sri lanka tourism promotion bureau chairman

New Chairman appointed to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

June 4, 2018   10:27 pm

The Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs announced the appointment of Mr. Dehan Seneviratne as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) with effect from today (June 4).

A veteran in the marketing field, Mr. Seneviratne takes over as Chairman of SLTPB at a crucial juncture with the long-awaited global promotion campaign about to get off the ground, the ministry said.

Mr. Seneviratne was officially welcomed by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga at his office this morning, the statement said.

With more than 40 years of experience in multinational companies covering many senior positions one of Mr. Seneviratne’s key achievements has been securing a 92% market share for ‘Panadol’ while serving at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health where he held the positions of Director Marketing and Sales, Director Corporate Affairs and Medical Marketing, and Acting Chairman/Managing Director.

He has also served as Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mackwoods Healthcare and as Marketing Consultant for ID Lanka Ltd. He is a former President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing and an Honorary Member of SLIM. 

He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from PIM, University of Sri Jayawardenapura.

Meanwhile the two newly appointed Monitoring MPs for Tourism, Harshana Rajakaruna and Sanjaya Perera called on Minister Amaratunga at his office this morning. The Monitoring MPs have been tasked with assisting the Minister to oversee the departments functioning under the Ministry.

Speaking during a brief ceremony to welcome the new Chairman and Monitoring MPs, Minister Amaratunga called on all staff working at Sri Lanka Tourism to put country above all else and rededicate themselves to the tasks entrusted to them in order to achieve greater success for the tourism industry,t the statement added.

Most Viewed

• President Ranil expresses gratitude to Iran for assistance in Uma Oya project
• Injunction against appointing Wijeyadasa as SLFP’s Acting Chairman
• Deadly ‘Fox Hill’ crash: Arrested race car drivers granted bail
• Athens: Greece’s capital turns an orange hue with dust clouds from Sahara Desert
• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi calls on President Ranil

Most Viewed Video Stories

Your browser does not support iframes.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi visits Sri Lanka to bolster ties, inaugurates Uma Oya project

Cannot View Video? Please Click Here

LIVE🔴Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

Two dead as cops return fire at armed men inside defiant three-wheeler

Sajith says ready for public debates with Anura and NPP's economic council (English)

Collaborative discussions needed to devise suitable education system - President (English)

Railways General Manager H.M.K.W. Bandara passes away (English)

Army appoints investigation panel to probe deadly Fox Hill crash (English)

LIVE🔴Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

Sinhala | Tamil

• International
• Entertainment

Well-known Business Leader Kishu Gomes Appointed Chairman Of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau

• font size decrease font size increase font size

Well-known business leader Kishu Gomes has been appointed the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau.

Gomes worked with Caltex for over 18 years and served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chevron Lubricants Lanka for many years. 

He resigned from the top post of the company in May, last year, saying he was looking for opportunities to serve the country better. 

Gomes headed the panel of judges for the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards which took place after a hiatus of six years. 

Meanwhile, Ranjit  De Silva has been appointed the new Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). 

De Silva succeeds top professional Kavan Ratnayaka who was recently appointed the Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLTDA). 

Controversy Erupts as Argentina Requests Sri Lanka's Assistance in Arresting Iranian Minister Linked to 1994 Bombing: Iran Says Minister Didn't…

Parliament to Hold Three-Day Debate on 2019 Easter Attacks

President Meets Basil for Another Round of Talks

Weerasena Gamage Sworn in as Member of Parliament

Court Extends Order Protecting SLFP Members from Removal

Heavy Rains Expected Across Sri Lanka Today

SLTDA is the official government institution tasked with regularising the tourism industry in the country, while establishing, positioning, and developing Sri Lanka as a leading destination for international visitors. SLTDA is responsible for tapping into Sri Lanka's natural potential to expand and enhance its tourism offering while benefiting investors and supporting communities, in a sustainable manner.

• Tourism Development Levy
• Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions
• Tourism News

Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plane 2017 - 2020

Download Application

English Application

Sinhala application, tamil application.

Mr. Priantha Fernando

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

80, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.

[email protected]

Mr. B.H.R. Sariffo Deen

Director general.

[email protected]

Ms. Uma Neranjan

Board member.

