Special tourism development in SE

Irangika Range

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeygawardena said the Government has already launched special tourism development projects in the Southern and Eastern coast which outlines speedy growth in order to secure uninterrupted services to the targeted developments taking place in Sri Lanka tourism. “We are implementing two mega resort development projects in Kalpitiya and Passikudah, the biggest ever to add to tourism capital,” he said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the special press-briefing held with the participation of the German print and electronic media to brief about Sri Lanka and the latest developments taking place in the tourism sector of the country at the International Tourisms Börse (ITB) Travel Fair in Berlin,Germany March 14. In Colombo, we are putting up a seven star hotel chain with the investment of Hong Kong-based Shangri-La group. Alternatively, sub-projects will take place throughout the country to uplift service standards of tourism sector with special concern towards socio-cultural and environmental protection at the centre stage of all developments taking place,” he said.

While introducing Visit Sri Lanka 2011 campaign, we have identified different sectors across tourism industry which need to be developed. The Deputy Minister said the German market is considered as a key potential market for Sri Lanka Tourism and it records highest arrivals from the EUROPE sector next to UK and India being the third largest tourist generating market to Sri Lanka according to 2010 statistics.

Sri Lanka has received 45,727 tourists from Germany during 2010, a 54.2 percent growth compared to year 2009 which has recorded 29, 654 arrivals at the end of January 2011. Total arrivals from Germany recorded a 24 percent growth compared to the same time period during 2010. Germany has been positioned as a primary and most potential inbound market for Sri Lanka where it is projected that nearly 55,000 tourist arrivals will be recorded at end of 2011, from Germany. It is the fastest growing inbound market for Sri Lanka Tourism.

Sri Lanka Tourism has planned to conduct extensive promotional campaigns throughout the year to secure frequent influx of tourists from Germany. Among activities planned for German market this year are, CMT Stuttgart and product fairs, Travel agent FAMs, Road shows in autumn, releasing consumer magazines, joint promotions, railway flyer promotions, Newsletters for travel agents, media briefings in main cities, ensuring regular delivery of brochures and promotions via social media.

Special awards were presented to the outstanding service providers at the ITB fair in recognition of their special contribution to the development of Sri Lanka Tourism. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has participated at the ITB travel fair held in Messe–Berlin,Germany from March 09 - 13. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau along with other industry representatives presented their products in a variety of booths at the exhibition held last week. A team of special delegates including representatives from Sri Lanka Tourism and trade partners participated at this fair led by Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

Sri Lanka Tourism had made this year’s participation at the ITB fair another remarkable opportunity towards promoting Sri Lanka in the world tourism arena. Sri Lanka Tourism’s exhibitor stand was ranked among the top ten at the ITB fair for attractive aspects like construction, presentation, visibility ,information service and pleasant staff.