Development of Domestic Airports for Tourism Development in Sri Lanka

Institute of Human Resource Advancement University of Colombo

Diploma in Executive Diploma in Tourism Events, Hospitality Management

(EDETHM)Academic Year 2015 / 16

Presenter – A. Praveen RajSt No - EDTEHM/01/15/25

Introduction A domestic airport is an

airport that handles only domestic flights within the same country

Sri Lanka has 14 Domestic Airport

This Study identifies the important areas to be developed in our Domestic airports which leads to provide leisure passengers with a positive travel experience to Develop Tourism in Sri Lanka

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Assessment of the Current Status of Domestic Airports / Air Transport and Civilian Connectivity of Sri Lanka

Explore the Global Civil Air Transportation Contribution to Domestic Tourism

Maintaining a safe and secure Domestic airport without deterring tourists

Providing the right image and non-aeronautical facilities to contribute to the leisure experience

Developing New Airports at Required Destination for Tourism Promotion for the Destination

METHODOLOGIES

• Tourists travelling in Cinnamon Air Domestic flights for the period of 02 Months, at this period of time there were 12 clients travelled to 4 Airports (Sigiriya, Trincomalee (China Bay), Jaffna (Palaly) & Koggala)

• Personal interview from a 02 Pilot’s one from the SLAF and Cinnamon Air to find out

there issues in flying to domestic Airports in Sri Lanka.•

• Interview was done with 01 Ground Handling Authority (SLAF) ay the Ratmalana Airport to know the development to be made in Ground handling.

• Data was collected by having a personal interview Director Aerodromes (CAA) which

gave the details on the opportunities and treats we have on developing the Domestic Airports for tourism promotion,

• Internet and Book References

FINDINGS

1.Identified the short comings available at our Domestic Airports as below•Food Courts / Restaurant./ Cafeteria •Proper Rest Rooms, Lounges, Wash Rooms.•Passenger Basic Hospitality Services such

Welcome Desk, Porter / Baggage Services Etc...•Wi- fi Facilities / Business Centres •Proper Parking Facilities •Taxi Services •Care For Differently Abled People •Medical / First Aid

2. Data analysed by a SWOT analysis

FINDINGS

Strengths

Airlines are the most preferred mode of transportation by the foreign tourists as the convenience provided by the airlines is higher.

The savings in time that this mode of transport offers is immense.

Sri Lanka is a Destination of high Diversity so the Pull Factor for Tourists to Travel all around the Island is high.

FINDINGS

Weaknesses

Inefficiency of the domestic airlines - there are number of instances of

flight being cancelled or delayed.

No greetings or Hospitality provided

No Medical Services

Lack of basic facilities at the airport such services like Restaurants, Wi-Fi

facilities, private lounge facilities at airports, etc., it sometimes become

impossible to find a clear toilet in our Domestic airports.

Government Instability.

No proper Community awareness

FINDINGS

Opportunities 

In Sri Lanka The Tourism Industry for 2016 has increased by 18.6 %,

Generated about 2.2 Million (2015 Tourist Board Statistic)

Development and up gradation of the present airports, by Public private

partnership

FINDINGS

Threats

Government doesn’t not have a Major interest on developing the

Domestic Airports. - As the present Usage of the Airports are very low.

BOI has less investment opportunities for Domestic Airport Development

  

FINDINGS

• Government would bring in proper policies which will give a proper

formula in lowering the Domestic Transport Cost and Logistic operational

Development to satisfy the customer needs and meet the airport

standards.

• Bring in Bigger Suppliers into the Market, here when bigger suppliers come

in big flights will come into the market where the no. of seats will increase,

in this case the Unit price of the Traveller will come down

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Create a Bigger market which creates high competitiveness which in other hand provides free promotions from the big players a big plus point for tourism promotion and competitive rate to the customers

• Develop an Airport in the Hill station ( Nuwara Eliya) which is an important because from our international Airport it is nearly 04 - 06 Hours’ drive minimum to these places which any traveller will not like if there is a proper Airport and a competitive price customers are sure to travel

• Create Easy and proper access from the Airport to different Attraction / Resort, which doesn’t provide the client inconvenience

RECOMMENDATIONS

Sri Lanka is a land that is truly blessed by Nature. Its

beauty unfolds in million ways and with so much to

see, time is precious and travelling on land can get a

little tedious. Developed Domestic Transport will be a

great influence in Tourism Growth to the country