Tourism Ministry

Mrs. M. Anoma Nandani

Additional Director General

Finance Ministry

[email protected]

Mr. ShanthiKumar

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)

[email protected]

+94 112 422 001

Mr. Nishad Wijethunga

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)

Mr. Sabry Bahaudeen

Travel Agent Association of Sri Lanka

Mr. Nishantha Cooray

Minister Appointee

Mr. E.S.G.Edirisinghe

Provincial Councils

Mr. Upali Ratnayake

Deputy director general.

[email protected]

+94 011 426800 ( Ext : 328 )

Mrs. Tharanga Rupasinghe

Director / standards & quality assuarance.

[email protected]

+94 112 437057 | +94 112 426946

Mr. Chinthaka Abeykoon

Director / information communication technology.

[email protected]

+94 112 436321

Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya

Director / tourism planning, development & iru.

[email protected]

+94 112 437062

Mrs. Manjula Weerakkody

Director / domestic tourism & community relations.

[email protected]

+94 0112 329000

Mrs. Nirosha Kannangara

Director / legal.

[email protected]

+94 011 426800 ( Ext : 308 )

Mr. Udana Wickramasinghe

Director / research & international relations.

[email protected]

+94 112 544534

Mr. Sampath Ganepalaarachchi

Director / finance management.

[email protected]

+94 112 437063

Mrs. Karthi M Naheem

Assistant director / internal audit.

[email protected]

+94 112 426800 ( Ext : 304 )

Tourism Act

The Tourism Act No 38 of 2005 came into effect in October 2007, replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966, which was in effect for the past 41 years. In terms of the provisions contained in the new act, the Tourism Development Fund was legally constituted, with 2 main sources, (1/3rd of the Airport Tax collections and 1% of the Turnover of all Sri Lanka Tourist Board registered establishments.) contributing finances to the fund.

The Act provided for the setting up of the Sri Lanka Tourism development Authority, thereby replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The Tourism Promotion Bureau was set up to manage Marketing and Promotion.

Tourism HRD functions and the Hotels School operations are currently undertaken by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau was also restructured as a statutory body like other Institutions to be managed by an independent Board of Management.

View Tourism Act

• The Tourism Act No 38 of 2005

24th April, 2024

SLTPB Chairman appointed as Vice Chair of UNWTO

25 Jan 2024 | BY Melkishiya Andrew

The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) , Chalaka Gajabahu has been elected as the Vice Chair of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Competitiveness Committee recently. 

The Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC) is one of the technical committees of the UNWTO and it is a subsidiary organ of the Executive Council. 

Accordingly, the Committee was established at the 95th session of the Executive Council in Belgrade, Serbia in May 2013.

CTC focused its work mainly on assessing the state of knowledge on the basic concept of “tourism competitiveness” and identifying its key factors.

According to SLTPB, this process has also included identifying, developing and harmonising concepts, models and operational definitions used in the tourism value chain.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka. Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!

More News..

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Remarkable rebound of Sri Lanka’s Tourism sector: RIUNIT report

December, 6, 2023 -->

The Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) has released a comprehensive report shedding light on the current state of the Sri Lankan Travel and Tourism sector. Despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crises, the data reveals promising trends in tourist arrivals and spending, indicating a gradual recovery in the industry, paving the way for ample opportunities for investors to explore.

In an exclusive interview with the research team, Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said that “the 2023 tourist arrival trends paint an optimistic picture, especially when reflecting on the circumstances of the past year. We have successfully accelerated the recovery process despite numerous challenges, from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent economic crisis. In contrast to our competitors such as Malaysia, India, and Vietnam, who did not experience economic challenges, our recovery, when compared to theirs in numbers, stands out significantly. We anticipate an even more substantial year ahead for us. We are currently formulating a comprehensive plan that will be unveiled in the coming month”

The report indicates a notable surge in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, reflecting renewed confidence in travel. In 2022, there was a significant year-on-year growth of 270.18%, with a total of 719,978 visitors. The trend has continued into 2023, with tourist arrivals totaling 904,318 from January to August, surpassing the entire year's arrivals in 2022.

After a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, tourism receipts saw a slight increase in 2022, reaching US$1,136.30 million. The first two quarters of 2023 also showed positive signs, with receipts totaling US$503.9 million in Q1 and US$371.1 million in Q2.

