18 August 2023 09:49 am
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has tasked tourism authorities with the ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists annually, urging industry officials to expedite their efforts accordingly.
In a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat this week, Wickremesinghe engaged with the committee responsible for assessing the progress of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enhancement programme, proposing measures to establish the country as a prominent tourist destination.
The directive comes just days ahead of the launch of the Sri Lanka rejuvenation campaign, which will be unveiled by the President during the opening of a property by Hilton in Yala, Tissamaharama.
During the discussion, comprehensive plans spanning short, medium, and long term were deliberated upon to enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal and comfort for tourists.
To realise the goals for the sector, Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated bodies are in the midst of formulating a strategic plan for up to 2025. According to the President’s Media Division 95 percent of the plan is completed.
President Wickremesinghe also directed officials to identify a suitable location, in collaboration with the private sector, for the establishment of a high-class hotel school in Sri Lanka.
Further, to enhance lodging options for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the President directed officials to investigate and compile a report of currently unoccupied buildings and historic bungalows.
Emphasising the significance of Provincial Tourism Boards across all 09 provinces, Wickremesinghe advocated for the creation of regional committees under each board.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Lands Harin Fernando, shared that several tourism promotion initiatives have been devised in anticipation of the upcoming
Asia Cup.
He highlighted the unexplored potential in Central and Uva provinces, particularly the Central Province where air quality remains pristine. Fernando proposed developing this province as a sustainable tourism hub.