SLTPB to host professional sporting events in 2018 to propel tourism promotion
Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sutheash Balasubramaniam said that Sri Lanka hoped to establish a venue to host world-class sporting events like the Ironman Triathlon, European Golf Tour and International Surfing by 2018 in order to position the country as an international level sporting venue to draw in more foreign visitors.
The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) is expected to invest LKR 185 million just to promote Sri Lanka as a sporting destination to visitors across its key markets.
Balasubramaniam stated that progress was already underway to commence promotion of the three events by next year.
With an estimated cost of LKR 50 million, the Ironman Triathlon, considered the largest participation sports platform in the world where athletes compete in a series of endurance sports,is expected to draw in around 750 participating from countries like Australia, the US, India, China and the UK. The event is also expected to bring in around 2,000 spectators all of whom will stay for seven days in February 2018.
Balasubramaniam added that the European Golf Tour for senior citizens will also be hosted in March 2018, a month following the Ironman Triathlon and is expected to attract 50 mainly European professional golfers, amongst whom will be 15 legendary golfers. This event is estimated to cost LKR 90 million, with the venue still in the consideration stage. The event is also expected to draw in around 100 spectators.
He further added that LKR 45 million may be invested to host the International Surfing event in June 2018 with Arugam Bay selected as the appropriate venue and is expected to attract around 100 professional surfers.
Balasubramaniam was quick to assure that delays in the digital marketing and global tourism promotional campaigns will be offset by the success of the events.
He also assured that sponsorship were likely to be forthcoming as many corporates would be drawn to the high profile nature of these events and these sponsorships in turn will help offset the total cost of the events.
OSL TAKE:
Such events will provide opportunities not only for sponsorships but also create the need for event planning services and other sports related services.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/29092017/Z_3 |