August 03, Colombo (LNW): Uber, the largest ridesharing company globally, has entered into a partnership with Sri Lanka’s Tourism and Lands Ministry to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination to its Indian rider base.
This initiative is in preparation for the upcoming Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) roadshows in select Indian cities.
The aim of this collaboration is to help rejuvenate Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic turmoil.
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Uber and the Sri Lankan authorities,
Uber will leverage its extensive platform to highlight Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions and culinary delights to its broad customer base in India, which is one of the largest sources of tourists for Sri Lanka.
The promotional campaign will run over the next few months, coinciding with the SLTPB’s roadshows, which are designed to attract more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka.
Uber’s promotion strategy includes offering special promo codes to tourists, facilitating their access to safe and convenient transportation through Uber, and easy food and grocery deliveries via Uber Eats.
Additionally, a contest will be organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, in collaboration with Uber, offering five Indian citizens a chance to win an all-expenses-paid holiday in Sri Lanka for three nights and four days.
Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing that tourism represents a significant opportunity and source of hope for Sri Lanka.
He highlighted the country’s beautiful landscapes, delicious food, direct-flight connectivity, and efficient rail network as key attractions. Gajabahu believes that Uber’s global presence can play a crucial role in promoting Sri Lanka to its customers, providing a familiar and reliable travel option for tourists.
Kaushalya Gunaratne, Uber Mobility Sri Lanka Country Manager, reiterated Uber’s commitment to the communities it serves. He expressed delight in partnering with the Tourism and Lands Ministry to aid in the revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Gunaratne highlighted the country’s potential, citing its scenic beauty, rich culture, and diverse culinary offerings. He emphasized that Uber aims to enhance tourists’ experiences by providing seamless connectivity within and between cities, along with a variety of local and international cuisines available on Uber’s twin platforms.
Tourism has been a vital contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP. The island’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches have made it a favored destination for tourists worldwide. Prominent tourist spots include Galle, Kandy, Sigiriya, Yala National Park, and Nuwara Eliya.
