Thursday May 02, 2024
Thursday May 02, 2024
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To promote film tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism has welcomed the leading production houses of Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry, for a six-day exploration of the island nation’s diverse locations and rich cultural tapestry.
The delegation from India includes representatives from top-flight production houses responsible for hits like ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Gully Boy’, ‘Air Lift’, ‘Batla House’, ‘Lust Stories’, ‘Archies’ and ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway’.
The producers are on a mission to scout fresh, both natural and manmade, locations across Sri Lanka’s renowned destinations including Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Hambantota, and Kalutara for their upcoming cinematic ventures, spanning both the silver screen and Over the Top (OTT) web series.
Integral to the trip are crucial meetings with Sri Lanka Tourism officials, Government agencies, and local film industry partners, aimed at discussing potential incentives and logistical support for future film projects in Sri Lanka.
India, being the world’s largest film producer, annually churns out over 2,000 films and numerous web series, underscoring the significance of this collaboration for Sri Lanka’s tourism and film industries alike.
The campaign’s primary objective is to heighten awareness among Indian production houses in Mumbai (Bollywood) about the benefits of shooting in Sri Lanka, alongside leveraging the services of international film providers based in Sri Lanka. This strategic move is anticipated to inject a substantial boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, generating increased foreign income through services such as hospitality and transportation.
In addition, by showcasing Sri Lankan locales, culture, and way of life through Indian entertainment, the initiative is poised to entice Indian travellers to explore Sri Lanka as a must-visit holiday destination.
Noted figures from the Indian film industry, including Jio Studios Film Content Head Shobha Sant and Tiger Baby CEO Angad Dev Singh lauded Sri Lanka’s beauty and hospitality. They expressed a strong interest in returning for future film shoots, highlighting the potential for a mutually beneficial and sustainable industry partnership.
Emmy Entertainment CEO Karan Joshi praised the country’s unmatched natural beauty and world-class hospitality, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the Government for upcoming projects.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu emphasised the ongoing efforts to position Sri Lanka as a favoured filming destination for international productions, with plans to introduce an in-house incentive scheme for selected foreign projects.
Veteran filmmaker Chandran Rutnam voiced his appreciation for Sri Lanka Tourism’s initiative, stressing the importance of showcasing Sri Lanka as a film-friendly destination. He commended the progress made by the Film Tourism Team and stressed the need to maintain momentum in attracting international productions.
Representing The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), partners including Thema Collection, The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya, and Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Hambantota, echoed their enthusiastic support for this collaborative endeavour, recognising the potential for enhanced cultural exchange and economic growth.
