Q: What are the latest trends/innovations in the hospitality sector?

A: The benefits that technology can bring to the hospitality sector are enormous. AI (artificial intelligence), chat bots, smart rooms and booking platforms are some such technological advancements that can improve the guest experience.

Automation also plays an indispensable role in hotel security operations. We are expecting more technological advancements such as virtual and augmented reality, and the integration of smart devices in hotel rooms.

Recently, Waters Edge introduced a digital billing system at Bakery at the Edge. This is the first step in the hotel’s journey towards becoming a paperless organisation with the long-term goal of achieving a 90 percent reduction in paper usage.

Home delivery is a trend already in use post-pandemic as people are more comfortable staying at home and enjoying meals.

Mobile check-in services where the guests are allowed to check in through mobile devices – much like at the airport by scanning their IDs – make guest arrivals much faster.

These are some terrific innovations that the Sri Lankan hospitality sector can utilise for better customer service and sustainability.

Q: And what are the key challenges faced by the hotel sector?

A: With the number of hotels increasing rapidly, the question arises as to whether the human resources are adequate to meet demand. If one goes to any hotel in the Maldives, the UAE, Qatar or Oman, he/she will find many Sri Lankan workers there, which clearly indicates that some of the skilled and semiskilled workers in the hotel sector have migrated overseas.

One of the biggest challenges that the hospitality sector is likely to face in 2024 is providing an exceptional experience that’s tailored to each guest’s needs without the adequate human capital.

Rising operational costs from labour and food prices to energy bills pose a significant challenge. Hotels must find ways to manage expenses and maintain profitability without compromising quality.

Q: How does Waters Edge stay ahead of the competition?

A: Waters Edge always boasts being a unique hotel owing to its extraordinary and breathtaking location. There is no other hotel property in the capital city and Colombo that proudly owns a grand lawn and waterfront property like Waters Edge. The main reason for our long-lasting clientele is this stunning view, which emanates a deep sense of calm and serenity.

Spread out across 23 acres of land, we have nine different outlets and one Bakery at the Lake outlet situated near the parliament. Waters Edge is home to outlets serving a variety of cuisines – namely Japanese, Sri Lankan, Italian and more – with topnotch award-winning chefs serving their signature dishes and offering alfresco dining, which elevates the overall dining experience.

Q: What are the organisation’s future plans?

A: We are in the process of building a new 48 room hotel complex at the property with smart technology and we hope to open it to the public by next February.

We’re hoping to expand our main restaurant Pranzo, which is an Italian restaurant, to one that is multi-cuisine to give our customers a unique experience along with increased seating capacity.

There is a huge demand for private dining rooms in the market, which we are going to cater to with the expansion.

We’re also planning to pursue private-public partnerships on unutilised land within the property for the benefit of the hotel and general public.

– Compiled by Allaam Ousman
INTERVIEWEE DETAILS

Malith Perera
Chairman

COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone:2863863 | Email:we@watersedge.lk   | Website:www.watersedge.lk