Sri Lanka gears for World Tourism Day with series of special events

The tourism industry in Sri Lanka is gearing up for an exciting series of events to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 which falls on 27 September. 

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has planned several events from 25 to 27 September, with a special focus on green investments and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector. The global theme of this year’s World Tourism Day commemoration centres on tourism and green investments. 

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing an encouraging surge in tourist arrivals and crossed the 900,000 mark in early August easily surpassing the total of 719,978 recorded for the whole of 2022. Anticipation is building as we approach the last week of September when the one millionth tourist is expected to arrive. This holds special significance for the upcoming World Tourism Day celebration.

These celebrations align with global efforts to rethink and reshape the tourism sector to be more sustainable, responsible, and community-oriented. By focusing on green investments and sustainable practices, Sri Lanka aims to position itself as a leading destination that balances tourism’s benefits with environmental and social considerations, thus ensuring long-term prosperity and well-being for all stakeholders involved.

Sustainable Niche Tourism Learning Expo – 25 September 

Heralding the week’s activities is the Sustainable Niche Tourism Learning Expo on 25 September, hosted at Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The event is organised by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Indo Pacific Opportunity Project (IPOP) for sustainable tourism. The primary objectives of this outreach event are:

•  Enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs through learning opportunities, access to mentoring sessions with industry trailblazers, and the dissemination of toolkits focused on product development, marketing, promotions, and sustainability.
• Encouraging MSMEs to embark on their sustainability journey.
•  Promoting business-to-business networking to connect MSMEs with larger operators and local suppliers.
•  Creating awareness of the business registration criteria and providing on-location registration opportunities.
•  Promoting the ongoing sustainability certification program among businesses engaged in tourism. 

Official World Tourism Day celebration – 27 September

The official celebration of World Tourism Day will take place on 27 September at Marino Beach Hotel, Colombo. This global event, celebrated worldwide, highlights the role of tourism in fostering socio-cultural exchange, economic growth, and sustainable development.

This year’s theme, “Tourism and Green Investments,” underscores the importance of investing in people, the planet, and prosperity within the tourism industry. The event will:

•  Raise awareness about the significance of green investments in tourism.
•  Showcase successful examples of sustainable tourism practices and green investments.
•  Encourage collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable initiatives.
•  Provide a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and best practice exchange.
•  Inspire industry professionals to adopt sustainable strategies.

Embracing a million dreams: Sri Lanka’s tourist triumph in 2023

In addition to these events, Sri Lanka anticipates receiving one million tourist arrivals around 27 September, marking a significant milestone after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SLTDA together with SLTPB has organised a special reception to greet the one millionth tourist. This accomplishment comes after several years of striving to rebuild the industry following many challenges. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau intends to greet tourists by offering them gift packs that feature local sweets and a keepsake. Additionally, they are planning to set up a designated area for tourists to take selfies and create lasting memories during their visit. 

The revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is a testament to the resilience and efforts of the country’s tourism sector, despite the challenges it has faced. It signifies a positive outlook for the recovery and growth of tourism in Sri Lanka.