World Tourism Day 2022 Rethinking Tourism:

Tourism is an important driving force for pro-poor economic growth and poverty alleviation. It serves as a catalyst for job creation for youth, women, minorities, indigenous people and other marginalized groups, and as a stimulant of infrastructure and public service development in rural areas.

Therefore, in Sri Lanka’s perspective, this year’s World Tourism Day aims to incorporate key provisions of the Tourism Strategic Plan 2022-2025, by taking measures to upgrade community-based tourism products, improve strategic marketing of tourism products and enhance the capacities of tourism based-SMEs. Such initiatives are expected to encourage rural industries and communities to exploit opportunities available in tourism-based niche markets.

The summery of the proposed programme is as follows;

Official Celebration in Habarana

26th September – Departure for Habarana

The invitees, staff and media will arrive to Habarana on the 26^th September by bus

Lunch- on the way ( to be arranged)

Evening- Safari Tour at Minneriya National park or Eco Park

27th September- Main Celebration

A half day ceremony from 9.am to 11.30 am in Habarana to commemorate the World Tourism Day 2022.

Agenda

1. Welcome Speech by Chairman, SLTDA
2. Keynote Speech by the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Lands
3. Speech by the Ambassador, of European Union
4. Cultural Item
5. Speech by the High Commissioner of Australia
6. Speech by UNDP Representative
7. Speech by Governor/ Political Authority in Habarana Region
8. Speech by Hon. Minister of Tourism and Lands
9. Vote of Thanks by Director General, SLTDA

A Community Based Tourism Experience Tour

A village tour will be organized for the invitees and the tourists in the Hiriwadunna village after the main event. ( 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm) Lunch will be arranged at the village

6.00 pm- Cultural Event

Dinner at respective hotels

28^th September- Departure for Colombo after breakfast