Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena officially declared 2017, 2018 and 2019 to be tourism and investment years in Sri Lanka, as part of government attempts to kick start the island’s faltering economy.
The aim within this period is to overcome challenges in the hotel and tourism industry by 2020, said Mr Sirisena.
The announcement was made at the inauguration ceremony of the first Asia Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) – with more than 300 investors estimated to be in attendance.
Gerald Lawless, chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council gave the keynote address – titled, “Building a Tourism Destination”.
“Sri Lanka is on a mission to rebuild its tourism industry after decades of civil war. I am sure that everyone in the audience will be fascinated to hear, in detail, the secrets of Dubai’s success and to hear Gerald’s thoughts on how similar success can be achieved in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the region" says Jonathan Worsley, the organizer of AHTIC.