“Industry support vital to achieve USD 18.5 Bn tourism target by 2030”

New Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Buddika Hewawasam called for a meeting with Tourism Associations at the Sri Lanka Tourism SLITHM Auditorium yesterday and said that the government is very keen to develop the tourism sector and several meaningful steps would be taken in this regard.

Hewawasam said that a national Tourism Commission would be set up with the involvement of the Ministry officials and tourism stakeholders to take key decisions and take the industry forward. The government’s new tourism plan was also presented to the stakeholders.

He said that the country achieved around USD 4.5 billion in 2018 and the new government has set a target of attracting USD 18.5 billion by 2030 and sought industry support to reach this target.

Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition & Event Organisers, Imran Hassan, said that the Tourism officials should pay more attention towards the MICE segment as it’s a key driver of tourism, “Today even in every Indian state there is a separate convention Bureau which underlines its importance and in Sri Lanka too this should be followed.”

Eastern Province Tourism Chamber President M. Jauffer said that urgent steps should be taken to develop the Batticaloa airport and the reconstruction of seaplane dock at Arugambay should continue.

“We also requested to host more international events in Sri Lanka and also try to organize the World Tourism conference (UNWTO) in Sri Lanka.”