Tourism has contributed Rs. 300 million to the GDP although the tsunami was a huge blow, Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike said in Parliament on Tuesday, writes Daily News 301106 at http://www.dailynews.lk/.
Forwarded by Budhi Mulyawan 301106.

"Terrorism affects tourism directly. Several programmes organised by the Tourist Board to uplift tourism in Sri Lanka. We will step in to new markets in China. China is a Buddhist country. The new markets in East Europe, Middle East, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be approached", Minister Bandaranaike said.

"Nepal, India and Sri Lanka are in the same tourist zone. More than 100 flights take place between Sri Lanka and India per week. To attract Indian tourists is also one of our targets," the Minister said.

He added that there are about 15,000 luxury rooms with all facilities in Sri Lanka. "We are planning to make Kalpitiya and Dedduwa tourist zones.

A sum of Rs. 350 million and land is allocated for this purpose," Bandaranaike said. He said that Japan has offered credit to develop tourism in Negombo, Nuwara Eliya and Sigiriya.

"Thirty seven hotels are under construction for local tourists. In 2007 we are targeting 1.5 million tourists to Sri Lanka. This depends on the situation of the country. Development in tourism and highways depends on peace. The country needs peace desperately," he said.

The Minister said that the Cess earned by tourism goes directly to the Treasury.

Last year Rs. 460 million was earned by the Cess Fund and it has increased to Rs. 560 million this year.

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