In a major initiative taken by housekeepers across Asia, the International Housekeepers’ Summit that was launched in 2016, has today become Asia’s largest convention of hospitality housekeeping professionals who will be converging in Colombo from over 15 countries.
Following the two successful Summits at Mumbai, the third International Housekeepers’ Summit is being held at Colombo from July 3 to 4 in keeping with the growing hospitality segment in Sri Lanka and the rising demand for quality services with 100% occupancy.
The Ministry of Tourism announced the support to the third International Housekeepers’ Summit at the press conference hosted by Shangri-La Hotel on Monday.
The Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka, has extended support and blessings to the Summit, in appreciation of the initiative of the housekeepers. Minister of Tourism, John Amaratunga, in a statement issued following the support, has said that, “Sri Lanka considers it a great honour to welcome the delegates attending the 3rd International Housekeepers Summit.”
Representing Minister John Amaratunga at the press conference, Senior Advisor Felix Srimal Rodrigo, Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, said, “I am happy to know that the Asian Housekeepers are organising the International Housekeepers Summit and this is the way forward and the first step. Such events will give more and more recognition to housekeeping department. On behalf of the minister I wish you all a great success.”
Elaborating the need for such conferences, he added, “Housekeeping is one department that requires a lot of consistency. Today, the rooms are having a very fast turnaround time during high occupancy. Especially in international hotels, housekeeping gets only a few hours to clean the room. The housekeeper, assistant housekeeper or supervisor do not get incentives and yet have to produce a perfect room with clean linen, services, decoration. Housekeepers play a vital role but unfortunately, they are not recognised like the food and beverage manager or the chef.”
Welcoming the chief guest, Timothy Wright, Vice President and General Manager of Shangri-La Hotels, said, “The International Housekeepers Summit is a great opportunity for hoteliers and for professionals to meet experts and fellow professionals and learn the new trends & technology available in this industry.”
Presented by the Asian Housekeeper’s Association, a conglomerate of housekeeping associations from 11 countries–the International Housekeepers Summit aims are redefining housekeeping in the corporate strategy.
The Association members include i-Professional Housekeepers’ Association, India; Maldives Housekeepers’ Forum; Sri Lanka Housekeepers’ Association; Professional Housekeepers’ Group, UAE; Doha Housekeepers Group; Kuwait Housekeepers Hub; Saudi Arabia Housekeepers Association; Malaysian Association of Housekeepers; Vietnam Executive Housekeeper Association and Indonesian Housekeepers Association.
These associations form the Asian Housekeepers Association headquartered at Mumbai, India.
Based on the theme- Rekindling Foundations of Housekeeping, Linen Care and Customer Services, the two-day summit has incorporated sessions as diverse as training, technology, laundry, management, servicing and purchase. Gaining insights into newer approaches to the essentials of housekeeping with significant hearings from experts, the sessions have been woven together with relevant aspects in an interactive format.
The summit also includes a Buyer-Seller meet to enable business interactions with all the delegates. As in the past there is a unique fashion show showcasing hospitality attire by leading uniform designers. IHS2018 will also conduct the 2nd Edition of the Asian Housekeeping Awards which honours the Best Housekeeper in Asia from among the entries received.
The International Housekeepers Summit is organised by Virtual Info Systems Pvt. Ltd, India; and presented by Asian Housekeepers Association.
Add new comment