Global tourism giant Minor urges Sri Lanka to shift from price to value

Delivering keynote at CA Sri Lanka's 46th National Conference, Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier says Sri Lanka must move beyond discount-led tourism and invest in service and brand building, Warns that low prices erode GDP gains, calls for seamless infrastructure and skilled workforce

- BY DEVAN DANIEL

GLOBAL hotel operator Minor International Group yesterday emphasised Sri Lanka's recovery depends on brand building, better service, and a clean break from discount-led tourism.

Minor International Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier used his keynote at CA Sri Lanka's 46th National Conference to explain his own journey at Minor, the company's near-failure during COVID-19, and how it rebounded, then mapped the country's opportunity and the friction points holding the industry back.

Minor International (MINT) is a global company focused on two core businesses: hospitality and restaurants. MINT is a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of 643 hotels under the Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Wolseley, Four Seasons, St. Regis, JW Marriott and Radisson Blu brands in 65 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.