State Minister of Tourism –  Mrs. Diana Gamage says that Sri Lanka has welcomed 763,000 tourists during the first 07 months of this year, contributing to a significant income of approximately US $800 million.

She further emphasized the success of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s program aimed at strengthening the national economy through the growth of the tourism industry. This accomplishment has played a crucial role in bolstering Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, she added.

State Minister Mrs. Diana Gamage shared her perspective during a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (01) under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’Speaking further, the State Minister further pointed out importance introducing new approaches and adopting innovative strategies to enhance the tourism industry. She emphasized the necessity of developing active cities to attract tourists with active nightlife, stating that visitors do not seek out lifeless destinations or dead cities.

“In order to attract more tourists, it is crucial to extend the operating hours of tourist destinations, allowing visitors to have a more enjoyable experience. This may involve keeping certain places open later into the night, providing various entertainment options, and facilitating activities that appeal to tourists,” she has pointed out.

Ms. Gamage also said as Sri Lanka plans to host the final competition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) in December this year with the expected participation of 117 countries.