Boost for country’s tourism:
Lanka readies for IIFA show
The International Indian Film Academy weekend will open many
opportunities for Sri Lanka to promote tourism around the globe.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) discussed opportunities
open to Sri Lanka as the host destination for IIFA 2010, the
International Indian Film Academy weekend, scheduled to take place in
June.
Minister Lakshman Yapa |
Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said
the country can expect 14 times the benefits of the investment with the
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) being held in Sri Lanka. This
is the first international event Sri Lanka is hosting after the end of
terrorism.
He said this will create many economic benefits to the country
especially to the tourism industry. Colombo being selected to host the
IIFA will change the attitude internationally. This is an opportunity to
show that the country is peaceful, stable and comfortable.
With a significant investment pledged by the Sri Lankan Government,
the country will focus on infrastructure development, primarily the
restoration of city roads and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, which will
be the official venue for the IIFA Awards.
SLTPB Manging Director Dileep Mudadeniya said “Each year the host
destination of IIFA 2010 will be placed on an international platform as
over 300 media from around the world congregates in the country for the
much anticipated event of the Indian Film Industry.
”Sri Lanka anticipates a boost in the tourism and hospitality
industries, where employment opportunities are expected to increase,
with a distinct rise in tourist arrivals taking place within this
period”.
Infrastructure development has already commenced to facilitate
transport, accommodation and the staging of the event, at the
Sugathadasa Stadium.
The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium will be re-modelled to meet
international standards with a long-term goal of hosting regional and
global events.
The high-profile FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum is also scheduled
during the IIFA weekend will invite India’s key businessmen, offering a
dynamic global platform to Sri Lankan industries to deliberate on a
diverse range of businesses and bilateral economic issues.
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