New concept in volunteering for tourism

Section of the audience

Over 230 applied for the ‘Volunteer to make a difference for Sri Lanka Tourism’ programme, initiated by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. Of this 126 were present at the inauguration of the programme at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management last week, the Board said The programme aims to involve all Sri Lankans to be stakeholders in rebuilding tourism.

The tourism industry has sustained the Sri Lankan economy as the fourth, largest foreign exchange earner after garments, remittances from foreign employment and tea. It also supports the livelihoods of nearly a million people, the board said.

Under the programme, volunteers could choose to work in any one or two areas from among eleven identified programmes. Each area is led by an industry leader or a representative from the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

Amongst those volunteering time, were industry leaders, university undergraduates, lecturers, bankers, consultants, business leaders and a medical doctor.

“Volunteers initially responded to a newspaper advertisement while there were others who called in and wanted to join in,” said Dileep Mudadeniya Additional Director General and Head of Marketing at the Board.