New tourism destinations will be identified and those will be developed as tourism zones for local and foreign travellers, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.
“Sri Lanka is rich with natural attractions such as paddy fields, tea plantations, national parks, beaches, wildlife, adventure and culture. Many places could be developed as new tourism zones and once those places are identified, those will be gazetted as new tourism zones," he said.
“The country boasts seven tourism zones including Nuwaraeliya, Ella, Arugambey, Pasikuda, Kalpitiya, Yala and Bentota. Once The new zones are gazetted, infrastructure will be improved. Investors will be urged to participate in developing those zones, the Minister said.
The Minister said that these zones will be set up as a part of the programme to increase the revenue earnings from the tourism industry to Rs.10 billion by 2025.
