Hambantota port has high potential to boost tourism sector – Captain Marco Carsjens

The Captain of the MS Rotterdam, the first ever largest cruise ship called at Ha’ ta port, Marco Carsjen yesterday (07) emphasized that the port have high potential to boost the tourism sector of the country. He said the Hambantota port was also famous as a green port, among tourists.

Describing his first impression of Hambntota port Captain appreciated the new development process of the port premises to make it big.

“It is easy to access to the port for the ships of this size. It is nice experience for us and it is a good  location  for more cruise ships. If you want to experience this part of Sri Lanka you need to be stay for several days here and visit South-East coast. You will really appreciate this part of Sri Lanka. It gets 40 minutes to reach Yala national park from Hambantota port.

The tourists also can visit Bundala and Kataragama. The Hambantota port will give an unparallel experience to the people who want to experience something from Sri Lanka other than Colombo and its surroundings. Many of them were enthusiastic to visit Hambantota port and the tourist destination in the area and specially to see the wildlife. And they have good impression on what Sri Lanka is like.  We hopefully to come back Hambantota,” the Captain further mentioned.

The ship left the Hambantota port by last night. Measuring 238 m in length the luxurious cruise ship belongs to Netherland. The ship comprises a staff of 600 employees. The $2 million art and antique collection, wide teak decks have increased the attractiveness of the ship. The ship has carried 1176 of passengers. The cruise was to be arrived at, their next destination, Thllawa in Myanmar.

The local shipping agent of MS Rotterdam, Malship (Ceylon) Limited General Manager I.S Mohideen asserted that there were more new cruise ships to be arrived to the Hambantota port. He further mentioned that the port had enough facilities for the cruise liners. Mohideen invited all the parties to grab the opportunity to develop the tourism sector by getting support from Hambantota port.