Tourism receipts Q1 2022 - Q2 2023 

Source: Compiled by the Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) with data from Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to attract tourists from diverse regions, with major Middle Eastern, Indian, European, and Asian carriers contributing to the country's popularity. In 2022, Sri Lankan Airlines held the highest market share at 33.3%, followed by Qatar Airways and Emirates. In a significant turn of events, several international airlines that had temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their operations to Sri Lanka during the global COVID-19 pandemic have now resumed full-time operations.

Airlines that have recently resumed operations, launched new services, or commenced scheduled operations

Source: Compiled by the Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) with data from the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited

“Several international airlines that temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their operations to Sri Lanka during the global COVID-19 pandemic have now resumed full-time operations as passenger demand has rebounded and the payload is met. Among these airlines are QATAR Airways, SINGAPORE AIRLINES, and Emirates” - Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (Private) Limited

The report provides insights into fluctuations in cruise line arrivals to major ports, with March 2024 emerging as the busiest month. The data indicates a growing interest in cruise tourism, with various cruise lines choosing Sri Lanka as a destination.

Total upcoming cruise arrivals to major ports by month Nov. 2023 - Apr. 2024

Source: Compiled by the Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) with data from CruiseDig

The complete RIUNIT report on the Sri Lankan Travel and Tourism sector can be accessed on the organisation's website. Interested parties can visit RIUNIT website to access the full report to gain in-depth insights into the industry's current state, emerging trends, and potential investment opportunities.

The Research Intelligence Unit is a London based think tank with a strong presence in Asia and recently celebrated 20 years of service in Sri Lanka.

Latest TV News Bulletin

Video Story

Latest News

• TikTok #Avurudu: A Fusion of Local Culture, Diversity and Community
• Unveiling Dialog's Unlimited Blaster: One Plan, One Month, Unlimited Access
• SLASSCOM Applauds Sri Lanka's National Digital Economy Strategy: Paving the Way for Inclusive Growth
• ComBank crowned ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka’ by Global Finance for 22nd year
• Seylan Kedella Construction Expo 2024 a resounding success

Stock Market

Exchange rates.

Ada Derana Biz

Bhashwara Gunaratne appointed as new SLTDA Chairman

Bhashwara Senanka Gunarathna, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority with immediate effect. Bashwara Gunarathna will also remain as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).  At present he is also working as a Director General, Development Forum Office of the Ministry of Economic Development.

Source: Government News Portal

Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka

• 12th International Meeting on Security Matters: High-Ranking officials convenes in Saint Petersburg April 24, 2024
• Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated April 24, 2024
• Damitha Abeyratne and husband granted bail April 24, 2024
• Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka April 24, 2024
• Puttalam Quazi Court Judge arrested for alleged Bribery April 24, 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sinhala Chat Room

Search news.

• Hire a Freelance Web Developer
• Best Web Hosting Deals

Recent Comments

• Roxie de Abrew on Seven killed, 20 injured in accident during ‘Fox Hill Super Cross’ in Diyatalawa
• Raj on JVP loses stronghold at Tissamaharama
• Roxie de Abrew on NPP presents 7-point pledge on Easter Sunday Attack to Cardinal Ranjith
• Amarakoon on Palitha Thewarapperuma passes away
• Roxie de Abrew on Sri Lanka Police to reward officers Rs. 5,000 for each drunk driver apprehended

Storyteller

• Attachment and detachment of desires
• The Proud Rose
• Time is precious, use it wisely
• Don’t live by other people’s words
• Best motivational stories

Home » Bhashwara Gunaratne appointed as new SLTDA Chairman

• About Onlanka website
• Terms and Conditions

Remarkable rebound of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector: RIUNIT report

Despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crises, the Sri Lankan Travel and Tourism sector. data reveals promising trends in tourist arrivals and spending, indicating a gradual recovery in the industry, paving the way for ample opportunities for investors to explore. This is according to a report released by the Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT).

In an interview with the research team, Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said that “the 2023 tourist arrival trends paint an optimistic picture, especially when reflecting on the circumstances of the past year. We have successfully accelerated the recovery process despite numerous challenges, from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent economic crisis.”

“In contrast to our competitors such as Malaysia, India, and Vietnam, who did not experience economic challenges, our recovery, when compared to theirs in numbers, stands out significantly. We anticipate an even more substantial year ahead for us.”

