[Sri Lanka] - Sri Lanka expecting substantial influx of travelers during last months of year - State Minister

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Minister of State for Tourism Diana Gamage announced plans to launch promotional campaigns aimed at attracting 1.5 million foreign tourists
the transformation of high-tourist-traffic cities into vibrant, non-stop destinations, the PMD said.Mrs
graceful commemoration of this occasion
expertise of Dr
Pabilis Silva, a journey that took him from humble beginnings to the prestigious position of head chef at the Mount Lavinia Hotel
This award holds great significance, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the often-overlooked profession of chefs in our nation.In
comparison to the previous year, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals during the first nine months of this year, with
approximately one million foreign visitors gracing our shores
We hold high expectations that this number will soar to 1.5 million by year-end, and accordingly, we have charted out plans for special
promotional events to attract even more tourists.With the onset of winter in Europe just two months away, we anticipate a substantial influx
of tourists during the final months of the year
Our aim is to draw a significant number of visitors from European countries, including England
Furthermore, we are actively working on enticing tourists from Middle Eastern nations, with an expected influx as early as next month
Our ministry is diligently planning tailored promotional campaigns to engage these markets effectively.Ensuring the convenience and
satisfaction of tourists is paramount
Particularly in popular destinations like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Colombo, we are committed to providing essential night-time
facilities to cater to their needs
We also aspire to transform tourist-centric cities into vibrant, 24/7 hubs by revising certain regulations to facilitate tourist spending
responsibility extends to the safety of tourists
To address this, stringent legal actions will be taken against local businesses engaging in unfair and illegal pricing practices targeting
tourists
We encourage foreign visitors to act as if they plan to return to our country, fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere.Additionally,
we are in the process of establishing taxi associations to enhance the convenience and safety of tourists, thus curbing illegal activities
The Ministry of Tourism is fully dedicated to this cause and has placed it under its special attention.The Cabinet has granted approval for
corresponding official gazette notification will be issued within the next two weeks.This initiative is not merely intended to generate
revenue in rupees but rather to establish a framework that generates income in dollars
To achieve this goal, the establishment of an authoritative body is envisaged, operating within investment promotion zones under a