Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2011-07-27

Tourism Development Strategy 2011 - 2016

- tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors developing the country's economy. There has been a significant increase in tourist arrivals immediately after the conflict situation in the country, with total arrivals surpassing 650,000, confirming the fact that Sri Lanka has been globally acclaimed as one of the finest destinations for tourists. The above development strategy for 2011 to 2016, submitted by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development, which covers wider issues relating to the industry such as the government policy, capacity and manpower requirements, infrastructure development, improving service standards, marketing and promotions, public relations, tourist safety and domestic tourism etc., was approved by the Cabinet. It has been estimated that by 2016 the industry is capable of creating 500,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.