A special discussion has been held today (07) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s sports tourism sector, identified as a key segment of the country’s tourism industry, and to explore measures for its structural development.
The discussion focused on promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive global destination capable of hosting international sporting events and festivals, with support from the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports.
Attention was also drawn to developing a formal mechanism to attract state and private sector sponsorships for international sports events held in Sri Lanka, while enhancing the country’s potential as a tourism destination through such events.
Plans were also discussed to position Sri Lanka as a more convenient and suitable destination for international sporting events by preparing an annual calendar and clear timeline for sports competitions and festivals throughout the year.
In addition, steps were proposed to establish a transparent and efficient mechanism to obtain approvals from relevant government institutions for organizing sports events and festivals in Sri Lanka.
The meeting also agreed to establish a destination management office by bringing together all relevant institutions and departments responsible for approvals, creating a recognized checklist and set of criteria, and implementing necessary structural changes and funding arrangements to ensure efficient coordination.
