November 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has voiced its firm backing for the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, joining other nations at the 26th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Delivering Sri Lanka’s statement at the gathering, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the principles of the Declaration, noting that its focus on digital transformation and sustainability mirrors Sri Lanka’s own tourism and economic development strategies.
Minister Herath emphasised that Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth efforts hinge significantly on the modernisation of the tourism sector through digital innovation. He observed that the Declaration’s policy framework and practical measures were closely aligned with the government’s ongoing initiatives to integrate technology and enhance visitor experiences.
Expressing optimism about the global cooperation that the Riyadh Declaration seeks to foster, the Minister welcomed forthcoming initiatives such as reports on artificial intelligence applications in tourism and the exploration of a future international convention.
Herath concluded by reaffirming Sri Lanka’s readiness to collaborate with the international community in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and tech-driven future for global tourism.
