SL to add 9 more sustainable tourist destinations

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday said nine new sustainable tourist destinations will be developed expeditiously covering all provinces.

The initiative is being implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) of the Biodiversity Financing Initiative (BIOFIN).

The nine destinations include Sigiriya sustainable destination, Pilikuttuwa local heritage destination, Wanathawilluwa Gangewadiya destination, Ellawala Ella natural destination, Vavulpane Limestone Cave destination, Delft Island, Madunagala hot springs, Panama community villages and Mihintale.

Meanwhile, Sigiriya and Yala National Parks have already been promoted as the first eco-friendly sustainable tourist destinations free-of-plastics.

The relevant Provincial Tourism Authorities have already been entrusted with the responsibility of developing these sustainable destinations. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are mentioned in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa›s policy statement of ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.

The Minister pointed out that they are already making the necessary arrangements for this.

“Following the pandemic, the travellers are more interested in visiting eco-friendly sustainable destinations. Thus, the Government has put a lot of focus on developing these areas,” he added.

The Minister also said that an internal unit for sustainable tourism promotion and development will be established within the Tourism Development Authority of Sri Lanka (SLTDA) in the immediate future to facilitate projects in this regard.

He said much attention has also been paid to this when approving tourism investments.

Accordingly, it is essential that proposals related to future tourism projects be submitted for approval in accordance with the sustainable guidelines.