Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) and the World Bank are expected to co-finance “the proposed Sri Lanka Sustainable Tourism Development project to be implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL).
The two lending institutions focused on supporting the creation of conditions for increased private investment and sustained growth in the tourism sector.
The project design is based on a framework approach to (i) institutional and regulatory strengthening, (ii) sustainable destination development, and (iii) skills development and market linkages.
It will also include a comprehensive crisis management strategy and communication mechanism for the Government.
These details transpired in discussions held by the visiting Deputy Mayor of Paris Jean Francois Martins and Sri Lankan leaders and the private sector business leaders in Colombo recently.
Deputy Mayor of Paris visited Sri Lanka from 5-6th June to meet senior government officials and key private sector leaders on Sri Lanka’s tourism revival strategy following the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.
During the mission the Mayor met with the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, the Mayor of Colombo and the Cabinet Subcommittee on Tourism.
He highlighted the role played by French hoteliers and tour operators in engaging closely with travelers to support the Government’s assurance of safety in Paris.
He noted that tourism in Paris was able to recover rapidly from the attack’s aftermath due to a coordinated, cohesive and united communication strategy implemented jointly with the private sector.
“This senseless act of terror has impacted the lives of all Sri Lankans. We commend the Government of Sri Lanka’s rapid response which prevented any further incidents,” he said.
He also added, “Sri Lanka remains one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in the world because it is a beautiful country with resilient, hospitable people. The world already knows this.
The focus should now be on effectively managing the evolving security concerns of the international community, and making it known widely that Sri Lanka remains an exciting and secure destination for travelers, Mr Martins emphasized.
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