Sri Lanka to launch international tourism campaign tomorrow after 16 years

For the first time in nearly 16 years, Sri Lanka Tourism has finally decided to launch an international destination campaign from tomorrow, initially as an interim programme.

This was disclosed by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam on the sidelines of the inaugural Tourism Awards launch, initiated by the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and held at Ramada Colombo today.

Speaking to Hiru News, he said a sum of Rs. 1.5 billion could be allocated for the campaign. “We hope to start this programme in identified destinations such as Australia and countries where a visa-free or visa-on-arrival policy has already been implemented,” he said.

The Chairman also said that subsequently, the destination promotion campaign would be extended to other major tourism markets, helping Sri Lanka strengthen its global presence.

Commenting on the inaugural awards ceremony, he said it was very timely, adding that awards of this nature for tourist hotels and other stakeholders would give a major boost to the industry and help them in their international marketing campaigns. (Shirajiv S)