The popular sea side resort on the west coast, the Blue Water, Talpitiya, Wadduwa has emerged as one of the most sought after MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences
and Exhibitions) resorts in the island.Owned by Union Resorts Limited, the five star establishment recently launched its new 8,500 sq ft ballroom, banqueting and convention venue, which is the biggest among the resorts.
The Blue Water’s General Manager Roshan Perera in an interview with The Island Financial Review said that there was a void to be filled, and with the ever increasing demand for such a facility, the company decided it was time to invest and thus injected Rs 200 million for the state-of-the-art facility.
"It is the ideal venue for MICE clients with a host of outdoor facilities in an expanse of 14 acre prime beach front," he said.
"With the civil strife coming to an end and normalcy returning, not only Sri Lankan corporates, but a large number foreign corporates are also looking forward to making Sri Lanka the venue for their meetings, conferences and conventions, combined with leisure and we are well equipped to cater to their needs," he said adding that the clientele ranges from Europe, India and the Far East.
During the last two months the resort has maintained an occupancy of 100 percent and we will maintain an average of 85 to 90 percent year round, a confident, Perera said. In the 2008-2009 period, the resort maintained an occupancy level of 75 to 80 percent, he added.
"We are quite optimistic of a good off season as our booking patterns indicate and we have a very good domestic market as well with our own loyalty programme with attractive incentives," he said.
Responding to a query whether our hospitality industry is in a position to meet the target of 2.5 million tourists by 2016, he said "All the owning companies of hotels and resorts are investing in upgrading their existing properties and those who have already finished the job are now investing in new properties, the senior hotelier said.
"We are highly optimistic that the President’s target for 2016 is feasible and there is a lot of enthusiasm in the industry," he pointed out.
British holiday makers are the Blue Water’s main clientele and India tops the list among the emerging markets with more and more Indian corporates as well as FITs choosing this salubrious resort for their next MICE event or holiday.
The owning company of the 100 room property will be investing another Rs 250 million to refurbish and upgrade the existing property ready for the coming winter season.
Asked about the future, the General Manager said the company has plans to expand the existing property but not immediately.
However the company will embark on developing another five star beach front property, a 30 unit luxury boutique hotel built on the Villa concept in close proximity to the Blue Water and another 30-chalet property in Kimbisssa in Sigiriya, once the refurbishment and upgrading of the Blue Water is completed.
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