Short-term plan to boost tourism

Ramani Kangararachchi

COLOMBO: The Ministry of Tourism together with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board is to embark on a short-term plan to make Sri Lanka a draw for both foreign and local tourists.

The plan is to be implemented with immediate effect. Additional Secretary of the Ministry K.A.D. George Michael said that four proposals have been discussed at length to improve the tourism industry.

Firstly, arrangements will be made to offer low cost packages in hotels for local tourists with transportation where the families can get together and spend a few days in a hotel.

Secondly, the Sri Lankans living abroad will be encouraged to send their friends to Sri Lanka by offering a free ticket and hotel accommodation for one person in the group with the consent of airlines and hotel owners.

Concentrating on foreign tourists, the Ministry is hoping to carry out several short-term promotional campaigns in China, India, the Middle East UK, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Australia with the help of tour agents, airlines and media institutions in those countries.

Finally, more promotional campaigns will be carried out focusing on the World Tourism Day during the arrival of the English cricket team highlighting the peaceful environment in the country according to George Michael.