Negative publicity on SL from source markets worsened impact on tourism sector

The Tourism Ministry stated that the crisis of the hard-hit sector was further worsened, due to the tourism source markets painting an incorrect picture about the destination. 

While the ground situation in the island nation was difficult in recent months, due to the economic and political crisis, the reality was that the scenario was not as grim as what was stated in international media, said Tourism Ministry Secretary Chulananda Perera, addressing a media briefing this week. 

The negative publicity along with the shortage in food, fuel and gas delivered a severe hit to the sector that was well on its path to recovery in the early months of 2022. 

“Due to the world crisis and social unrest in Sri Lanka, the tourism business suffered a big setback and as a result, every sector related to the tourism business, from the tourist hotel industry, was disrupted,” said Perera. 

However, despite the challenges, destination Sri Lanka has seen an increase in tourists visiting the country in recent weeks, he said. 

Perera called on the tourism sector stakeholders to move forward with a strong plan and focus on promoting the vision of Sri Lanka Tourism, which is that the island nation is the most beautiful destination in the work, one that would want visitors to return to. 

Accordingly, the Tourism Ministry has stepped up efforts in improving focus on uplifting and promoting ecological sites as a short-term remedy to lure international visitors.

Sri Lanka aims to attract a total of one million tourists by the end of 2022 and generate an income of US $ 1.8 million.