"My intention is to generate environmental friendly sustainable tourism instead of relying only on leisure seeking popular tourism", stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in ‘Mahinda Chintana’, his manifesto to develop the country.

In keeping with this pledge, the Government done much in the past four years to fulfil the needs of the tourism industry. The Government identified tourism as a fast emerging potential growth sector in the economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, infrastructure development and regional development.

Sri Lanka ranking high

Sri Lanka has been ranked as the number one tourist destination by the 'New York Times' in its list of "31 Places to Go in 2010".

"The conflict finally ended last May, ushering in a more peaceful era for this teardrop-shaped island off India’s coast, rich in natural beauty and cultural splendours," states the New York Times.

NY Times has also hailed tourist locations in the North and East as attractive tourist areas with stylish resorts, boutique hotels and guest houses to cater to the needs of tourists.

Just days after 'The New York Times' chose Sri Lanka as the world’s No. 1 place to go in 2010, a leading lifestyle web resource, Daily Candy, weighed in with a similarly enthusiastic travel recommendation, praising Sri Lanka as “the best place” that the Daily Candy writers had ever been. Its rave review reinforces the cultural and national rebirth currently underway in the country since the defeat of terrorism in 2009.

“The war is mostly over, and Sri Lanka is now stable and safe — and as beautiful, tropical, and friendly as ever,” says Daily Candy. The ongoing peacekeeping efforts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to unite the people of his country, following nearly three decades of terrorist-driven war, have already proven successful. A huge influx of travellers is expected to visit the island and enjoy Sri Lanka’s long revered natural splendour.

Daily Candy depicts an everyday, picturesque scene for travellers in Sri Lanka; “…the passing scenery is entertaining and captivating: water buffalo in rice paddies, men biking in plaid sarongs, palm trees as small as you and as tall as buildings.” Using words like “chic” and “swank” to describe the hotels and hospitality, Sri Lanka has officially emerged as a fully modernized nation bent on new-age style, highly influenced by its traditional culture and colonial experience.

Daily Candy reports that Sri Lanka’s tea country, the white sand beaches of Tangalle, Udawalawe National Park and the walled fort town of Galle are all must-see hot spots.

“Really, there’s only one downside to Sri Lanka: Eventually, you have to leave,” stated Daily Candy.

Tourist arrivals

The end of a 30 year war against terrorism and the restoration of peace and political stability are fast restoring Sri Lanka's importance as a tourist destination. The number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka went up 2.1 percent in 2009, compared to the previous year, according to figures released by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, which showed that the country received 477,890 tourists in 2009. It was only 438,475 in 2008.

Tourist arrivals in 2008/2009

 

Month	2008	2009	% Cha.2008/09
January	56,916	38,468	-32.4
February	40,551	34,169	-10.5
March	38,049	34,065	-10.5
April	29,747	26,054	-12.4
May	31,140	24,739	-20.6
June	27,960	30,234	8.1
July	32,982	42,223	28.0
August	30,672	41,207	34.3
September	29,529	37,983	28.6
October	35,103	37,575	7.0
November	36,901	44,311	20.1
December	48,925	56,862	16.2
Total	438,475	477,890	2.1

(Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority)


Travel restrictions lifted

The United Kingdom stated that it is no longer advising its citizens against travel to any part of Sri Lanka's Eastern Province and Jaffna District. Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) stated this in its updated 'Sri Lanka Travel Advisory 2009'.

Commenting on changes to the UK Government’s official advice on travel to Sri Lanka, the British High Commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes said, 'we’ve recently visited both Jaffna and the East and taken this decision based on our assessment of the improving security situation'.

Germany also has relaxed travel advisories to German nationals visiting Sri Lanka.
The German Embassy said that a long standing travel advisory had been eased enabling German tourists to visit Yala National Park and Arugam Bay.

“Now is the time for Sri Lanka to exploit its vast tourism potential by assuring stable and reliable investment-conditions, investing in transport-infrastructure and upgrading existing hotels on the Island, she will be able to once again climb to the top lists of Asian holiday destinations,” said the German Ambassador Jens Uwe Plotner.

Projects

Kalpitiya Tourist Resort

Kalpitiya provides an ideal location for nature-based tourism. Its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, close proximity to Wilpattu National Park, Cultural Triangle and international airport, create the potential for a best destination to turn the area into an exotic branded location.

Kalpitiya Tourist Resort project aims to develop Kalpitiya and its environ as a Tourism Zone. The Dutch Bay, Portugal Bay and the more attractive Islands such as Karaitive, Ippantive and Periyarachchi with a total land extent of 4,132 acres will be developed under the proposed project.

