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Outbound
Sri Lanka Tourism to track carbon emission of tourists
Targets 2,50,000 Indians in the next three years
Chetan Kapoor - Mumbai
Sri Lanka Tourism is working towards a carbon clean environment and is all
set to track carbon emissions left by tourists. Dileep Mudadeniya, managing
director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) told Express TravelWorld
at the sidelines of a press conference, "We are working on an offsetting
carbon footprints programme, 'Sri Lanka Earth Lung', through which we are moving
towards a carbon clean environment by 2018. Under this programme we will track
carbon emissions by each tourist; going green being our objective." The
'pearl of the Indian ocean', as the island country is popularly known has a
few projects already underway which includes planting trees, energy saving initiatives,
use of solar and wind power, bio-gas, etc.
Besides, SLTPB, in association with SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka Cricket
is also capitalising on sports tourism with the upcoming India-Sri Lanka cricket
series and expects around 5,000-6,000 visitors. Mudadeniya adds, "Sports
is a good vehicle for us to ride on as it brings spectators as well as viewership
through which we can raise awareness about the country." During this period,
the board has planned the country's biggest beach carnival at Hikkaduwa which
would include musical concerts, beach games and water sports, jazz festival,
exhibitions and displays, etc.
Senaka Fernando, regional manager, Indian sub-continent and Maldives, SriLankan
Airlines throws additional light on the carrier's Indian operation. "At
present we fly to 11 points in the country and have rights to operate to 27
points. Our aim is to consolidate the existing operations as there is a market
for us to tap."
SLTPB is also promoting products such as Ramayana Trail and Kataragama in Southern
Sri Lanka. "We have promoted Kataragama - one of our most sacred shrines
and a pilgrim centre for diverse religious faiths in Chennai as there is direct
relation between the two countries and cultures," informed Mudadeniya.
"For us, India is a growing market, especially the youth segment and we
aim to see at least 2,00,000 to 2,50,000 Indians in the next two-three years
from the present 1,00,000-odd tourists."
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