- Says new strategy will be launched in August or September
- Aims to attract 5 m tourists, with focus on drawing 2.5 m high-end visitors
- Reveals plan to boost culinary tourism, need to up skill talent
- Acknowledges invaluable contributions to tourism industry by ‘Dilmah Tea’ founder late Merrill J. Fernando
In a bid to revitalise the tourism industry and boost the country’s economy, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the upcoming launch of a new tourism strategy — ‘Visit Sri Lanka’.
“The ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ strategy is expected to be unveiled in August or September, pending final touches,” he said at the highly sought-after culinary competition Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka 2023, held at the Waters Edge on Sunday.
President Wickremesinghe emphasised the vital role the tourism sector plays in driving the country’s economy forward. He said the ambitious plan aims to attract a record 5 million tourists, with a focus on drawing 2.5 million high-end visitors.
He revealed that according to Indian estimates, Sri Lanka has the potential to accommodate up to 10 million tourists, particularly from Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
To make Sri Lanka a formidable player in the global travel market, the Government recognises the significance of promoting the country as a tropical destination with a diverse culinary experience. As a result, special attention will be given to the development of culinary tourism across the country.
He said the Government believes that by tapping into the potential of culinary tourism and training a skilled workforce, Sri Lanka can bolster its economy and pave the way for a prosperous future in the tourism industry.
President Wickremesinghe also said the Government plans to establish a Culinary School in collaboration with the private sector, travel industry, and hotel industry to enhance the hospitality sector’s capabilities. “This initiative aims to train more personnel in the field of hospitality, with a particular focus on culinary tourism,” he added.
He stressed the importance of going upmarket in tourism and acknowledged the need for well-trained personnel to cater to the growing number of tourists. Culinary tourism will be a major highlight, with a focus on fusion food from various parts of Asia, in addition to European cuisine.
“We must now train more and more personnel in the hospitality field, especially in the field of tourism and culinary tourism,” said President Wickremesinghe. “
The President also acknowledged the late Merrill J. Fernando, founder of the renowned ‘Dilmah Tea’ brand, for his invaluable contributions to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Bocuse d’Or is held in honour of the globally renowned French chef Paul Bocuse, which has three stages: national, regional, and international. The Bocuse d’Or 2023 Sri Lanka competition serves as a platform for showcasing the exceptional talents of renowned chefs from around the country. This esteemed culinary event provided an opportunity for the country’s culinary experts to shine on the international stage in Lyon, France.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including the first lady Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, French Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jean-François Pactet, President of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Rohan Fernandopulle, Dilmah Tea CEO Dilhan C. Fernando, and personnel representing the hospitality industry.
The President, along with Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, presented trophies and certificates to the winners of the ‘Bocuse d’Or 2023’ competition, celebrating their remarkable achievements in the culinary world.
