Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in partnership with the Tourism Ministry and four key agencies, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to foster collaboration and strengthen the tourism sector.
The move aims to boost the overall experience for visitors coming to the destination ensuring a better experience for travellers and promoting sustainable growth in the industry.
The MoUs were signed between the SLTDA and the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), the Coast Conservation Department (CCD), the Health Ministry and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).
A total of Rs. 113 million was allocated by the SLTDA to conduct key initiatives, with Rs. 80 million earmarked for the Health Ministry, Rs. 22.5 million for the CCF and DWC, and Rs. 1.5 million for the CCD.
Key initiatives outlined in the MoUs include; developing specialised paying wards in Government hospitals for tourists, spearheaded by the SLTDA with assistance from the Health Ministry, providing electric buggies for tourist transportation in Sigiriya in collaboration with the CCF, upgrading sanitary and shower facilities with the CCD and DWC for both domestic and international tourists in identified coastal areas and key attractions like Yala and Horton Plains, with plans to extend these upgrades to other tourism regions in the future.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando underscored the importance of inter-ministerial co-ordination, a point also recognised by President RanilWickremesinghe during a meeting with industry stakeholders last Saturday.
“The President was very clear in wanting to set up an inter-ministerial force because all other line ministries take over the key activities of the tourism industries. We hope that this will be aligned with the upcoming National Tourism Policy, which will be a game changer for the industry,” Fernando said.
He noted that this initiative is a phased effort to boost tourism, with more such initiatives planned for the future post-Presidential election.
Fernando highlighted the significant progress the tourism industry has made since July 2022, with immense potential to contribute to the economy as the largest forex-earning industry. “From the last tourist leaving the country back in July 2022, to-date tourism industry has come a long way thanks to the support of all the stakeholders.” he added.
He also stressed that the responsibility of maintaining these facilities would be handed over to relevant stakeholder associations, ensuring they understand the importance of these services.
Fernando expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals by the end of the year, citing the success of current marketing strategies.
As of 18 July, over 1.1 million tourists have arrived in the country, whilst generating $1.55 billion in earnings during the first half of the year.
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana expressed gratitude for the substantial allocation of funds for hospital upgrades in Dambulla, Pottuvil, Tissamaharama and Bandarawela.
He highlighted the importance of the paying ward concept, noting that it would be beneficial for tourists needing immediate medical assistance.
“Our hospitals have given free-of-charge treatments and looked after the tourists with utmost care. Because of this care and satisfaction of medical treatments, some of the tourists have made tremendous contributions to hospitals,” he pointed out.
Dr.Pathirana said based on the success of the initial phase, they are keen on broad basing the concept of paying wards for tourists in other areas.
SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando stressed the importance of improving visitor facilities, which has been a persistent issue for tourists.
He announced that from 2025 onwards, the Authority would increase provisions for similar collaborative projects with line ministries.
Explaining the allocation of funds from the SLTDA to these institutions, Fernando noted the restrictions on capital expenditure for ministries and agencies following the economic crisis.
He added that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting the SLTDA in many initiatives, particularly in the sustainable development of tourism projects.
– Pix by Lasantha Kumara
