Tourism
From The Report: Sri Lanka 2017
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With sustained double-digit growth in visitor arrivals and burgeoning foreign exchange receipts, tourism is one of the most dynamic and robust sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. The country’s growing reputation is drawing visitors from an increasingly diverse range of markets to its pristine beaches, historical landmarks and adventure-packed outdoors. Building on this success, the government is now aiming to position Sri Lanka as Asia’s leading island destination, focusing on high-value segments such as cultural tourism and tour packages for visitors aged 60 and up. The government’s Tourism Vision 2025, under discussion at time of press, aims to improve management, investment in assets and infrastructure, and draw foreign direct investment into the industry.

This chapter contains interviews with John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs; and Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Rising star: The government is setting out its plans for the sector
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With sustained double-digit growth in visitor arrivals and burgeoning foreign exchange receipts, tourism is one of the most dynamic and robust sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. The country’s growing reputation is drawing visitors from an increasingly diverse range of markets to its pristine beaches, historical landmarks and adventure-packed outdoors. Building on this success, the government is now aiming to position Sri Lanka as Asia’s leading island destination, focusing on high-value…

Analysis

Room for manoeuvre: New supply is on the way at the high end of the hotel market
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Further investment in accommodation will be necessary to ensure growing demand from both foreign arrivals and domestic travellers in Sri Lanka is met. In 2015 the country’s hotels saw a 12% year-on-year increase in foreign guest nights to 8.945m, while Sri Lankans spent 1.588m guest nights in tourist hotels. The country also has a wide range of supplementary establishments, more informal accommodation that includes homestays, guesthouses and other rental properties. This segment saw significant…

Interview

Opening up: John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, on expanding tourism to the region
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Interview: John Amaratunga In what ways is the emergence of online agencies disrupting tour operations? JOHN AMARATUNGA: The ministry works very closely with tour operators, and the established operators are both cautious and optimistic about the emerging online agencies. At the end of the day, the online agencies are eating into operators’ share of the market and obviously they are not too pleased about it. But this is the reality and they have to accept and adapt to the new business model.…

Interview

Diverse opportunities: Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing, on building a successful and diverse tourism sector
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Interview: Hiran Cooray Which tourism segments should Sri Lanka target to increase growth, and what marketing techniques should be employed in this effort ? HIRAN COORAY: Traditionally, our tourists have predominantly come from Europe – countries such as the UK, Germany, France, etc. Whilst arrivals have not been impacted negatively, we see new markets such as India and China growing rapidly. It is now time to heavily focus on other niches – from meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions…