Political uncertainty hurts SL’s tourism planning
In the wake of the political uncertainty due to the unannounced dates of the next general election, Sri Lankan tourism authorities are unable to proceed with long-term plans. Deputy Tourism Minister Wasantha Senanayake told the Business Times that owing to the uncertainty of the next elections they were unable to divide their time between their respective constituencies and the ministerial work.
However, he pointed out that they have commenced work on the marketing plan which had identified new zones for sustainable development in areas namely Kalpitiya, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela. He noted they were carrying out a focused marketing campaign and would incorporate tourism with other areas like sports, meditation and pilgrim traffic.
The tourism industry would be targeting countries in different blocs like Eastern Europe, South America, and with Central Asia and South Asia as well while creating the destination for high end tourists to visit the island. In this respect, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Rohantha Athukorala said they would be meeting with the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) on June 25 and subsequently advertising the next date calling for bids.
The pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for July 6 and 7, he noted adding that 42 days from that date proposals could be submitted following which the evaluation and selection of the global advertising agency would be carried out by the authorities.
Mr. Athukorala pointed out that concurrently they would also be selecting the global digital partner; the agency for the 4-month media campaign and the PR agencies in the top six markets.
The government plans to develop areas like Polonnaruwa as a tourist attraction with a unique concept of providing elephant safaris by boat where tourists get to sight these large animals in their natural habitat while out boating, Mr. Senanayake said. In addition, the industry would be looking at revamping the hotel school and considering the option of tying up with international hotel schools as well.
Commenting on the recently released report on the investigation carried out on state agencies, Mr. Senanayake pointed out that unauthorised spending was carried out and tenders were given to unheard of establishments without following the required tender procedures.