Cabinet approves four year tourism development strategy

Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Tourism Development Strategy for the next four years presented by the Tourism Board.

In a Cabinet paper presented by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa wider issues concerning the development strategy for 2011- 2016, was discussed.

It covers wider issues relating to the industry such as the government policy, capacity and manpower requirements, infrastructure development, improving service standards, marketing and promotions, public relations, tourist safety and domestic tourism.    

The plan was approved by the Cabinet.

It has been estimated that by 2016 the industry would be capable of creating 500,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, the Cabinet paper noted. Tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors developing the country’s economy.

There has been a significant increase in tourist arrivals immediately after the conflict situation in the country, with total arrivals surpassing 650,000 confirming the fact that Sri Lanka has been globally acclaimed as one of the finest destinations for tourists.