Canadian diaspora to open tourism in the North

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is looking at a revival by generating foreign direct investment (FDI) through its diaspora and opening up the North.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priyantha Fernando told a media briefing held at the Government Information Department on Thursday that they would be looking at generating investment to the tourism industry through the Sri Lankan diaspora.

He pointed out that already in this regard they have held discussions with the Canadian diaspora to bring in investments for the sector.

In this respect, the Canadian diaspora has agreed to the creation of a tourism zone in the North. The investors are said to have already visited the sites in the North to establish this sector that would bring about development to this part of the country as well.

The chairman also pointed out that in line with the opening up of the North the Palaly airport will be opening on December 12 and fly out five flights per day to India.

Authorities are now looking at establishing a duty free facility at the airport in a bid to generate more income through this shopping centre.

With a target of achieving 1.5 million travellers in 2023 and doubling this figure by 2024, the minister said they need to develop new tourism products to attract visitors to the country.

This is also required to ensure that 30 per cent of the travellers that keep returning to Sri Lanka will have something more to look forward to.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando speaking at the media briefing said that they would be having discussions with the Central Bank on the issues faced by the sector with the banks on the moratoriums.

He also pointed out that currently they were facing a huge issue with the negative publicity that was being relayed in the media in other countries from which we generate tourists to the country.

In this respect the industry is finding it hard to bring down travellers to Sri Lanka since most often than not negative news sells and that is hitting hard on arrival numbers.

Moreover, the minister explained they need to work on changing the mindsets of the people of the country pertaining to the tourists holidaying in this island.

Sri Lanka is hoping to target the 230-million middle class in India to travel to Sri Lanka and by generating increased traffic from the country’s traditional markets in Europe like the UK, France and Germany.

Sri Lanka and by generating increased traffic from the country’s traditional markets in Europe like the UK, France and Germany.