PM calls for joint efforts to promote tourism between China and Sri Lanka

18 August 2023 12:00 am Views - 809

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who is currently in Kunming, China, has called for joint efforts by Sri Lanka and China to promote tourism between the  two countries.

“Chinese tourist arrivals have been one of the key strengths of the Sri Lankan tourism industry. Mainly thanks to an announcement made in February this year by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, placing Sri Lanka among the Top 20 countries for tourism.

I take this opportunity to call for a joint effort between our countries to enhance tourism among us, as collectively we have much more to offer. Let us not forget that this century belongs to Asia. This is Asia’s century,” Gunawardena said.

Prime Minister is participating as the chief guest at the 7th China-South Asia Exhibition jointly organised by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Yunnan State Government in Kunming.

As of July end, Sri Lanka had welcomed 29, 924 Chinese tourists compared to just 1, 850 in the same period in 2022.

Earnings from tourism industry surpassed the US$ 1 billion milestone by end July.

Provisional data from the Central Bank revealed that earnings from tourism for the first seven months of the year totalled US$ 1.094 billion, a 43.1 percent increase when compared with the corresponding period in 2022. 
Latest tourism statistics showed that from 1 January to 10 August, Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 819, 507 international visitors. 

Meamwhile, Gunawardena thanked China for the support extended by them towards Sri Lanka’s debt restrucuturing.

“We acknowledge with appreciation that China has extended much-needed support in the debt restructuring process, which was essential to secure international support. We are confident that China will extend continued cooperation in the future towards Sri Lanka’s broader economic recovery,” he said.