Developing a shared vision for tourism in post-war Sri Lanka

• Published in: Worldwide hospitality and tourism themes 2013-11, Vol.5 (5), p.486-494
• Main Authors: Lokuhetty, Anura, (Chandi) Jayawardena, Chandana, Mudadeniya, Dileep
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Airports; Cultural tourism; Economic activity; Economic development; Employment; Hotels & motels; Informal economy; Infrastructure; International tourism & hospitality; Investments; Peace; Private sector; Product life cycle; Roads & highways; Small & medium sized enterprises-SME; Society; Studies; Sustainable development; Sustainable tourism; Tourism; Tourism & hospitality; Tourism development; Tourists; Trends in tourism & hospitality; War
• ISSN: 1755-4217; 1755-4217
• DOI: 10.1108/WHATT-05-2013-0030

Purpose – This paper aims to analyse the current state of tourism in Sri Lanka and make practical suggestions for a shared vision. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is written in the context of a strategic question: “how might post-war Sri Lanka develop inbound tourism?” An analytical approach is taken to discuss the practicality of the tourist arrival target of 2.5 million tourists to Sri Lanka by 2016. Findings – Achieving the 2.5 million tourist arrival target in 2016 is not realistic and should be revised to a more manageable two million target. Macro level changes since the end of the war in 2009 should be taken into consideration in preparing a new master plan. Assuming that continuous peace will be there for a long time, is simply not sufficient. Rebuilding the social economic foundation of the society has to be faster and must be the top agenda point for Sri Lanka. This is an essential ingredient for long lasting peace and a healthy and sustainably developed tourism industry in the future. Practical implications – Addressing six key challenges and incorporating six key strategies identified in this paper should be helpful in developing a new master plan. Debating with and getting inputs from all major stakeholders of the tourism industry is recommended to ensure sustainable tourism development. Originality/value – This paper provides thought-provoking practical tips from three well-experienced leaders of tourism industry, hotel industry and hospitality education.