The occupancy and earnings in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector are increasing and from around US$ 500,000 earnings in foreign exchange in 2010, it has today risen to over US$ 2.2 billion.
According to veterans in the industry, today it has climbed to the No. 3 spot, preceded only by the Apparel industry and Worker Remittances. Unfortunately there are negative aspects where Sri Lankan woman employed in the Middle East are concerned, but the Sri Lanka tourism attracts this much needed forex directly at the point of consumption in the country, with a very high value added component.
Tourism as an industry came into the limelight in early 1960s. Thereafter, all governments places emphasis on the tourism industry. However, till recently, there had been no proper steady development and follow up. According to the veterans in the industry, a stable government is of utmost importance for the development of the industry and it is in existence today.
Tourism is the world’s largest and fastest growing industry, with the year 2014 recording over 1 billion tourists, generating US$ 1.2 trillion revenue and accounting for almost 10% of the global GDP.
Also one in 11 jobs worldwide is tourism related. Despite certain setbacks and disasters, tourism has continued to grow at about 4-5% year on year, with Asia growing the fastest at around 6%.
Sri Lanka, of course, could not maintain such rates on a regular basis due to the almost three-decade long conflict which ended a few years ago. It should also be stressed that despite the major setback, Sri Lanka tourism managed to keep the arrival figures at or over 450,000, displaying the resilience and determination of the country’s tourism industry professionals.
For centuries, the Emerald Isle, Ceylon or Sri Lanka, has been well known for its hospitality, and the island nation is also reputed for its natural wonders both in land and sea. It’s the only country in the world were the largest animal and mammals exist. Within hours of watching Elephants in the wilds, it takes only one or two hours to see blue whales, the largest mammals on earth in the ocean.
According to the veterans, the real development that has actually taken place in the tourism industry has been spearheaded by the private sector. (RS)
www.thesundayleader.lk
According to veterans in the industry, today it has climbed to the No. 3 spot, preceded only by the Apparel industry and Worker Remittances. Unfortunately there are negative aspects where Sri Lankan woman employed in the Middle East are concerned, but the Sri Lanka tourism attracts this much needed forex directly at the point of consumption in the country, with a very high value added component.
Tourism as an industry came into the limelight in early 1960s. Thereafter, all governments places emphasis on the tourism industry. However, till recently, there had been no proper steady development and follow up. According to the veterans in the industry, a stable government is of utmost importance for the development of the industry and it is in existence today.
Tourism is the world’s largest and fastest growing industry, with the year 2014 recording over 1 billion tourists, generating US$ 1.2 trillion revenue and accounting for almost 10% of the global GDP.
Also one in 11 jobs worldwide is tourism related. Despite certain setbacks and disasters, tourism has continued to grow at about 4-5% year on year, with Asia growing the fastest at around 6%.
Sri Lanka, of course, could not maintain such rates on a regular basis due to the almost three-decade long conflict which ended a few years ago. It should also be stressed that despite the major setback, Sri Lanka tourism managed to keep the arrival figures at or over 450,000, displaying the resilience and determination of the country’s tourism industry professionals.
For centuries, the Emerald Isle, Ceylon or Sri Lanka, has been well known for its hospitality, and the island nation is also reputed for its natural wonders both in land and sea. It’s the only country in the world were the largest animal and mammals exist. Within hours of watching Elephants in the wilds, it takes only one or two hours to see blue whales, the largest mammals on earth in the ocean.
According to the veterans, the real development that has actually taken place in the tourism industry has been spearheaded by the private sector. (RS)
www.thesundayleader.lk
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