World Tourism Day-2006 to be in Yapahuwa

Ministry of Tourism collaborating with Tourist Board, Waymba Development Authority, SriLankan Air lines and the stakeholders of tourism industry, are organizing World Tourism Day in 2006 main celebrations at the archeological site at Yapahuwa on 27th of  September.

Mr. George Michael, Additional secretary of Ministry of Tourism stated this at the press conference held in Colombo. He explained the functions to be held on that day in order to boost and make new trends among Sri Lankans about tourist industry as an economic support.

Paralely, a cleaning campaign to be launched at Maho Town and the Railway Station situated close to the archeological site of Yapahuwa with participation of students, tourists, vendors and stakeholders of tourism in the area.

A tree Planting Programme in the archeological site Yapahuwa; and a cycle tour covering the tourist attractions around Yapahuwa with participation youth and tourists will also be held.

According to Mr. Michael, to make the Sri Lankans aware of tourism, the Ministry of Tourism will organise an exhibition on the theme of Environment and Tourism at the archeological site with association the department of wild life, the Tourist Board Cultural Triangle and Central Environment Authority.

Meanwhile, the Travel Brochure on Yapahuwa will be distributed for benefit of the domestic tourists visiting there.

Mr.Michal Said, that many awareness programmes on tourism and their benefits will be conducted on this occasion. He pointed out the reason to choose Yapahuwa for held main celebration of World Tourism Day in this year and said that, northern western provincial’s richly endowed with classic holiday attractions, specially over 200km tropical beaches. On the other hand it is easy to reach with in half hour drive from the Katunayaka International Airport or 45minutes away from hill capital and tourist resort of Kandy.

The great stairway leading to the summit of Yapahuwa

This province was the choice of Sri Lankan Kings for four medieval capitals. The whole province is well served with good road and rail routes and modern communications.

Mr. Michel said according to the statistical data of the Ministry of Tourism shows 13% increase in the tourism sector in the country. Ministry of Tourism has taken many steps to create positive attitude among Sri Lankans about this trade.

He said Sri Lanka has been selected as the host country for the International World tourism Day in next year.