Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism and Lands discuss revival of tourism promotion

Media Release

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Tourism and Lands discuss revival of tourism promotion in the current economic context

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, in a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 December 2022 discussed current challenges, evolving strategy for Sri Lanka Tourism and the role of the Sri Lanka Missions/Posts in promoting tourism. The meeting was attended by the senior officials of the two Ministries, and key stakeholders including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Department of Immigration and Emigration, The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and, virtually joined by the Heads of Sri Lanka Missions/Posts abroad.
This was a joint initiative by the Foreign Ministry and the tourism industry in order to seek the best efforts of Sri Lanka Missions abroad to enhance tourism. The initial official level meeting with the stakeholders on the same, chaired by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, was held on 18 November 2022.

Delivering the opening remarks, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry emphasized that tourism promotion is one of the key economic priorities of Sri Lanka which is especially significant in the current economic context as a direct source of foreign exchange and the Sri Lanka Missions/Posts abroad have a prominent role to play in positioning Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for tourists and countering negative publicity.

During the meeting, the Minister and officials comprehensively discussed the course of action and strategies that could be implemented collectively by the Sri Lanka Missions/Posts and industry stakeholders to revive the industry. During the extensive and productive exchange of ideas, Heads of Mission/Post elaborated on the action already taken by the Missions in tourism promotion, potential in respective markets and shared insights on the best practices by the respective host/accredited countries in tourism promotion.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombo
23 December 2022