July 23, Colombo (LNW): The long-anticipated global tourism marketing campaign has been approved, with the Ministry of Tourism allocating approximately Rs. one billion for a one-year effort, announced Minister of Tourism, Sports, and Land, Harin Fernando.
This budget includes funds for digital campaigns targeting specific countries through multiple advertising agencies.
Fernando acknowledged past delays but confirmed the campaign’s approval and addressed current visa issues, highlighting efforts to streamline the process in response to free visa offerings by rival destinations.
He emphasised the importance of easy travel for tourists, minimising complications and delays at airports.
In a historic move, the Ministry of Tourism and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority signed a significant MoU with the Central Cultural Fund, the Coast Conservation Department, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
This agreement aims to enhance tourist facilities and address existing shortcomings, with Rs. 113 million allocated for infrastructure improvements at maintained sites.
The initial 10 vehicle permits, out of a planned 1,000, were awarded to private sector tourism companies to upgrade their fleets. Fernando expressed gratitude to President Ranil Wickremesinghe for permitting vehicle imports despite a four-year import ban.
An additional 100 applications for the travel sector, including permits for 10 electric vehicles for the Sigiriya area, will be issued next week.
Tourist arrivals from 1-21 July 2024 totalled 127,925, bringing the year-to-date figure to 1,138,174. India was the top source market with 30,442 arrivals (23.8%), followed by the UK (13,162 – 10.3%) and China (8,351 – 6.5%).
In a new initiative, the Ministry of Health will introduce paying wards for tourists at key destinations, initially in Dambulla, Pottuvil, and Tissa hospitals.
Health Minister Dr. Romesh Pathirana stated that these wards aim to provide enhanced facilities for tourists, supported by an Rs. 80 million allocation from the Ministry of Tourism, with additional investments from the Health Ministry.
Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake announced the installation of lifts at Sigiriya, facilitating access for differently-abled guests and senior citizens. Existing lifts from another site will be repurposed for this project.
Additionally, the much-anticipated ‘Light and Water Show’ at Sigiriya will be revived with environmental adjustments, and further tourist facilities at cultural sites will be provided.
However, the minister opposed balloon landings at Sigiriya due to security concerns, asserting that entry ticket rates for cultural sites align with similar international locations.
