Sri Lanka Tourism is poised for a major leap next year with the number of tourist arrivals expected to surpass 2.5 million during the year, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga told guests at launch of celebrations last week to mark two million visitors to the country this year, a landmark achievement for the industry.
The number of visitors to the country reached 1.8 million last month, a 16 percent growth year-on-year.
“The number of tourist arrivals will be over 2.2 million by the end of this year with events lined up to celebrate the festive season and the milestone achievement of the industry,” Amaratunga said.
“There will be more events on a grand scale next year to mark all national and religious festivals to attract visitors to the country. The city will be lit during the festive seasons to add colour, glamour and glitter to the events,” Amaratunga said.
Sri Lanka Tourism officials said the city will be lit as in Singapore, Dubai, London and New York to attract visitors.
“The tourism industry is progressing and I cannot imagine the number of visitors to the country by 2020 given the number of hotels that is being built in the city and elsewhere by leading global chains,” the Minister said.
With regard to the Christmas tree being erected at the Galle Face Green the Minister said, “Any one has the right to put up a Christmas tree as this is a democratic country. No one could object to someone putting up a Christmas tree
This is not an initiative of the Tourism Ministry nor is it of the Catholic Church. It is being done by another ministry.”
The Christmas tree being erected at a huge cost, is aimed at recording the world’s tallest tree and promoting religious harmony in the country. Mexico holds the record for erecting the world’s tallest Christmas tree at 295 feet.
Sri Lanka Tourism has made arrangements to hold events at two places in Colombo from December 20 to 24 in collaboration with the private sector.
Tourism Fest 2016 will be held at the Independence Arcade in Colombo from December 20-23 and the Colombo Christmas Street at Green Path from December 22 to 24 providing entertainment and an opportunity for shopping for visitors.
The Christmas Street is organized by the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association with the Ministry of Tourism and the Colombo Municipal Council.
The seasonal program will comprise 50 stalls of local crafts, gift items and a wide range of products. The food festival with 15 stalls run by top city hotels will feature a range of local and seasonal favourites.
The Tourism Fest which will run parallel to the Colombo Christmas Street will comprise performances by the Army, Air Force and the Police bands, choirs, a nativity play and cultural shows.
The daily program will be from 2.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. with performances by four choirs daily from 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Live bands and DJs will perform with several guest artists.
The State Christmas celebrations will be held from December 20-24 at St. Mary’s Church, Grand Street, Negombo. - LF