President Rajapaksa highlights Tourism as a hot sector to invest in Sri Lanka

President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the related officials to prepare a focused program to develop the tourism industry to generate US$ 10 billion in tourism revenues by 2025. President Rajapaksa at a meeting Monday at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, said tourism should use as the primary sector that can lead to rapid economic growth. President Rajapaksa, speaking the officials, said a talented team with field experience and engagement required for the sector's growth.

"Each move needs to produce immediate results. I'm prepared to make the decisions that need to take without fear for the country. I want officials to devote themselves to delivering the outcomes of the decisions to the country and the people. If there is a tailored plan, any obstacle can be solved, "the president said. The problems found in the tourism industry discussed at length, as well as the decisions to be taken to promote growth in the field.

The President stressed the need to improve and control the facilities given to the tourists from the airport itself. The President also described the need for a more comprehensive advertising framework to develop tourist attractions and provide a better knowledge of the sites. He noted that tourists are very much in favor of the local Ayurvedic system. The President directed out to the officials that the development of maritime sports, Sri Lankan tea and tourist attractions unique to Sri Lanka should give priority.

The President recommended holding trading complexes defining tourist needs and clarified the need for a proper system to get tourists in. The President instructed the Tourist Board to introduce programs through diplomats that would enhance the reputation of Sri Lanka and raise awareness as a tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

He stressed the need to develop the airlines like SriLankan as quality services. Inputting together the Tourism Board that acts as four bodies, the President clarified the importance of teamwork and team-work. President Rajapaksa noted that the establishment of direct air connexions could attract more visitors and focus attention on launching direct flights to European countries.

We also discussed the possibility of developing hotel managers by providing hotel school training to undergraduate students studying in the tourism and hospitality industry. It was determined that the tourism police should reactivate and a senior DIG named appropriate to the sector.

The improvements in industry-promoting rules and regulations were discussed during this meeting. Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga and Minister of State Arundika Fernando, Ministerial Secretary Mrs. SM Mohamed, State Ministry Secretary SSS Fernando, and other senior ministry officials were also present at the discussions.

OSL Take: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recorded continuous growth during the past few years. The growth momentum seems to be continuing, given the increase recorded in tourist arrivals to the country. Sri Lanka has also made its way to many essential global lists as a must-visit destination. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

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