Minister meets US tour operators and media in New York

VISIT: Minister of Tourism, Anura Bandaranaike who represented Sri Lanka at the Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Washington in mid April is now in New York and Los Angeles meeting the leading travel and tour operators.

In New York, the Minister held a series of meetings with the media and tour operators where he solicited their co-operation to create a greater awareness of Sri Lanka's tourism potential. Over 40 tour operators participated.

The Minister focussed on the potential attraction of Sri Lanka to up-market American tourists with special interests including adventure and eco-tourism.

Special mention was made of white water rafting, off road cycling, sea canoeing, and hot air ballooning.

The Minister emphasised that Sri Lanka has much to offer the American tourists in terms of added value.

The meeting in Los Angeles was attended by several tour operators of Sri Lankan origin as well, in addition to US Companies, despite the backdrop of the recent ceasefire violations in north east.

The Minister reiterated that all was calm in the south and assured the US tourists of safety and security in Sri Lanka.

He made a fervent appeal to the media and the operators to cooperate with the Government's efforts to lure the growth urging American tourists to visit Sri Lanka.

The Minister invited prospective US investors to join in major resort development projects and opportunities for 5 star hotel property development projects.