Sri Lanka plans to welcome over 175,000 tourists this month, expecting a major boost from the mega Bohra Global Convention which is scheduled to be held from September 1 to 10 in Colombo.

“The conference will bring as many as 25,000 tourists to Sri Lanka, from over 40 countries,” Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga said whilst addressing the media in Colombo yesterday (22).

“However, I have been told now that this figures has gone up to 25, 000 and participants have already begun arriving at BIA ,” Amaratunga added.

Speaking further,Amaratunga noted that the mega convention will generate at least US $50 million in foreign exchange through hotel bookings, transportations and excursions.

"Hotels in Colombo are fully booked for the duration of the event"

"Around 3,000 hotel rooms are booked in formal sector, informal sector, “minister added.