Sri Lanka must resort to eco-tourism practices wherever possible and the protection of the environment should be at the top of the tourism agenda, says Minister of Tourism Development, Lands and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga.

He was addressing an event held in Colombo to mark World Tourism Day on Tuesday (September 27).

“Let this year’s World Tourism Day be an impetus to redouble our efforts to achieve this year the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme of universal accessibility,” he said. 

The minister said that while accessibility remains a key component of Sri Lanka’s tourism development strategy, sustainability of the industry is of equal importance. 

“We must ensure that our resources and attractions remain unharmed by the development activities which are currently taking place in this country.”

“We must resort to eco-tourism practices wherever possible and the protection of the environment should be at the top of the tourism agenda,” he said. 

Amaratunga said that such initiatives will be in accordance with the UNWTO’s declaration of 2017 as the year of sustainable tourism for development. 

“I am pleased to observe the rapid growth of tourism industry. The forthcoming winter season I believe   will be the best this country has witnessed,” he added. 

He stated that this year is going to be “historic” because the country is going to end up with a record number of tourists coming in to the country. 

“We are aiming at 2.5 million tourists as against last year’s 1.8 million.”