Responsible reporting for betterment, sustainability of SL Tourism industry

The Alumni Association for Tourism Economics & Hospitality Management and students of Tourism study programmes at the Dept of Economics, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo (UoC), in collaboration with the Journalists Diploma Holders Association of the UOC, conducted a full day Workshop for Media personnel

The programme was held on Sunday (19) at the Senate Hall, College House, UoC.

Media personnel representing both Print and Electronic Media participated for information about the forthcoming UN World Tourism Day celebrations and its opportune theme of ‘Sustainable Tourism for Development’.

The Workshop featured many eminent personnel responsible for the implementation and monitoring of Sustainable Tourism policies and practices.

The programme was convened by the Head of the Dept. of Economics, Ven. Wimalarathane Thera and the Coordinator of Tourism study programmes, Dr D.A.C. Suranga Silva.

Addressing the objectives of the Workshop, Dr Silva said the Media play a very influential role in our life, society, country and in the world, and is becoming increasingly greater than ever before.

“Tourism is highly dependent on the Media because most Travel decisions are made by those who have never seen their destination first hand for themselves. The Media, as influencers, must carry out their task of responsible and unbiased reporting to the betterment and sustainability of the Tourism industry in Sri Lanka.”

Prof. Ven. Wimalaratana Thera in his address said, “Though such elaborate terms as ‘Sustainability’ was not in use in the past, the con- cept is not entirely new to us. Our ancestors built structures and irrigation tanks for the use of future generations. It is their noble work that we yet display as Heritage and Culture in Tourism." Moreover, he drew attention to the need of infrastructure. “We are also facing infrastructure issues. We need projects to immediately overcome this. We also need to create awareness among locals and sensitise them to issues that emerge with the development of Tourism.

Speaking on ‘Present Marketing Strategies for Promoting Sri Lanka Tourism: Lessons from Competitors', former Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board, Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, (present Chairman of Sathosa ) said, “Dr. Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard submitted a presentation a month ago, where he showed that Sri Lanka is losing out in the innovation sector. When this happens; a country’s economy is challenged. “

According to Dr Athukorala, the drive to increase awareness propensity of developing Tourism depends on two aspects: Macro problem and Problem in the industry.

He said, “By linking innovation into this industry, Sri Lanka has the potential to do this. We did it in the Tea industry and Apparel industry. In the 1970s, the Tea industry was State run. In 1978, it moved to auction. In 1992, the Tea industry was privatised. Today, we are the first ethical Tea producer in the world. Same with the Apparel industry. We need this thinking in Tourism. Sri Lanka, as a nation, needs to be competitive.”

A panel discussion on “A way forward for Responsible Media Contribution for Sustainable Tourism Development in Sri Lanka”, was graced by experts in the fields of Media and Tourism.