International Forum boosts community based sustainable tourism

Ministry of Economic Development in association with Sri Lanka Tourism and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan yesterday held an International Forum on Community Based Sustainable Tourism.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa receiving a presentation from Japanese expert on community based tourism Prof. Monte Cassim whilst the other expert Prof. Yoshiki Hompo (left) and Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa look on – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

The initiative was a key activity under the Community Development Programme of the Tourism Resources Improvement Project.

Two Japanese experts, Prof. Yoshiki Hompo and Prof. Monte Cassim who have wide experience and knowledge in this field participated in the conference in order to share their experiences in community based tourism with Sri Lankan experts representing the Government, private sector and Non government organisations.

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa officiated as the chief guest at the forum held at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Colombo. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Sri Lanka Hotel School Director General  Dr. Suranga Silva, other officials and industry representatives were also present.

Sri Lankan case studies from leading Sri Lankan companies such as ICC Group, Dilmah, and Bio Food were presented. An exhibition on Community based tourism activities in Sri Lanka was also held at the institute on this occasion.

The month of October has been declared as the month of Community Based Tourism Promotion under the Visit Sri Lanka programme in Sri Lanka Tourism; hence opportunities for sharing experiences of diverse modules of community based tourism are of great importance for the development of tourism in Sri Lanka.