Uber inks MoU with Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry

• Uber will promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination to its rider base in India ahead of SLTPB roadshows in select Indian cities 

Uber said yesterday it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)  to give a boost to tourism.  

Over the next few months, Uber will promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination to its rider base in India which accounts for one of the largest tourist inflows into the country. The partnership aims to help revive tourism in Sri Lanka which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent economic crisis. 

Later this month, the Sri Lanka Tourism Board will organise roadshows in select Indian cities to encourage tourists to visit Sri Lanka. As part of the partnership, Uber will use its platform to promote Sri Lankan tourist spots and food delicacies to its wide customer base across India. Tourists will be provided special promo codes that will give them easy access to safe and convenient transportation options with Uber, and easy food and grocery delivery through Uber Eats. The Sri Lanka Tourism Board will also run a contest for Indian citizens, co-promoted by Uber, where five winners will stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid holiday in Sri Lanka for three nights and four days. 

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu said: “Tourism offers great opportunity and hope to Sri Lanka. We will highlight the best of Sri Lanka to potential tourists through exhibitions and roadshows over the next few months. Apart from beautiful landscapes and mouth-watering food, direct-flight connectivity, a good rail network, accessibility through easy delivery options, play a critical role in choice of a tourist destination. We believe a global company like Uber can play a major role in promoting Sri Lanka to its customers and offer a familiar and preferred travel choice to tourists when they visit Sri Lanka.”  

Uber Mobility Sri Lanka Country Manager Kaushalya Gunaratne said: “We are a part of the fabric of the communities we serve and we are delighted to partner with the Tourism and Lands Ministry to do our bit to revive tourism in Sri Lanka. This beautiful country has great potential and has so much to offer, from unparalleled scenic beauty, rich culture, to delicious food. We hope that by providing easy connectivity within and between cities, and a wide range of local and international cuisines to tourists on our twin platforms, we will play our part to make their stay memorable. Each time tourists use Uber here; they will get the same world-class experience that they have come to expect over the years.”

Uber said tourism has been a major contributor to the Sri Lankan economy, accounting for 13% of the country’s GDP. Owing to its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches, the island nation has been a popular destination with tourists across the globe. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Galle, Kandy, Sigiriya, Yala National Park, and Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lankan food delicacies, including traditional dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu, are also a major tourist attraction.