Colombo aims to keep visitors for 72 hours, says Balthazaar in China

Colombo is planning to transform itself from a transit stop into a vibrant destination where tourists are encouraged to stay for up to 72 hours, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar announced at the Annual General Meeting of the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities in Quanzhou, China.

Speaking on behalf of non-Chinese member and observer cities, Mayor Balthazaar highlighted the importance of a modern Silk Road — one that fosters connections through tourism, culture, and shared initiatives. She outlined Colombo’s vision for tourism, including infrastructure upgrades, implementation of heritage guidelines, and a range of cultural and recreational projects designed to enhance the visitor experience, the Colombo Municipal Council said in a statement.  

Mayor Balthazaar was accompanied by MMC Mohomad Jaufer and representatives from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasizing the collaborative approach Sri Lanka is taking to international tourism engagement.  

The Mayor expressed Colombo’s commitment to deepening ties with other Silk Road cities and turning shared ideas into concrete actions

The Mayor expressed Colombo’s commitment to deepening ties with other Silk Road cities and turning shared ideas into concrete actions that benefit both tourists and local communities.