Tourism industry records a 45 percent significant growth for the first time

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Mr. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says tourism has become one of the rapidly growing sectors in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka recorded the highest percentage of tourist growth in the world last year. As per statistics released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association it was at 45 percent. USA has gained 26 percent and Japan 24 percent.

 The Minister stated these facts at media conference in Colombo this morning.The Minister said that there is a steep rise in tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka and in the month of January 74,472 tourists arrived in the country compared to around 49,000 in January last year. He said that this year’s target of 700,000 will surpass if this trend continues.

He added that there is an increase demand for establishing Hotels in the country by leading international Hotel Chains, and Sri Lanka gives priority to granting approval for them.

The Minister said approval has been given for the establishment of 13 new hotels in Passikudah with a foreign investment of 90 Million US dollars which would provide 878 hotel rooms. In Kutchaveli 30 Million US dollars is being spent to build 4 hotels of 5 star grade.  He said that requests have been received for the construction of 58 hotel projects.

Source = slbc.lk