Sri Lanka Tourism is recovering faster than expected as the arrivals from 1,200 per day in April has shot up to 2, 200 in May and to 3,200 per day in June, said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Kishu Gomes.
Gomes said that they also expect more arrivals to pick up towards the mid year and also subsequent to further relaxing of travel advisories especially by Russia which would happen when the ‘state of emergency’ is lifted by the government.
He said that in addition to the current Rs. 985 million earmarked for global tourism promotions for a local and foreign ‘Ad’ Agency a further Rs. 4 billion would be allocated for more promotions including road shows and exhibitions.
Commenting on the biggest MICE event after the Easter Sunday attack in April 21 to be held in Colombo in September the 46th ARTDO International World Conference, he said that the event will also give a tremendous boost to Sri Lanka as a safe destination to travel to.
“Series of similar events are being planned in Galle, Colombo Arugam Bay to popularize MICE, Cultural and Sports events and global celebrities would attend them”.
Gomes said that while the globe GDP growth is around 3%, tourism growth is 4.4% which shows the importance of the industry. “With Sri Lankan tourism moving rapidly after recovery, the country should attract revenue in the excess of US$ 10 billion from the current US$ 4.4 billion in four more years.”
The ARTDO International World Conference has not seen any major cancellations other than two guests pulling out of it which shows the confidence foreigners have on security in Sri Lanka, said ARTDO, President, Sri Lanka, Janaprith Fernando. (SS)
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