Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau says tourism industry recovering faster than expected
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Kishu Gomes has reportedly said that the country’s tourism industry was recovering faster than expected as the arrivals from 1,200 per day in April has increased to 2, 200 in May and to 3,200 per day in June.
Gomes has told the media that the tourism authorities also expect more arrivals to pick up towards mid year and also subsequent to further relaxing of travel advisories especially by Russia which would happen when the ‘state of emergency’ is lifted by the government.
He has noted that in addition to the current Rs. 985 million earmarked for global tourism promotions for a local and foreign advertising agency, a further Rs. 4 billion would be allocated for more promotions including road shows and exhibitions.
Commenting on the biggest MICE event to be held in Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday attacks, Gomes has said that the 46th ARTDO International World Conference will be held in Sri Lanka in September giving a tremendous boost to Sri Lanka as a safe destination to travel to.
“Series of similar events are being planned in Galle, Colombo Arugam Bay to popularize MICE, Cultural and Sports events and global celebrities would attend them,” he has been quoted as saying.
Gomes has observed that while the global GDP growth is around 3%, tourism growth is 4.4% which shows the importance of the industry.
“With Sri Lankan tourism moving rapidly after recovery, the country should attract revenue in the excess of US$ 10 billion from the current US$ 4.4 billion in four more years,” he has added.
OSL take:
The numbers announced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau highlighting the continuously growing tourist arrivals in the country is a clear indication that the country’s tourism industry’s return to normalcy following the Easter Sunday attacks has been quicker than expected. This is a clear confidence boost for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Also, the 46th ARTDO International World Conference scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka this September would once again portray the country as a safe MICE destination. All these are indicative of the continuous growth in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. This has been further boosted by the international recognition of Sri Lanka as the best destination to visit in 2019. Therefore, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is rife with business/investment opportunities that await the discerning foreign investor.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/12072019/Z_4 |