Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister points out new initiatives to develop tourist hotspots in the island
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development and Wildlife Minister John Amaratunga has reportedly highlighted the new initiatives taken up by the government of Sri Lanka to develop tourist hotspots in the country to facilitate and encourage more tourists to visit the island.
Key among the hotspots noted by the Minister are Arugam Bay, Yala, Ella and Nuwara Eliya.
He has also outlined that under the proposed programme there will be new facilities and developments at popular destinations across the country.
According to the Minister, a few extra entrances and a new ticketing counter will be opened at Yala National Park this month to reduce the traffic generated at the main entrances.
“We are opening two new circuit bungalows and other essential facilities like lavatories at the Yala National Park. The Tourism Development and Wildlife Ministry Secretary and the Wildlife Department Direct General are now working on it,” Amaratunga has been quoted as saying in the Daily FT.
The Minister has further noted that Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) would award liquor licenses to hotels, restaurants and home stay units operating in Arugam Bay, which is a popular surfing hotspot for many tourists.
Minister Amaratunga has also noted that the tourism authorities had developed a new concept called ‘agro tourism’ in Nuwara Eliya.
“A person who is travelling Nuwara Eliya will now have the opportunity of visiting this park, where they grow various types of vegetables, observing how they are being treated and learn about the technical side,” he has stated.
According to the Minister, the government was heavily focused on connectivity measures to ensure tourists could explore the destination smoothly.
“We have worked on both air and road connectivity over the past several years. We recently commenced the development work of the Palaly Airport and similarly the highways are now under construction. A number of luxury buses have also been ordered, particularly for tourists,” Amaratunga has added.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been impressive in its return to normalcy following the Easter Sunday attacks. The island continues to be recognized as the top destination by several leading foreign travel publications. The relaxing of travel advisories on Sri Lanka and the attractive packages/deals offered by Sri Lanka’s tourism industry have resulted in a continuous increase in the number of tourists arriving in the country. As stated by Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Minister the new initiatives to develop tourist hotspots in the country would further boost the tourism industry. On the other hand, it also creates an expansion of business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/17072019/Z_4 |