Mahindra SLPL a boost for tourism industry

Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President Anura Lokuhetty has welcomed the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League as a boost for tourism industry.

“Sri Lanka requires this kind of event to create awarenessand a good image of the country as a destination,” Lokuhetti said.

 “Therefore, we always welcome events that will generate revenue, especially events that are sports-related. I believe it is a great thing that the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League is being held, as it will contribute to the development of tourism in the Country; and I hope more events of this nature will be held in the future as well,” Lokuhetti added.

THASL Chief also said the free media created through the broadcast of this event will help us publicise the country’s brand in emerging markets, and thereby increase tourist arrivals.”

According to Lokuhetti nations such as Singapore, whose revenue is mostly generated through events such as conventions, conferences and exhibitions, and London, which has received a great deal of publicity and generated a large amount of revenue from the Olympics – which will thereafter benefit the tourism industry and all dependant industriesof these countries.

Sandiip Bhammer, the Chairman of Somerset Entertainment Ventures (SEV), commented, “With the Mahindra SLPL becoming a permanent fixture on the international cricket calendar, we believe that it will not only grow Sri Lanka as a cricketing nation, but also help Sri Lanka become a tourism attraction. Cricket has consistently been the lifeblood of this Country, as in India, and the Mahindra SLPL will help to further promote the Country as a destination. The Mahindra SLPL is just the first step in this long-term process.”

With the much-awaited Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) taking off on the 10th of August 2012, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, cricket fans around the country have been drawn to stadiums to experience some cricketing icons in the country’s inaugural international-level cricket league.

The tournament, features seven teams (from seven provinces), with top local cricket icons such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga set to perform alongside international players in the calibre of Shahid Afridi, Johan Botha, Brad Hodge, Umar Gul, Nathan Mccullum to name a few.

Being broadcast live in 80 countries, with the support of Sporty Solutionz – in addition to coverage on the web video giant, YouTube, the tournament is set to play a significant role in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination.

The seven teams alone, with squads of over 25 each – including support staff, as well as the media, production crews, commentators, event partners and more – occupy close to 7,000 room nights during the series. This, in itself, provides a significant boost for the country’s tourism industry during this otherwise lean season, giving Sri Lanka an additional influx of foreign exchange.