– Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism

In an exclusive interview with the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, conducted by the Media Unit of the Tourism Ministry, the government’s innovative vision for developing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector was revealed. This visionary approach focuses on transforming Sri Lanka into a global tourism powerhouse by fostering inclusivity, embracing global trends, and preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Global Accolades: Recognizing Excellence

Sri Lanka’s tourism has gained significant momentum with a wave of prestigious accolades in the first quarter of 2025. These international endorsements highlight the nation’s appeal as a must-visit destination for travelers:

1. Colombo to Badulla Train Journey ranked among the World’s Best by Lonely Planet.
2. Featured on BBC Travel's List of '25 Best Places to Travel in 2025'.
3. Recognized as a Top Destination for Families with Young Children (Generation Beta) by Travel and Tour World (TTW).
4. Sigiriya declared the World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025 by Booking.com.
5. Showcased by National Geographic as Sri Lanka’s most scenic train ride.
6. Highlighted in World Travel Magazine’s 25 Under-the-Radar Ideas for Luxurious Holidays in 2025.
7. The Pekoe Trail honored in TIME’s list of World’s Greatest Places in 2025.
8. Colombo featured prominently in Conde Nast Traveler, spotlighting luxury beach resorts and cultural experiences.

These recognitions underscore Sri Lanka’s growing stature in the global tourism industry and affirm its reputation as a family-friendly and culturally rich destination.

Building a Vision of Inclusive Development

Prof. Ranasinghe emphasized that the government’s vision for tourism development is rooted in inclusive participation and aims to benefit all citizens, from urban hubs to rural areas. By integrating communities into the tourism value chain, the government seeks to foster economic empowerment and social progress.

1. Rural Destination Development

A key component of this plan is the development of 100 selected rural city destinations, with an allocated Rs. 100 million. This initiative focuses on improving infrastructure and accessibility, thereby empowering local communities and showcasing their cultural heritage to global travelers. Rural development will act as a catalyst for economic growth and help bridge the urban-rural divide.

2. City Branding for International Appeal

With Rs. 500 million from the 2025 budget, the government is launching city branding campaigns for urban destinations popular among international tourists. These initiatives aim to position cities as dynamic cultural and recreational hubs that attract diverse visitor segments, including families, adventurers, and luxury travelers.

A Call to the Global Tourism Community

The Deputy Minister extended an open invitation to global tourism institutions, companies, and organizations to partner with Sri Lanka in its journey of transformation. "We warmly welcome you to experience Sri Lanka's real and heartfelt hospitality," Prof. Ranasinghe stated. "By extending your support, you can be a part of an inspiring success story while enjoying the unmatched beauty, culture, and warmth that our nation offers."

The government’s strategy focuses on fostering international partnerships to enhance tourism infrastructure, bring innovative solutions, and open new avenues for sustainable growth. By collaborating with global stakeholders, Sri Lanka is poised to create a tourism ecosystem that is both resilient and competitive.

Tourism as a Driver of Socio-Economic Growth

Prof. Ranasinghe underscored the transformative potential of tourism in driving both economic and social progress. By empowering local communities, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by every Sri Lankan. Initiatives such as training programs, small business funding, and cultural preservation projects will further integrate citizens into the tourism value chain.

Looking Ahead: 5 Million Visitors by 2030

The government’s ambitious goal of attracting 5 million tourists by 2030 is underpinned by strategies to enhance infrastructure, improve service standards, and embrace emerging tourism trends like MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and Bleisure tourism (Business + Leisure). The focus is not only on increasing the number of tourists but on elevating the quality and standards of tourism experiences to meet the expectations of global travelers.

An Era of Opportunity

As Sri Lanka charts a bold path toward becoming a world-class tourist destination, the Deputy Minister concluded with a hopeful call to action: "This is a collective mission that unites our people and invites the world to join hands with us. Together, we will create a legacy of success, empowerment, and global recognition, ensuring a brighter future for all Sri Lankans."