The report indicates a notable surge in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, reflecting renewed confidence in travel. In 2022, there was a significant year-on-year growth of 270.18%, with a total of 719,978 visitors. The trend has continued into 2023, with tourist arrivals totaling 904,318 from January to August, surpassing the entire year’s arrivals in 2022. After a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021, tourism receipts saw a slight increase in 2022, reaching US$1,136.30 million. The first two quarters of 2023 also showed positive signs, with receipts totaling US$503.9 million in Q1 and US$371.1 million in Q2.

In 2022, Sri Lankan Airlines held the highest market share at 33.3%, followed by Qatar Airways and Emirates. In a significant turn of events, several international airlines that had temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their operations to Sri Lanka during the global COVID-19 pandemic have now resumed full-time operations.

“Several international airlines that temporarily suspended or significantly reduced their operations to Sri Lanka during the global COVID-19 pandemic have now resumed full-time operations as passenger demand has rebounded and the payload is met. The data also indicates a growing interest in cruise tourism, with various cruise lines choosing Sri Lanka as a destination.

The Research Intelligence Unit is a London based think tank with a strong presence in Asia and recently celebrated 20 years of service in Sri Lanka. The complete RIUNIT report on the Sri Lankan Travel and Tourism sector can be accessed on the organisation’s website.

Army Chief Pays Courtesies to Indian Military Adviser to NSCS

Akhaura-agartala rail link for india and bangladesh, you may also like, secures prestigious gold award for best ayurveda resort in sri lanka 2024, lifting of oil palm ban, indian luxury collection hotel itc ratnadipa to open on friday, people’s bank facilitates over 17 mn transactions worth over rs. 568 bn during avurudu, shape homes inks agreement with lankan ravs realtors, australia, newly released road safety statistics raise significant concerns, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Sri Lanka’s most Trusted and Innovative media services provider

• 35 McCallum Rd, Colombo 01000
• Advertise web : (+94) 112 429 315
• Nuwan : +94 77 727 1960
• [email protected]
• Sunday Observer
• தினகரன் வாரமஞ்சரி

Useful Links

• Government Gazette
• Legal Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy
• Awards & Accolades
• Lake House Rest - Kataragama

@2024 – All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Lakehouse IT

• August 1996
• September 1996
• October 1996
• November 1996
• December 1996
• January 1997
• February 1997
• August 1997
• September 1997
• October 1997
• November 1997
• December 1997
• January 2006
• February 2006
• August 2006
• September 2006
• October 2006
• November 2006
• December 2006
• August 2007
• September 2007
• November 2007
• December 2007
• January 2008
• February 2008
• August 2008
• September 2008
• October 2008
• November 2008
• December 2008
• January 2009
• February 2009
• August 2009
• September 2009
• October 2009
• November 2009
• December 2009
• January 2010
• February 2010
• August 2010
• December 2010
• January 2011
• February 2011
• August 2011
• September 2011
• October 2011
• November 2011
• December 2011
• January 2012
• February 2012
• August 2012
• September 2012
• October 2012
• November 2012
• December 2012
• January 2013
• February 2013
• August 2013
• September 2013
• November 2013
• December 2013
• January 2014
• February 2014
• August 2014
• September 2014
• October 2014
• November 2014
• December 2014
• January 2015
• February 2015
• August 2015
• September 2015
• October 2015
• November 2015
• December 2015
• January 2016
• February 2016
• August 2016
• October 2016
• November 2016
• December 2016
• January 2017
• February 2017
• August 2017
• September 2017
• October 2017
• November 2017
• December 2017
• January 2018
• February 2018
• August 2018
• September 2018
• October 2018
• November 2018
• December 2018
• January 2019
• February 2019
• August 2019
• September 2019
• October 2019
• November 2019
• December 2019
• January 2020
• February 2020
• August 2020
• September 2020
• October 2020
• November 2020
• December 2020
• January 2021
• February 2021
• August 2021
• September 2021
• October 2021
• November 2021
• December 2021
• January 2022
• February 2022
• August 2022
• December 2022
• January 2023
• February 2023
• August 2023
• September 2023
• October 2023
• November 2023
• December 2023
• January 2024
• February 2024
• FOR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
• BT Top 40 2021 – 2022
• BT Top 30 2015 – 2016
• BT Top 30 2016 – 2017
• BT Top 30 2017 – 2018
• BT Top 30 2018 – 2019
• BT Top 25 2011 – 2012
• BT Top 25 2012 – 2013
• BT Top 25 2013 – 2014
• BT Top 25 2014 – 2015
• BT Top 20 2009 – 2010
• BT Top 20 2010 – 2011
• BT Top 10 2008 – 2009
• BT Top 10 2007 – 2008
• BT Top 10 2006 – 2007
• BT Top 10 2005 – 2006
• BT Top 10 2003 – 2004
• BT Top 10 2000 – 2001
• BT Top 10 1999 – 2000
• BT Top 10 1998 – 1999
• BT Top 10 1997 – 1998
• BT Top 10 1996 – 1997
• BT Top 10 1995 – 1996

