Inclusive tourism pathway to growth: Prime Minister

At inauguration of China-Sri Lanka- Maldives Tourism Forum, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasises need for inclusive tourism that reaches rural areas, women entrepreneurs, youth Stresses importance of regional collaboration to simplify visa processes and create joint marketing platforms Over 100 delegates in attendance at forum, including policymakers, diplomats, tourism leaders, and academics

- BY DIVYA THOTAWATTE

PRIME Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the inauguration of the China-Sri Lanka Maldives Tourism Forum yesterday said that for countries like Sri Lanka, tourism is an economic lifeline and a window to the world, highlighting the urgent need to reshape the industry to be more inclusive and empower all the country's people.

The Forum, themed 'Integration on Silk Road and Win-win Cooperation,' was jointly hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Sri Lanka and the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry, with the aim of strengthening cultural and economic ties through tourism cooperation in South Asia.

The Forum brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and tourism leaders from the three countries yesterday, hosting more than 100 distinguished invitees, including Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives, and a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, China.

Giving a special address at the event, Dr. Amarasuriya explained that the pandemic had underscored both the fragility of global mobility and the urgency of resilience.