Politicians, red tape thwarted region’s first sail powered luxury cruise ship
The Lost Opportunity of a Luxury Cruise in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector faced a significant setback five years ago when a promising luxury cruise project was halted due to political greed and bureaucratic hurdles. Philippe Gomez, the Chairman of Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge in Kandy, shared his experience in a recent interview. Gomez, a French national, has a deep connection with Sri Lanka, having first visited the island three decades ago. His passion for the country led him to invest in its tourism sector during challenging times. However, his vision for a sail-powered luxury cruise ship, the ‘Pearl 111 Yacht,’ was thwarted by corruption and red tape.
A Vision for Luxury Tourism
Philippe Gomez’s journey in Sri Lanka began during the peak of the LTTE war. While many investors hesitated, Gomez saw potential in the tourism sector. He invested in Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, a luxury glamping venture set on a 24-acre tea estate. His confidence in the country’s recovery proved right, as tourism flourished in the years that followed. Encouraged by this success, Gomez sought to expand his investments with the ‘Pearl 111 Yacht,’ a nine-cabin luxury boat designed to offer unique experiences in popular tourist destinations like Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee.
However, Gomez’s plans quickly faced obstacles. After being introduced to a powerful minister, he encountered demands for profit-sharing without any financial investment. This was just the beginning of a frustrating journey through the bureaucratic maze. Gomez met with various officials, including the Financial Advisor to the President, but found himself caught in a web of delays and requests for financial favors. Despite having a consortium in France ready to fund the project, Gomez was forced to abandon his plans for the yacht in Sri Lanka.
A New Chapter in the Maldives
After years of navigating the complexities of Sri Lankan bureaucracy, Gomez redirected his investment to the Maldives. There, he found a welcoming environment for his luxury cruise project. The ‘Pearl 111 Yacht’ has since become a sought-after attraction, showcasing the potential that was lost in Sri Lanka. Despite the disappointment, Gomez remains optimistic about the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. He sees a new government as a beacon of hope and is eager to engage with the Board of Investment (BOI) to bring fresh French investments into the country.
