Foreign companies keen to invest here
Mainstreaming Tourism in the Media:
Ishara JAYAWARDANE
Several foreign companies have shown their interest in investing in
Sri Lanka, Pacific Travel Association Chairman H Cooray said.
He was speaking at the Inauguration of the 23rd joint meeting of the
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) commission for South
and the UNWTO commission for East Asia and the Pacific ; and UNWTO
conference on Mainstreaming Tourism in the Media. Cooray said the media
can play a role in sustainable tourism while it can also sell a
destination.
"The momentum in Sri Lanka started with the end of the war. We
wouldn't be here today if the conflict was still going on. I have seen
progress in the East. Roads are developing fast. The confidence of the
tourism industry is blossoming. We need tourism to show how friendly our
people are. We want our tourism to show how beautiful our country is,"
he said.
UNWTO Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai said that the world has seen a
turbulent decade starting from September 11.
"Domestic tourism is a very important activity. People getting to
know their country is important. Inter-regional activities are
important. Another important fact is the emerging of human activities
such as cricket and the commonwealth games. Year 2011 promises to be a
globally important year. The challenges are there but we must be
optimistic," Dr Rifai said.
"Media had done a lot in the world to promote tourism. Media puts a
lot of pressure on the tourism industry to improve and develop their
value system," said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa.
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