Tourism Minister Harin Fernando recently expressed concern over certain issues highlighted by hoteliers and tour guides in the Unawatuna Tourism Zone in Galle District and said he would take necessary steps to resolve their matters in order to strengthen their on- going tourist promotion activities in Hikkaduwa, Balapitiya, Bentota, Unawatuna and Narigama areas. The Minister made these observations during his short tour in the Unawatuna Tourism Zone. A large number of tourist hoteliers, tour guides and operators and also tour drivers currently engaged in tourist promotion activities in the Zone attended the meeting which was organized by the Unawatuna Tourist Zone Association (UTZA).
At the outset Minister Fernando thanked all organizers for conducting the meeting at this moment when the Government is taking all measures to develop the tourism industry in the country. He said all of us know that this industry did not show any improvement in the past due to the pandemic situation and also due to various other issues.
The Minister also highlighted the rapid development of the tourism industry and said the Ministry has instructed authorities to develop all major tourist attraction places elsewhere in the country whether it has cultural, religious, historical or entertainment values.
The participants mainly focused attention towards police security within the zone since many foreign tourists face various hardships from people and from area politicians. They also requested the Minister to improve transport facilities within the zone to conduct entertainment programs such as the annually conducted ’ Hikka’ entertainment program. The representatives also wanted the Minister to establish trade stalls within the village for local craftsmen to sell their traditional products. They also thanked the Government for providing continuous power supply since in the past their business activities were badly hampered.
According to UTZA over 800 small scale tourist hotels and guest houses are currently located in the Unawatuna Tourism zone. The Minister listened to the issues raised by participants and promised to solve their problems after discussing with relevant officials without further delay as the tourist arrival to the country is currently showing a significant improvement.