Govt. calls on private sector to expand emerging tourist destinations

Vijitha Herath
PIC BY NIMALSIRI EDIRISINGHE

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
Leaning towards the private sector once gain to uplift the tourism industry, the government this week called on the private sector to invest in underdeveloped regions since tourism growth remains concentrated in Colombo and established hubs. 
The island nation has 59,000 hotel rooms nationwide but still new destinations have severe shortages. 
“Private sector involvement is critical to developing these areas. The hotel operators and travel agencies play a central role in expanding capacity across the country,” said Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.
He shared his views while addressing the 60th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka.
Herath pointed out that the emerging destinations such as Jaffna, Bandarawela, Badulla, Ampara and Kalpitiya are still struggling with room capacity and limited tourism infrastructure.
The government is opening lands in these locations for new projects, including Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee, Bentota and Sigiriya and has invited proposals from private investors. In Jaffna, the World Bank-backed initiatives are underway alongside developments by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, aimed at creating multiple tourism clusters.
Noting that infrastructure improvements are a critical component of this push, the minister noted that Bandaranaike International Airport is set for expansion, with the Japanese agency JICA completing studies this year. The second phase is expected to start by March next year. During the current tourist season, the temporary facilities built at the airport by hotel operators help manage the peak traffic, highlighting both the private sector’s contribution and the urgent need for long-term capacity upgrades.
Domestic connectivity is also being strengthened, with budget allocations made to develop domestic flights and upgrade the regional airports, ensuring tourists can access new destinations easily. Herath asserted that only by improving transportation and facilities can the emerging regions fully realise their potential as tourism hubs.
The minister also stressed the government’s commitment to coordinated tourism promotion. A nation branding campaign is scheduled for the first quarter of next year, with plans to work closely with travel agencies and industry partners to position Sri Lanka’s lesser-known regions as attractive destinations.
“Identify new areas, start by developing hotels and facilities and those destinations will naturally attract tourists,” he said.