New Chairman At Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Kavan Ratnayaka assumed duties as the new Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The chief guests at the occasion were John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, and Sagala Ratnayaka, Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development. The newly appointed chairman received blessings of Buddhist clergy.

Also present at the official event were Udaya Nanayakkara, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau; Prema Cooray, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Board of Directors of the Bureau and well wishers.

Business Today April 2024

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

© 2023 BT Options. All Rights Reserved

Sri Lanka Tourism introduces new tagline

“sri lanka - you’ll come back for more”.

Sri Lanka Tourism launched its global campaign, ‘’Sri Lanka – You’ll come back for more’’ at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel recently.

The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando.

Sri Lanka Tourism officials and key line agencies and tourism industry stakeholders, including Ambassadors representing Diplomatic missions, local and international media correspondents were present.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Chalaka Gajabahu outlined how Sri Lanka Tourism has moved forward despite its various challenges

The importance of the 360-degree marketing campaign was highlighted as Sri Lanka Tourism has not initiated a global campaign for a considerable time.

He said,”If you look at last year and what we have achieved up to today, it’s an amazing development. Last year we ended up with 720,000 and we are already at 1.3 million, which is an amazing achievement.”

The setting for the event was tastefully created to represent all the tourist attractions of all the provinces, which will be promoted in key markets.

CEO, Ogilvy, Sudesh Sundhara Moorthy said, “We wanted to develop a campaign which was called the “Check In” campaign which communicates that Sri Lanka is safe, and ready to welcome tourists, thus without any hassle from the North to the South and East to West, and this campaign we developed as an interim campaign.

“After this our most important task was the brand positioning strategy and the brand campaign. The three pillars which we looked at was, that Sri Lanka was a compact island, and that was taken as an advantage. “Second, Sri Lanka has a diversity of experience and though we are an island, we give much more than Sun, Sea and sand. It was specifically mentioned that Sri Lanka should not be a bucket list destination.

“The third was that our experiences are so authentic. No other island of this size can match what we can offer. We also wanted to look at what the travelers were looking for, and the perspective of the potential traveler’ he explained. His presentation as further emphasised by playing two promotional videos which had been specially created for this initial campaign. Minister Harin Fernando said, “Sri Lanka has done so well on its own, thanks to the industry stakeholder who have spearheaded all the campaigns on their own, but I think Sri Lanka Tourism has done a well thought out campaign. All of us have to play a role to get people to visit Sri Lanka and to ensure the experience is such they will come again. Sri Lanka has much more to offer than what people know about Sri Lanka.”

The function was used as an opportunity to recognise the Pekoe Trail award that was presented by British Guild of Travel Writers at the WTM last month. Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Priantha Fernando, made a brief description about the award. He thanked those who supported in this endeavour.

A replica of the award was presented by Minister Fernando to the team which contributed a great deal to the project.

Excel World unleashes winter magic

Unidil obtains carbon footprint verified organisation certification, you may also like, govt to give preference for green vehicles, int’l travel journalists promote sri lanka tourism’s new..., maldivian air to fly direct to colombo, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The  Sunday Observer  is the oldest and most circulated weekly English-language newspaper in Sri Lanka since 1928

[email protected]   Call Us : (+94) 112 429 361

• Youth Observer
• Junior Observer
• Marriage Proposal
• Classifieds
• ObserverJobs
• Schoolboy Cricketer
• Government Gazette
• தினகரன் வாரமஞ்சரி

Facebook Page

All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Lakehouse IT Division

• Marriage Proposals

New campaigns to promote SL tourism

Sri Lanka’s Tourism authorities are set to roll out several campaigns to promote the island as a key tourist destination.

The campaigns were revealed by Sri Lanka Tourism officials yesterday (26) at a forum to give an update on its strategy going forward. 

