Lanka to hold tourism road shows in Indian cities

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will hold road shows in five Indian cities to attract more visitors from its populous northern neighbor to bring in more foreign currency, its tourism minister said in a Reuters report.

Known for its rolling hills, pristine beaches and laidback seaside towns, Sri Lanka has seen a steady trickle of 61,951 Indian tourists — the most from any foreign country — in the first five months of this year.

“Sri Lanka must have tourism revenue if it is to emerge from this crisis. That is essential,” Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.

Fernando said he hoped the country would end the year with about 1 million tourists, compared to less than 200,000 arrivals last year, even though some countries, including Britain, have issued advisories asking citizens to undertake only essential travel to Sri Lanka.

“We are confident the winter season will be good,” Fernando said.