EU member States extend support to boost tourism industry in SL

• Pledge to support joint initiative to promote SL in EU countries

The European Union member States have extended their support to boost the tourism industry via a joint initiative to promote Sri Lanka.

This collective support to promote Sri Lanka Tourism was extended by a team led by EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi together with Ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden when they met with Tourism Minister Harin Fernando on Friday.

During the discussion, Minister Fernando noted that Europe is considered a key traditional source market for Sri Lanka, and is hopeful that the support extended by the EU countries in coming months will create a positive outcome for a faster revival of the industry as well as to the overall economy.

As per the latest statistics by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Germany and France are listed among the top five tourist source markets in January 2023 accounting for 8% and 5% of the 102,545 total arrivals received by the country. 

He was also confident that other EU markets too will register an improved influx of arrivals during 2023. The EU market brings in around 44% of tourists.

The tourism industry is the third largest foreign exchange earner contributing to 12.6% of Sri Lanka’s overall economy. But Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has suffered multiple crises since 2019, and this has had ripple effects affecting the entire country and its people. It is hence a priority of the Government to rebuild a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector. The Minister extended appreciation for the solidarity extended by all Ambassadors of the EU countries. 

The EU has provided around Euro 1 billion (around Rs. 390 billion) of assistance in Sri Lanka so far, through a variety of bilateral, regional, and global programs in different sectors.

“EU Member States Ambassadors and I are keen to support Sri Lanka in making a green economic recovery, with social inclusion and poverty reduction at the heart of our support to the tourism industry,” Ambassador Chaibi said.

He highlighted the importance of global trends vis-à-vis the inherent potential of Sri Lanka to position itself to attract environmentally and socially conscious travellers.

Identifying the importance of the tourism industry for Sri Lanka to bring in much-needed foreign exchange, the EU has contributed Euro 7.2 million in grants (around Rs. 2.8 billion) to support the sector on multiple fronts, including promotion of wellness, biodiversity, exploration and culture. 

The EU-funded projects have also helped diversify the tourism offer in an inclusive manner to assist in building a stronger and more competitive sector able to increase revenues. 

The projects will reach out to rural communities and contribute to local economies, thereby spreading the benefits of tourism, and leaving no one behind. A key element of this support will be the development of skills for those active in tourism.