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High Commissioner praises tourism industry, calls for investment to deliver full potential.

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE

On 22 September, the British High Commissioner, Dominick Chilcott, spoke at the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association in Habarana.

In his speech the High Commissioner said that strong historical and cultural links between Britain and Sri Lanka meant that British tourist arrivals had dropped only slightly compared to some other nations in recent months. British tourists remained the industries most valuable overseas customers. On the eve of England's cricket tour he hoped the tourism industry and the country as a whole, were prepared for the arrival of England's touring fans, the "Barmy Army".

Highlighting the potential for tourism to contribute to Sri Lanka's economic development he praised the performance of the industry despite the difficult environment created by the conflict. He encouraged both the government and the industry to realise the massive potential for tourism, particularly in promoting growth in rural areas. The variety of tourist sites, from beaches to temples to scenery to wildlife, together with the smiling Sri Lankan people, made Sri Lanka a unique destination. The High Commissioner highlighted three areas where change would significantly improve Sri Lanka's earnings from tourism: ending the conflict, more eco-tourism and improving the country's transport infrastructure.

Concluding the High Commissioner said

"I have a dream that the tourist industry will one day take its rightful place on a par with Sri Lanka's most important industries. There really is everything here that the enterprising tourist could possibly be looking for. And I hope that dream will come true, sooner rather than later."

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