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Tourist
Board, UDA tussle over buffer zone "I think the UDA will eventually permit hotels (old ones and the ones approved) but are sticking to the rules right now to ensure other structures are not allowed," one source said. UDA officials were not available for comment on an issue that has confused many. "We have discussed with the UDA for both local and foreign hotel developers to have structural modifications that are able to stand similar calamities in the future," Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said. "The government must allow damaged properties to be reconstructed in the same place and the new approved Board of Investment (BOI) projects to be build according to the agreements," he emphasised at a news conference, warning that some projects are almost withdrawing from the country due to the new rules. On the back of damage estimated at $190 million and a 20 percent fall in the arrivals this year, tourism authorities are working out a "Bounce back" strategy worth $320 million blending an international marketing campaign and a programme to fast-track the affected properties. Some $120 million is estimated for resettling beachside communities involved in tourism-related business and a further $195 million to re-start tourist resorts. Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) Chairman, Udaya Nanayakkara said over the next six months, more than 350 industry and media personnel and celebrity ambassadors will be invited to the country. "Special events, including cricket matches and music concerts featuring international stars are currently in the planning stage," he said. "By end of February, the industry will bounce back to 50 percent of its original strength," Nanayakkara said. |
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