The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman, Priantha Fernando, has announced that the new tourism policy of Sri Lanka is expected to be unveiled this month. The main objective of this policy is to increase tourism earnings in the long term by attracting high-end tourists to the country. President Ranil Wickremasighe has placed a strong emphasis on attracting high-end tourists and increasing their average spending per visit.
In addition to focusing on high-end tourism, the government also aims to develop other sectors within the tourism industry. The President’s Media Division (PMD) recently stated that their goal is to bring in 5 million tourists, with 2.5 million being high-end visitors. Furthermore, Indian estimates suggest that Sri Lanka has the potential to host up to 10 million tourists from both Asia and South Asia.
Fernando mentioned that new tourism segments will be introduced based on ongoing demand analysis. This means that as demand for certain products or experiences increases, new offerings will be developed accordingly.
The implementation of this new policy highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment towards enhancing its position as a top tourist destination and boosting its economy through increased tourist spending. By targeting high-end visitors and continuously analyzing market demands, Sri Lanka aims to attract a larger number of discerning travelers who are willing to contribute significantly towards its economic growth.
Overall, these initiatives reflect the government’s dedication towards transforming Sri Lanka into an attractive destination for international travelers while simultaneously catering to their diverse interests and preferences in order ensure an unforgettable experience during their visit.
In an interview with The Daily Morning Business in April, Fernando highlighted the importance of providing high-quality products and services to attract high-end tourists. He emphasized that the hospitality sector, which caters to these tourists, experiences high occupancy rates.
Fernando also mentioned that out of the approximately 50,000 rooms available in the formal sector, around 10,000 meet the standards required for accommodating high-end tourists. These include luxury villas, boutique hotels, and 4-star to 5-star establishments.
When asked about attracting tourists from Middle Eastern countries specifically, Fernando stated that currently there is already some traffic from this market. However, he suggested that Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) should intensify its promotional activities in Middle Eastern markets to further enhance their appeal.
Arab News had previously reported on Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Colombo recognizing Sri Lanka’s potential as an attractive destination for Arab visitors.