Tourism authorities not interested in Sri Lankan gems to promote destination

Despite a number of calls and emails to the tourism authorities to join onboard to promote Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery, authorities have shown no interest, says FACETS Sri Lanka, Chairman, Altaf Iqbal.

Speaking to the Business Times on Friday, Mr. Iqbal stressed that gems and jewellery is not about promoting the trade, but endorsing Sri Lanka as a destination for foreigners to visit the country and explore various business opportunities.

“In the last 30 years the Tourism Ministry has not done anything to support the gem and jewellery sector in Sri Lanka. Even after the country opened its borders for tourism post COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry did not respond to any of the calls or emails to extend its support. We have sent emails, calls and official letters to the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka

Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Board to join us at this years’ FACETS exhibition. Not a single authority responded or showed any interest,” Mr. Iqbal reiterated.

He added that gems and jewellery is not about promoting the trade, but promoting Sri Lanka as a destination for foreigners to visit and explore the business opportunities in the country. “I am bringing down about 150 business to business buyers in January to attend the FACETS exhibition. We have a unique pavilion for rough stone dealers. Rough stones from Africa will be showcased for the first time for interested buyers.”

The 30th edition of the FACETS exhibition will be held from 6-8 January 2024 at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo. Mr. Iqbal mentioned that visitors from Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma, Pakistan, and Africa will be visiting Sri Lanka. “Anyone who buys the rough stones has to do the value addition in Sri Lanka once sold,” noted Mr. Iqbal.

There will be several pavilions showcased at FACETS Sri Lanka 2024 including the premier gem pavilion, premier jewellery pavilion, sustainable pavilion, sapphire masterpiece pavilion, rough stone pavilion, gem lab pavilion, National Gem and Jewellery Association SME pavilion, and the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association gem and jewellery pavilion. The event will also feature a special ‘reminisce of the past’ event. The premier gem pavilion has been a part of FACETS Sri Lanka since its inception. It will consist of leading Sri Lankan gem dealers who have been a part of FACETS Sri Lanka over an extended period of time, showcasing their gems for sale. The premier jewellery pavilion will consist of prominent local jewellers, displaying their gems and finely crafted jewellery.