Bright prospects for tourism industry

Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Prospects look brighter for the tourism industry with the number of visitors increasing due to the peaceful environment prevailing in the country, said President, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal Miththapala. He said the number of tourist arrivals is picking up and the industry is expecting a good winter this year.Preparations for the holidays are taking place in all hotels and resorts to offer an exciting experience to visitors.

“Though prediction on tourist arrivals this year was gloomy, there is optimism today with the end to the war. Visitors could travel without fear to new locations”, Miththapala said.

The tourism industry is hoping the number of tourists to be around 500,000 this year though it projected to be around 430,000.

Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism George Michael said the Northern and the Eastern provinces will contribute immensely to the growth of tourism.

“Investors have already shown interest to set up hotels and resorts in the provinces. Lands will be identified and given to investors”, he said.

Nature friendly upmarket resorts will be set up in the Eastern coast. Properties will be built in Passikuda, Nilaweli, Arugambay and Kuchchiweli which are prime locations for tourism.

He said the private sector has made inquiries about the availability of land to commence new ventures. Proposals have been submitted for approval.

The new Tourism Minister, Nandana Gunatilleke held discussions with industry stakeholders to develop tourism in the North and East.

Tourism is not new to him and a program will be launched to develop the industry”, Michael said.