Govt.'s sights set on developing local tourism

The government has aimed at developing local tourism with the induction of 35,000 beds into the sector.

The Strategic Action Plan (SAP) unveiled last night at a special ceremony in Dharubaaruge stated that new ideas will be introduced and implemented for the industry such as introducing new markets, introducing conferences, sports, adventure tourism as well.

The plan will also target new facilities and more people to be introduced to the industry. Increasing opportunities in the industry for women is one of the key aims of the plan for the industry.

Targets set out for the tourism industry:

• 35,000 beds introduced to the industry.
• Increasing the number of arrivals from markets such as Russia, India, the Middle East, China by 20 percent when compared with 2018. 
• 30,000 people to be trained and benefited from the Tourism Training Fund.
• Specifically dedicated websites for the majority of the islands involved guesthouse and local tourism.

The SAP also focuses on increasing the benefits to the public from the tourism industry and increasing the sale of local products. The biggest focus on developing tourism in the country is still rested on developing local tourism, according to the plan.