According to Daily FT, Sri Lanka Tourism will spend Rs. 1.4 billion over the next 12 months from July to mark a fresh approach to destination marketing including two domestic campaigns.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) will roll out its global destination marketing blitz focusing on 16 key markets to boost arrivals.

SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu stated that the SLTPB Board has approved the thematic campaign and that the campaign has been shared with the Tourism Minister to obtain Cabinet approval.

“The key focused markets include the UK, France, Germany, India, Russia, Australia, China, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, US, Middle East, Japan and Korea. Continuous promotions will also be conducted in other markets simultaneously,” he said.

Chalaka Gajabahu further revealed that plans are underway to conduct two domestic campaigns to remind the hospitality extended by Sri Lankan citizens to visitors from around the world.

“A domestic tourism campaign will be launched towards the end of the year. One campaign is to remind the importance of tourism to Sri Lanka and the other campaign is aimed at the Sri Lankan diaspora towards luring visitors and investments,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando expressed confidence in the industry’s potential to welcome two million arrivals and generate $ 3.7 billion in income this year.

Also addressing the Forum, Priantha Fernando revealed the SLTDA has set its sights on increasing arrivals to 5 million and earning an impressive $ 21.6 billion within seven years.

“As part of its long-term strategy to welcome 5 million visitors by 2030, it hopes to lift the average spending per visitor to $ 4,000, with 2.5 million of them spending over $ 500 per day, indicating a concentration on luring high-end tourists,” Fernando said.

Emphasizing President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision of surpassing $ 15 billion in tourism income over the next five years, the Chairman stated the industry needs to embark on a data-driven decision-making process to attract high-end visitors.

Recognising the need for additional hotels and room capacity to attract high-end tourists to Sri Lanka, he further stated plans are underway to revamp the four-decade-old Sri Lanka Tourism resorts countrywide.

Priantha Fernando revealed that in a bid to streamline and expedite tourism investments, the waiting time has been reduced to less than 50 days.

He also noted that from May 2022 to May 2023, a total of 32 projects, including 1,283 hotel rooms, with a combined investment of $ 160 million, have received approval.

The SLTDA is also finalising guidelines for tourism services, finalising 11 draft regulations for new services, and declaring new Tourism Development Areas as per the Tourism Act, he added. (NewsWire)

© Newswire.lk

Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

Group News Sites

Dailymirror

Sunday Times

Tamil Mirror

Middleast Lankadeepa

Life Online

Home delivery

Advertise with us

Chalaka Gajabahu elected Vice-Chair of UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness

Friday, 26 January 2024 00:22 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: SLTPB Chairman and UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness Vice-Chair Chalaka Gajabahu, UNWTO Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic and SLTPB Assistant Director – France and Spain Viranda Bandara 

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu was recently elected Vice Chair of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC). The Committee is one of the technical committees of the UNWTO and a subsidiary organ of the Executive Council. The Committee was established at the 95th session of the Executive Council in Belgrade, Serbia in May 2013. The Executive Council approved the rules of procedure and composition during its 96th session held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in August 2013. Since its establishment in 2013, CTC focused mainly on assessing the state of knowledge on the basic concept of ‘tourism competitiveness’ and identifying its key factors. This process has also included identifying, developing and harmonising concepts, models and operational definitions used in the tourism value chain. “I am delighted to have been elected Vice Chair of the CTC under the UNWTO and support the role in the best way possible. In my capacity as SLTPB Chairman under the aegis of Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, I understand the importance of fine-tuning a dialogue mechanism between the public sector and the private sector to improve tourism competitiveness. This opportunity will undoubtedly give me a platform to develop and enhance the competitiveness landscape which is a vital tool in tourism development globally,” Gajabahu said. The UNWTO emphasises building synergies and strategic alignments in the harmonisation of the related activities of the Secretariat as well as other collaborating organisations and entities to ensure consistency and consensus in the delivery of the outputs and reinforce the official position of the organisation.  It is crucial to establish a shared understanding of operational definitions used throughout the tourism value chain to offer UNWTO members and other stakeholders in the tourism sector a coherent, concise, and globally applicable conceptual framework. It involves incorporating both quantitative and qualitative factors that elucidate competitiveness at the destination level. These factors can then be translated into technical guidelines, providing destinations with a methodology to identify and assess their competitive elements.