Govt. calls on private sector to expand emerging tourist destinations

Leaning towards the private sector once gain to uplift the tourism industry, the government this week called on the private sector to invest in underdeveloped regions since tourism growth remains concentrated in Colombo and established hubs.

- By SHABIYA ALI AHLAM

The island nation has 59,000 hotel rooms nationwide but still new destinations have severe shortages.

"Private sector involvement is critical to developing these areas. The hotel operators and travel agencies play a central role in expanding capacity across the country," said Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.

He shared his views while addressing the 60th Annual General Meeting of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka.

Herath pointed out that the emerging destinations such as Jaffna, Bandarawela, Badulla, Ampara and Kalpitiya are still struggling with room capacity and limited tourism infrastructure.