Sri Lanka celebrates World Tourism Day
by Jetwing ·
World Tourism Day 2011 is celebrated around Sri Lanka today (27) under the theme of ‘Tourism–Linking Cultures’.
The main focus of this year’s theme is to foster awareness among the international community on the value of tourism as well as its cultural impact, and also to gain experience in understanding cultural diversity.
The main function will be held today with the launch of ten new stamps and picture postcards covering this year’s promotional themes of Sri Lanka tourism which include Pristine, Heritage, Bliss, Wild, Scenic, Thrills, Festive, and Essence and Scenic.
In the meantime, a Tourism Zone will be declared from Uttarananda Mawatha to Perahera Mawatha named as ‘Road to Paradise’ where the main activities are scheduled to take place in Colombo from September 25 to 28.
2000 schoolchildren from 100 schools in the Western Province participated in creating a kilometre wall painting from Sunday. The activity titled ‘Colombo Wall’ will be held until today. The painting will showcase Colombo city in the future, as seen through the eyes of these children.
The World Tourism Day celebrations in Sri Lanka will take place with the contribution of all stakeholders of the travel and tourism industry. They will conclude with vivid cultural shows on September 27 and 28.
“Many British tourists travel to Sri Lanka every year, and Sri Lanka makes them welcome. The UK government works to ensure their impact is positive, encouraging tourists to act responsibly. This means respecting local laws and customs, minimizing their impact on the natural environment and buying local products and services,” said British High Commissioner, John Rankin commenting on the World Tourism Day.
“This ensures UK tourism makes an important contribution to the Sri Lankan economy in a sustainable fashion, benefitting everyone,” he added.
The United Nations declared the World Tourism Day in 1979, and it was first celebrated on September 27, 1980. The theme for this year’s celebrations was selected in recognition of the fact that millions of tourists visiting new places each year can help promote ‘tolerance, respect and mutual understanding–the building blocks for a more peaceful world’.
Source : http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201109/20110927sl_celebrates_world.htm
