Tourism strategy of Sri Lanka must change: Marikkar

COLOMBO (News 1st); The tourism strategy of the country must be subjected to change, says SJB MP S.M. Marikkar.

The MP said this when the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) was summoned at the COPE Committee to be questioned on the measures taken to revive the tourism industry in Sri Lanka.

MP Marikkar pointed out that Maldives still account for 70% of pre-pandemic tourist arrivals, however Sri Lanka has not reached that level as of yet.

In response, the Chairman of the SLTDA Kimarli Fernando stated that Sri Lanka has many lessons to learn from Maldives, including the tourism promotion strategy of targeting the elite. Adding that Maldives has set up global agencies to promote tourism around the world, the SLTDA Chairman stated that Sri Lanka did not have such a strategy, however, Cabinet approval has been gained to set up such agencies.

" As the Chairman, I lead 488 members and 45 directors. But in the Maldives there is a group of 15 people. Although a small team, they are very efficient. They accept foreign investment. Those foreign investors are promoting that country," she stated.

MP Marikkar added that Sri Lanka should attempt to reach a higher goal and the tourism strategy of the country must be subjected to change.