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SLTDA to import vehicles to lure high-spenders

SLTDA to import vehicles to lure high-spenders

11 Aug 2023 | BY Roshani Fernando

  • Import license to be granted either for a hotel or DMC

Amidst persisting ban on vehicle imports since March 2020, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has prepared a cabinet proposal requesting permission to import vehicles and luxury boats, in a bid to “attract” high-end tourists, according to the Ministry of Tourism.  

Speaking to The Daily Morning Business, SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando said: “We will  be recommending the import license of vehicles to importers based on the foreign exchange earned by each entity, either a hotel or the Destination Management Company (DMC). Currently, no vehicles could be imported to the country but they will get an exemption. The guidelines will be shared as soon as it is approved by the cabinet,”.

The President has been emphasising on high-end tourism for Sri Lanka with a  set target of  year 2029 to have at least 2.5 million high-end tourists spending over $500 per day and another 2.5 million tourists belonging to the other categories which is a total of  500 million tourists.

According to Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism and Lands, Sri Lanka needs products that enhance the gandure of the island, such as yacht marinas, leisure boats, searching boats and other vehicles to facilitate high-end tourism as well as sky diving schools.The uprise of this market is solely dependent on the products that the country is going to offer them.

The President has  made a huge plan to bring down high end tourists which  will be initiated in September 2023.

Moreover, the importation of recreational boats will help the country make the most of the sea and the ministry is planning to develop yacht marinas in Sri Lanka beaches like Galle, Colombo Port, and Trincomalee once the boats are imported. This will help the country to generate very high spending customers while maintaining the numbers as well. 

The Daily Morning Business recently reported that the new Sri Lankan tourism policy is anticipated to be presented this month with the intention of increasing tourism revenues over time and luring high-end tourists to the country,Fernando said.



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