Travel

Ensuring the successes of Sri Lanka’s tourism tomorrow

Janadari Samarasekera University of Peradeniya

Today, the tourism industry can be identified as one of the most viable components of the Sri Lankan economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings, employment opportunities, infrastructure development and regional development. As anticipated in “Mahinda Chintana” policy document, 2.5 million would be the number of tourist arrivals targetted by the year 2016. To accomplish this aspiration, steps should be taken to implement new ventures. State intervention is necessary to encourage the private sector, local entrepreneurs and the rural community to initiate the dynamic and speedy programmes in the localities identified for improvements.

The first impression of a tourist at his/her arrival on the island matters a lot and it carries a long way to build a good image of Sri Lanka. Therefore, one should be greatly concerned about the modernization of the airport, create a pleasant atmosphere, make available virtual traveler information counters, signs giving proper direction, and fine sanitary conditions, etc.

Further, upgrading facilities at the airport for domestic flight operations, making available an attractive train service and prompt automobile operations for tourists from airport to transit destinations are needed. Train services could be advanced by means of introducing comfortable compartments with observation car facilities, specially for trips to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Down South, as tourists will enjoy the wonderful views.

It is appreciated that various major projects are in progress aiming at improving the tourism industry in the country, which will be of high value in the future. Among them are improvements to road networks leading to eco-friendly and agro-friendly villages, national sanctuaries and places of ancient archaeological value.

Therefore, facilities around those areas are to be developed by putting up hotels, conversion of houses into guest houses, cabanas and homely experienced dwelling units, etc. Human resource development is also one of the key areas to be considered to ensure high service standards in all tourist hotels and other business enterprises.

The Government has also focused attention on important places in the Jaffna Peninsula, which had not been visited by tourists earlier. There are archaeological sites that need conservation: beaches in the North Eastern coastal belt and many other places such as Keerimale pond need improvement. Islands around Jaffna need to expand facilities with the assistance of the private sector and community living should be encouraged in those areas allowing them to develop their own industries.

Sri Lanka is blessed with beautiful beaches, rivers, wild life, desirable climatic conditions and natural resources in addition to a friendly multi-cultural nation linked together in harmony. We need to be ready to embrace the boom after the end of the thirty years of war which Sri Lanka successfully won by eradicating terrorism.

It is indeed beautiful beaches such as Hikkaduwa, Arugambai and Nilaweli in the coastal belt that attract many tourists. However, there are some more beaches in the coastal belt of Mannar and Jaffna Peninsula that need improvements.

Promoting eco-tourism is one of the best solutions for our country. Tourists tend more to visit cultural heritage sites, natural environment sites and wildlife sanctuaries. Our country also promotes adventure tourism, health tourism and the like, specially integrating the traditional Ayurvedic spas and agro-tourism. With regard to health tourism, local entrepreneurs from the main tourist areas will be encouraged to construct Ayurvedic centres. Ayurvedic medicine has become very popular among tourists since it is natural and side effect free. Through the implementation of these practices, we can generate an environmental friendly tourism industry.

Sri Lanka no longer needs to depend on traditional incomes on products such as plantations, apparels and exports. Therefore, Sri Lanka need to explore new ventures to become the “Wonder of the Asia”. Privately owned farms can be used for this kind of eco-friendly and agriculture-based tourism. “Farm Tourism” will be extremely popular among tourists as they travel to another country for leisure and to be released of stressful conditions.

Agro -tourism is a direct expansion of ecotourism, which encourages visitors to experience agricultural life at first hand.

This is a community-based tourism where tourists have an opportunity to work in the fields as real farmers:picking fruits, feeding animals can be experienced while on farm-stay. This will be another income source to the farmer village communities via the tourism industry. This can ensure the economic stability of small farms and the community and at the same time preserve the agricultural heritage for the future market.

Yala, Uda Walawe, Kumana, Bundala, Wasgamuwa, Wilpattu, Minneriya, Horton Plains are few national parks with wildlife:elephants, thick jungles where water in streams end in magnificent waterfalls are the places that capture the attention of tourists.

However, even at the present moment places like Wasgamuwa and Minneriya need infrastructure and regional development.

Religious tourism is also encouraged by developing Buddhist places of worship in order to increase the arrival of tourists from countries such as Thailand and other Buddhist countries. Tourists may like to meditate for relaxation. Construction of meditation centres near religious and historical places need to be considered.