In the first phase of the Kalpitiya Integrated Resort Development Project (KITRDP), six islands; Ippantivu, Vellai-I, Vellai-II, Vellai-III, Eramativu, and Kakativu will be developed. The bids have been submitted by twenty-five investors, including leading hoteliers and five star hotels in Sri Lanka. In addition, six developers who are ready to begin work on Dutch Bay Island have also been identified.

The KITRDP has prepared a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) with consultancy from field specialists. However, investors and developers have to prepare Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) or Initial Environmental Assessments (IEE) for their individual projects to receive environmental clearance from the authorities concerned.

The KITRDP coordinates with the Urban Development Authority, Coast Conservation Department, Fisheries Department, Central Environmental Authority, North-Western Province Environmental Authority, and the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha to receive necessary clearances for development projects.

The KITRDP has also begun construction of a temporary road from Dutch Bay Island to Uchchamanui for easy transportation of construction materials and goods by developers.

Tourism Development in Eastern Province

After nearly three decades of oppression due to LTTE terrorism, the Eastern Province was liberated with the Mavil-Aru humanitarian operation, bringing new hope for lasting peace and prosperity to the region.

The Eastern Province is endowed with a 420 km coastline world renowned for its wide sandy beaches and warm shallow sea water. Kokilai to Arugam Bay coastline is famous for its scenic beauty and has long been established for surfing, the world's 13th best surfing location.

Pottuvil offers what has been described as “every surfer's dream of a tropical wave”. Nilaweli is another famous place for water sports enthusiasts and Pasikudah offers wide sandy beaches while Kalkudah is identified as excellent tourist destination.

The Government is developing a Picnic Area in Nilaveli and Pasikudah at a cost of Rs.3 million. A museum has been constructed in Seruwawila at a cost of Rs.8 million and China Bay Airport Terminal is also being constructed at a cost of Rs.1 million.

Kuchchaveli

 

In the Trincomalee district, an area of approximately 500 acres has been identified for tourism development purposes. The village of Kuchchaveli, situated in the North of the popular Nilaveli beach. A Conceptual Zoning Plan is currently being prepared for the area by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) with the assistance of the Urban Development Authority (UDA). The resort will be developed by the Government Agent (Trincomalee) and the SLTDA, and will adhere with the SLTDA guidelines.

"The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery, and climate as some countries a dozen times its size . . . I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments - which has so many advantages and so few disadvantages. Lovely beaches, beautiful landscapes, impressive ruins, a vibrant culture and charming people." Sir Arthur C Clarke

Apart from the hotels, the resort will include other facilities to supplement the accommodation units and make it a self contained village. This resort will provide a wide range of land and water based sports including a theme park.

The private sector has expressed keen interest and enthusiasm in developing Kuchchaveli. According to the applications received to date, 3000 to 5000 rooms would be in operation by 2011 – 2013.

Domestic Tourism Projects

The Narambamu Sri Lanka initiative was launched in September 2008 as a means of promoting domestic tourism by creating awareness for lesser know attractions and forgotten folklore.

On a long term perspective, the awareness created among domestic travelers is expected to spur interest among overseas travelers as well. In line with this thinking, a 360 degree campaign was launched by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as the first phase of the project, covering print, TV, radio and internet mediums.

The second phase will involve more hands-on and grass-root level activation involving local community and schools participation. In addition, an editorial initiative will also be launched, giving readers an opportunity to discover lesser known attractions across Sri Lanka and even contribute towards the initiative with their own stories, places of interest and attractions.

Private Sector Funded Tourism Projects

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is the sole authority in processing and approving Tourism related development projects. (as per the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Act of No. 14 of 1968). Given its desire to see the industry grow, the SLTDA encourages private sector and foreign investors to invest in the varied Tourism Facility Development Projects.

The Green Belt Development was a foreign funded Tourism project. The project involved the development of the coastline and was carried out with the assistance of United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).The UNDP provided the necessary funding. Project aims included developing a comprehensive general and area specific development guidelines and producing proposals to increase local community participation and better livelihood opportunities.

Govt. strategy to develop tourism

The 'Mahinda Chintana' has developed a lucrative strategy that will be used to achieve forecasts. Key highlights of the plan are as follows;

Develop Sri Lanka as a regional hub in the tourist industry

Resorts Development

Marketing Promotion

Accommodation Facilities and Other Infrastructure

Roads and Railways

The aim of Mahinda Chintana to upgrade tourism in Sri Lanka is now becoming a reality.