In a positive development for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the necessary funds have been cleared for the repairs and renovations of national tourist holiday resorts, and over the next six months, significant development is expected to take place, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists to visit these national resorts, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando, expressing his concern over the lack of repairs in the national tourist holiday resorts over the past four years, highlighted the challenging period the hotel industry went through and emphasised the urgent need for upgrades. These resorts, which are more than 40 years old, have not undergone any refurbishment or renovation programmes, placing them at a disadvantage compared to other guest houses.
The major domestic resorts include National Holiday Resort Bandarawela, National Holiday Resort Nuwara Eliya, National Holiday Resort Anuradhapura, National Holiday Resort Kataragama, and National Holiday Resort Bentota.
Fernando stressed the importance of upgrading the product to remain competitive in the market, saying: “If we are to compete with other guest houses, we have to invest in upgrading our facilities and forge ahead.”
However, due to the economic crisis faced by the country, the SLTDA had been restricted from utilising the funds allocated for repairs. This setback hindered their progress and reflected poorly on their ability to fulfil necessary tasks. Fortunately, the funds were recently cleared, paving the way for significant development in the coming months, including the enhancement of domestic tourist resorts.
The establishment of national holiday resorts dates back to the 1970s, aiming to cater to domestic demand and ensure that locals can enjoy the country’s assets.
Once the renovations of the national resorts are completed, the SLTDA said it has plans to attract a substantial number of local tourists. Fernando emphasised the significance of domestic tourism, pointing out that there are over 6-7 million domestic tourist movements annually, a figure unparalleled in many other countries. He urged the population to explore and appreciate the offerings within their own country, emphasising the need to provide them with the required services and facilities.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu also announced two domestic campaigns to further boost tourism. One campaign aims to remind Sri Lankans of their country’s friendliness, while the other targets the diaspora, urging them to choose Sri Lanka as their destination for family and friend gatherings.
Moreover, the SLTDA said it has plans to improve marine tourism by November, with the aim of attracting high-end tourists. Additionally, popular tourist areas such as Kuchchaveli will receive government support for further enhancement. These initiatives are expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and position it as a preferred destination for travellers seeking diverse experiences.
With the funds now available and development plans in motion, the future looks promising for national tourist holiday resorts, poised to deliver unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.