"No space for explanation of tourists"

Addressing a parliamentary discussion last week to declare 2011 as the Tourism Year, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that he will leave no space for anyone to exploit tourists.

"The tourism industry needs to develop as a venture that will only bring financial and social benefits to the public as every economic development project should upgrade the living standards of the people," Minister Rajapaksa said.

Cordially treating the tourists and properly facilitating them will definitely promote the good name of the country, the Minister said.

"It is vital that every institute in the tourism industry treat every visitor equally and cordially from the day he purchases the ticket until he leaves the country," he said. He added that tourism should not be an industry that makes people uncomfortable.

"Certain foreign and local elements want our country to be as Ethiopia and Sudan.

They would prefer if the Government officials travel around the world begging for aids and shelter for the displaced persons. It is our duty to create development strategies understanding this reality," he said.

- DY