Sustainable Tourism Development Project World Bank

The Government of Sri Lanka envisions building tourism as an industry playing a significant role in the economic advancement of the country whilst preserving the countrys cultural values, ethos and its rich natural endowment. In view of the recent policy reforms to develop the competitiveness of the tourism sector in a sustainable manner, the World Bank has agreed with the Government of Sri Lanka to provide assistance for the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP). The Financing Agreement for this Project between the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank was signed on 8th November 2010. The overall objective of the STDP, which is in line with the Governments vision, is to strengthen the institutional framework of the tourism sector and to facilitate environmentally and socially sound tourism investments. The Project which spans over a period of 4 years covers funding under three components as setout below: (i) funding to improve the overall efficiency and efficacy of the institutional framework of Sri Lanka Tourism, (ii) provide essential highly localized tourism related infrastructure services in the East, (iii) improve and extend the product content and supply chain of the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) related to the tourism industry.

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he Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is committed to developing the current and potential new markets. Together with the Sri Lankan Government and the local and international media partners, the SLTDA offers investors various attractive and feasible trade support schemes and business opportunities. Currently, a strategic medium-term (10 years) infrastructure and product planning and development plan has been implemented for the tourism industry. This strategic plan is based on the market demand for high and mid-end markets. The plan hopes to gain profitability through better yields, sustain the integrity and value of Sri Lanka's natural, cultural and human resources, and to ensure the optimum visitor experiences. The SLTDA hopes that the benefits of the strategic plan will accrue to all communities who are connected with the tourism industry.

New Strategic Development Plan for Sri Lanka Tourism

Ministry of Economic Development officially launched the Tourism Development Strategy for the next five years period of 2011-2016 at a grand ceremony held yesterday (05th Sep.) at the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel. A large gathering of tourism stakeholders including the industry representatives, diplomats, media and government officials were among those who graced the occasion and the strategy document was officially handed over by Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism to the Economic Development Minister Hon. Basil Rajapaksa who was the chief guest of the event . According to the newly launched Tourism Development Strategy, the main target of the tourism sector in the next five years is to achieve a target number of 2.5 million tourists by 2016 being in line with the January 2010 visionary statement unveiled by Mahinda Chinthanaya spelling out plans for 2011 tourism development policy including details of Visit Sri Lanka 2011 initiative. The 5 year master plan Strategy document of Economic Development Ministry halfway through refers to 2020 plans as envisaged by Finance Ministry as well. The 36-page document puts together the expectations set for the development of tourism industry in the said time period covering all aspects of infrastructure development, standardization of products and services, improving the brand awareness and finally gearing all efforts towards achieving sustainability in the long run as booming sector directly contributing a large share to Sri Lankas Economic Development. Ministry of Economic Development is implementing the plan at the correct time to drive attention of all stakeholders to contribute to achieve the set goals spelt out in the publication focusing plans and targets until 2020. The initiatives and policies of the newly launched publication will act as a benchmark for tourism sector for the next five years to come with the stretched goal of preparing the industry to move forward to achieve targets specified up to year 2020. Addressing the gathering at the event Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman,Dr. Godahewa said in his speech that that the strategy document has clearly put together the expectations of the tourism industry for the next five years, so that all stakeholders could focus and work together to achieve the speicified goals. Tourism is a peoples industry as it benefits all. This strategy document will help align all to be focused on one direction with a common goal,Dr. Godahewa said. With a tag line Refreshingly Sri Lanka: The Wonder of Asia and as worlds most treasured island the specific strategies related to the five year plan are, 1) creating an environment conducive for tourism; 2) attracting the right type of tourists; 3) ensuring that departing tourists are happy; 4) improving domestic tourism and 5) contributing towards improving the global image of Sri Lanka. The unique selling propositions of destination Sri Lanka are, 1) authenticity, 2) compactness and 3) diversity. The document quoting the visit 2011 campaign, says that Sri Lanka Tourism focuses on eight product categories under the theme 8 wonderful experienced in 8 wonderful days and they are Beaches (Pristine), Sports and Adventure (Thrills), Heritage sites (Heritage), Mind and

Body wellness (Bliss), Scenic beauty (Scenic), Wild life and nature (Wild), People and Culture (Essence) and Year round festivals (Festive). At a time when Sri Lanka Tourism has achieved the target of 500,000 tourists in less than 8 months , the launch of the new tourism development strategy is seen as a welcome sign for the future of Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka.

Projects at SLTDA
Projects

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Future Projects

Tourism Infrastructure Projects Interactive Map of Sri Lanka New Product Development Domestic Tourism Projects Sustainable Tourism Development Projects Regional Tourism Projects

Passikudah Resort
Prior to 1983 Passikudha was a popular resort among tourists both foreign and local. It was located by the bay on a land 150 acres in extent. The resort at the time was planned to accommodate 500 rooms in several stages and by 1983 there were 171 rooms in operation in three hotels and necessary infrastructure facilities were in place. Water was supplied from Valachchanai Paper Mills sources which are about 10 km from the resort. Operation of the resort came to a grinding halt after the riots in 1983.

Regional Tourism Project

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The Ministry of Tourism has taken an initiative to promote lesser known attractions in all provinces in the country. These attractions will be communicated to potential travellers and investors through the various media i.e. web sites, printed materials etc., We request you to join hands in order to compile this database of lesser known attractions. This project will bring benefits to your locality such as;

Give visibility to your local area Bring more local and international travellers to the vicinity Encourage investment

More business opportunities, direct and indirect employment

Please send us information about lesser known attractions (Second level tourist attractions) in your area. Please download the application form in pdf and word format from the right side menu to send us your information.

10 Year Tourism Master Plan

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has increased over the past few months; in June by 8.1%, in August 34.3%, and in October 7.0%. Requests to invest in tourism projects have also increased tremendously. H.E. the President has declared 2011 the Visit Sri Lanka Year and set a target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016. With this in mind, the Board of Management of the SLTDA decided to prepare a 10-year Tourism Master Plan (2011-2020) to ensure the preservation of Sri Lankas resources while meeting the needs of tourists. The Master Plan will identify tourist generating markets, demand for accessibility, and diverse types of tourism product development and human resource development. As the first step, the UNWTO assisted the SLTDA in preparing the terms of reference for a consultant to undertake the 10-year plan. Subsequently, Mr. John Yacoumis, consultant for UNWTO, was appointed and from November 16th 26th undertook the necessary field work in Sri Lanka, which included discussions with Government and private sector individuals. In addition, Dr. H. Varma, Director/Development Assistant UNWTO, was also in Sri Lanka (November 17th 19th) to discuss relevant matters with the Ministry of Tourism, External Resources Department, and the UNDP.

Bentota National Holiday Resort Celebrates 40 Years Passikudah Resort Development Progress Update Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project Commissioner for Tourism Administration 10 Year Tourism Master Plan