Tourism exhibition concludes

Sancharaka Udawa 2014, the exhibition that showcases development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, was held in Colombo last week.

The exhibition was organised for the fourth consecutive year by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). Minister of Economic Development was the chief guest at the opening.

Sri Lanka has set a target of achieving US $ 2 billion in revenue from the tourism industry which shows continuous growth after the end of terrorism in 2009.

According to SLTDA statistics in 2013 tourist arrivals increased to 1,274,593 compared to 1,005,605 in 2012, a 26.7% increase. Earnings from tourism increased to $ 1.7 billion, a 30% increase compared to 2012.

Sancharaka Udawa provides opportunities for those less exposed to mainstream tourism, creating a platform for small and medium service providers to network and build vital links with operators and enter the wider spectrum of the industry. The expected benefits of this endeavour are an increase in transportation related logistics, accommodation and people with foreign language skills and entertainment activities.

- GW