Golden Era for tourism in Sri Lanka- Basil Rajapaksa

Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa stated that with the improved situation in the country and renewed interest in Sri Lanka, the tourism industry will reach a record height and there is confidence that the numbers of arrivals will increase, that the income generated will also rise and that hotel occupancy will also improve considerably.

He added that in order to achieve this objective, some action has already been taken to improve tourism facilities. These include upgrading the zoological gardens; the wildlife parks and steps are being taken to build new hotels and recreation facilities.

'The foundations for a Golden Era for tourism have been laid this year and very soon the country will enjoy the benefits of the action taken by the Ministry of Economic Development' said Minister Basil Rajapaksa.
Though tourism is a very significant industry for Sri Lanka, the Government has taken steps to develop a vibrant and diversified economy, which will be capable of meeting the challenges it will face in a competitive global economic environment. This is the key to ensuring future growth and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

'This is an opportunity for expatriate Sri Lankans holding other citizenships, living overseas, to visit the island and bring along their friends from those countries. They will appreciate that they can visit the country without any fear for their safety and I invite them all to enjoy what Sri Lanka can offer' the Minister added.
Hon. Basil Rajapaksa expressed these views at a function held at the Presidential Secretariat where he was formally presented with a travel guide titled "Ayubowan" by the Upul Dharmadasa, CEO of Upul Travel Service. Upul Travel Service is an award winning tour operator in North America which has been in business in the USA for almost 30 years.
A travel business started from home in a very small way to service the ethnic Sri Lankan community in the early 1980s. It has now become a multi-million dollar business and on the 8th of October received the top agent award for North America from Sri Lankan Airlines at a function held at the Galadari Hotel.
Upul's Travel Service is the biggest travel agent for Sri Lankan Airlines in North America with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC, Houston, Delhi, Agra and Colombo with a proposed office to be opened in Toronto, Canada within the year. Mr. Upali Dharmadasa said "we are quite thankful to the Sri Lankan community in North America for their continued support and trust kept in our company".
President/CEO of Upul's travel service, Upul Dharmadasa is an ex employee of Air Ceylon who moved to Los Angeles after the closure of Air Ceylon and set a small travel office in 1980, Through years of hard work and his caring approach towards the Sri Lankan community, he won the hearts of thousands of Sri Lankan expatriates living in North America. Upul Dharmadasa who was a student of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents of Wellesley Massachusetts ( well known in the Industry as ICTA ) has been assigned the CTC designation, which is highly regarded in the North American travel industry, further involved on going education programs with ICTA.
Sri Lanka can enjoy the benefits of tourist arrival from the USA that will include both American visitors and expatriate Sri Lankans.
He wants to thank the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa for bringing peace to the island and thus creating new opportunities for this important sector.
Source :: Basilrajapaksa.lk