SAARC Summit will help woo more tourists - CHC chairman

by Lalin Fernandopulle

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The SAARC Summit held in Colombo has created a positive impression about the country as a safe destination which will help to attract more tourists this year, said Chairman, Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC), Anura Lokuhetty.

He said though some criticised the SAARC Summit heavily as a talk shop and that the money was spent on entertainment, hosting an international event of this nature certainly brings prestige to the country and helps dispel the negative views about the country.

“The tourism industry has been going through a bad spell in the recent past and with such an image and confidence-building activities, the industry will bounce back and be the leading foreign exchange earner in the country.

“Foreign journalists have reported the true situation in the country that tourists are not targets of terrorist attacks and that Sri Lanka is a safe place for tourism.

It is the adverse publicity carried out in western countries that created a negative impression about Sri Lanka”, Lokuhetty said.

Despite negative stories about the country, tourists still prefer to visit Sri Lanka due to the diverse aspects of tourism in the country. The country has the best beaches, culture, history, adventure and eco tourism and this makes Sri Lanka a hot spot for tourism.

The CHC has launched several packages at competitive prices to promote domestic tourism which is a potential market.

We are targeting school children to help them enhance their knowledge on historical, cultural, archaeological and religious places in the country.

The Kandy perahera will be a major event this month where a large number of tourists is expected to visit the historical city to watch the biggest and most colourful pageant in the country.

A large number of Indian tourists is in the country to watch the Test and One Day Cricket series.

The Hikkaduwa Beach Fest attracted a large number of tourists and the industry showcased the beauty of the southern coast.

“The staggering cost-of-living is a serious issue. People cannot afford the transport costs.

The CHC has taken steps to use more local fruits, vegetables and firewood to prepare meals which has helped to reduce the cost”, he said.