Sri Lanka to host a men’s qualifying series of World Surf League at Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has reportedly stated that the country will host a men’s qualifying series competition of the World Surf League (WSL) at Arugam Bay in the country’s Eastern coast with over 125 surfers from 30 countries taking part.
The event is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s positioning as a safe destination for surfers and tourists.
The surfing completion is one of several events Sri Lanka is holding to mark World Tourism Day, as the country looks to boost its image as a safe destination and recover from the effects of a downturn after Easter Sunday events.
“This is an event that will help us tap into key Western markets,” SLTPB Chief Gomes has told the media.
“There will be competitors from the USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Australia.”
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister John Amaratunga has said over 135 participants from around 30 countries will be in the competition.
WSL events have a large online following in addition to coverage from the surfing press and other media.
The WSL had made a security assessment in the wake of Easter Sunday blasts and were satisfied with the status.
“They sent their own consultant who performed a security audit of the entire country,” he said. “He also spent time at the Eastern regions as well and had discussion with the military and police.
“They concluded that Sri Lanka was safe and decided to hold the event in Arugam Bay.”
Arugam Bay has right hand point break waves, which were admired by adventurous global surfers who trekked to the area during the island’s long running civil war.
“Sri Lanka is an incredibly beautiful country with an abundance of waves on offer for surfers of all levels so we are stoked to be heading back,” WSL Asia Event Director Steve Robertson has said in a statement.
“With world-class surf and solid qualifying points on offer at the So Sri Lanka Pro, we’re expecting a great international field to attend this year’s event. The event will be broadcast across all WSL channels and will show surf fans around the world just how incredible the surf in Sri Lanka really is.”
OSL take:
The holding of a qualifying round of the World Surf League in Sri Lanka’s eastern coastal beach of Arugam Bay is indicative of the recognition of Sri Lanka as a sports tourism destination. The island continues to maintain the top slot as the destination of the year in several key global travel publications. Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have also granted approval for 16 new hotel projects during the second quarter of this year indicating the growing business potential in the country. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/12092019/Z_4 |