Tourists love Sri Lanka for the beauty of its waterfalls, its climatic conditions, its nice and inexpensive hotels with friendly staff, the warmth and the friendly nature of the people, its sandy beaches, the beautiful blue sea, the Kandy Perehara, its villages, and wild animals.

Also, natural forests such as Sinharaja, the Temple of the Tooth, mountains, nature parks, precious stones, ancient archaeological sites such as Anuradapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, historical kingdoms and national parks capture their interest. Nowhere else in the world is such a selection made available for tourists. Therefore, state intervention is required to support the local entrepreneurs and to empower the community to develop hotels, home stays, eco lodges and farm stays to sustain safe and easy facilities for tourists. In view of the above, the tourism industry is one of the best explanations for employment opportunities and economic development in the country.

However, it is at the same time imperative that we also take into consideration the negative impact of the tourism industry. It is important that the State be extremely vigilant about the adverse side effects that tourism can have on culture, religion, children and families.

There should be a separate mechanism to monitor tour operators, guides, hotels and others engaged in this industry. In certain countries child prostitution and drug abuse are widespread due to the tourist trade.

As the Sri Lankan nation, we must preserve our cultural and religious values and therefore, the state is responsible in ensuring a balance between tourism and the development of the society.

The targets envisaged for a future of tourism will not only increase tourist arrivals to physically relax but spiritually and at the same time creates more employment opportunities resulting in an enhancement of capital. The tourists will be an encouragement for agro-tourism, as they would travel in nature-based areas, enjoy and learn farm functions, be interactive and gain an opportunity to taste local food.

Bata-atha Agro Tourism Project is one of the models for promoting tourism on farm-stay. Tours will be arranged as Agro-tours:Cinnamon tour to Deniyaya, Tea trail, etc. and Kalpitiya is identified as unique selling point that provides harvest throughout the year thus capturing the attraction of tourists.

Industry can anticipate cyber extension facilities and the arrival of individuals or small groups of tourists who would spend shorter period of time in nature-based localities.

‘Ayubowan China’; where Chinese Dragon meets the Lankan Lion

Sri Lanka Tourism, along with AIESEC Sri Lanka, hosted ‘Ayubowan China’ on at the Light House Galley last Saturday. This Chinese New Year Show aims to promote Sri Lanka as a favourable Tourist destination in China.

The Chinese New Year Show was focused on sharing the Chinese culture and tradition among the other nationals, which is a rising global trend at present.

This colourful event, with its lights, lanterns and music, was definitely a vital aspect in strengthening the ties between Sri Lanka and China. It was obvious as the 50 Chinese interns (University students from over 20 major cities in China) performed a traditional Chinese Dance, a Chinese Opera, a Fan Dance, an instrumental with Pipa and Erhu plus Kung Fu and Tai-Chi routines, to the utmost contentment of the audience. Sri Lanka Navy and the National Youth Services Council also contributed to the event with their excellent performances.

AIESEC Sri Lanka, an International Youth Organization, coordinates over 200 internships on annual basis through the Global Community Development Programme and Global Internship Programme in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The ‘Dragon Night’ is one of the main events which falls under a 6-week project named ‘Ayubowan China’ by AIESEC Sri Lanka.

‘Ayubowan China’ was initiated by AIESEC Sri Lanka with the support of AIESEC China to strengthen the cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and China through AIESEC internship programme. This project also includes Chinese cultural activities, performances by the universities, a youth forum, Chinese cultural event [Dragons Night] as well as the post tour which exposes the Chinese interns to the Sri Lankan culture.

It’s time to experience the Chinese culture and taste yummy foods - while experience the culture of Sri Lanka. An event which open to general public with Chinese cultural performances, dances, Chinese food, traditional hand crafts, fireworks and many more together with Sri Lankan food and performances . It’s an amazing opportunity to experience the blend of Chinese and Sri Lankan culture.

50 university students from china will be coming to Sri Lanka and doing Chinese cultural activities, promotions in universities, higher education institutes, public and international schools etc.

This would be a great opportunity for Sri Lankan youth to gain insight of another culture while gaining a global mind set. These activities will include Chinese traditional performances, games, AIESEC internship program promotional activities, sharing etc.

Community Development Activities Community development (CD) is the process of helping a community strengthens itself and develops towards its full potential.

AIESEC has been involved in community development through its Global Community Development program and has created a greater impact in the society. Under project Ayubowan China, Chinese intern will be given a chance to involve in community development activities in Sri Lanka and to contribute towards great cause. These activities will be done in cooperating with NGOs and other youth associations in Sri Lanka.