not many use this mode of transport.

Other reconstruction work is well underway and some Sri Lankan hotels are being rebuilt with superior facilities. We want to emphasise that this is a safe and secure country. For example, the risks of contaminated water and spread of disease have not materialised, despite the reports in the media.

As an industry, we are pressing ahead with plans to reposition our country as a leading tourist destination.

Nazim Ahmed, Owner and Director,
Reethi Beach Resort (pictured left), Maldives:

“In the Maldives, the damage caused by the tsunami differed greatly from one island to another. For example, our island was totally operational, with full power restored, just six hours after the wave hit our coastline. Our water bungalows and reception area were damaged, however, as they are on the eastern side of the island, which was hit by five to six feet of water. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. After the initial shock of the tsunami, we thought we could close the water bungalows and continue to operate as normal. However, many of our electronics were positioned on the eastern side – and had been affected by the water. We realised then that it wouldn’t be possible to maintain the resort’s full services to the highest standard.

So, we took the decision to close temporarily and use the opportunity to update our facilities. Reethi Beach is due to reopen this April, when the water bungalows will have been given a facelift and a minor refurbishment of the hotel will have been finished.

Of course, the Christmas to Easter period is our high season, so we expect this year to be pretty catastrophic financially. We expect tourist levels to return to normal for the next high season. I know the islanders have been overwhelmed by the aid and financial support pledged by the world but the best way that people can support us is by spending their holidays here.”

Himaj Jayasinghe (pictured left), Sales &
Marketing Manager, Saman Villas, Sri Lanka:

“Saman Villas’ elevation – about 35 feet above sea level – saved it from any damage although our staff and guests did see the wave approaching from far off in the distance. We realised the full gravity of the situation the following day.

While none of our employees or guests were caught up in the wave, many of our staff did suffer serious damage to their homes and properties. This means they are facing a poor season in terms of income – we are down 80-90% on occupancy – while trying to rebuild their homes. However, we are committed to seeing all our staff through this difficult time by keeping them in employment.

The tsunami aftermath has highlighted how the coastlines around Sri Lanka were affected in pockets. For example, in Bentota, we escaped any serious damage, while an area located just 10 kilometres away was hit hard.

Clearly, there are some areas in the east and south, such as Galle, which are facing complete reconstruction. Despite this, Saman Villas is ready to receive guests as there has been no damage to the road linking the airport to Bentota; there is no debris and the local areas are clean.

We are relying on some tourist income still being generated by this high season, which comes to a close in May. Of course, we are aware that time is running out so we require as much positive publicity as possible to attract back 100% of the visitors we would usually receive during this busy time.”

Should readers wish to donate money to help the millions of people that have been affected by this tragedy, they can do so by visiting the official website of the Disasters Emergency Committee: www.dec.org.uk