Community based sustainable tourism drive in Oct.

The month of the October was declared as a month of community based tourism under the ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ programme of Sri Lanka tourism. A series of activities have been planned to promote community based tourism throughout the month. Further, it has now been widely accepted that diverse models of community based tourism are of great importance and relevance to development and sustainability of tourism in Sri Lanka.

International experience, particularly that of Japan, it is believed can be emulated or adapted by us in developing this concept with a local touch to take tourism from the traditional areas to community based tourism benefitting particularly the rural communities.  
Opportunities for sharing experiences of diverse models of community based tourism are of great importance for the development of tourism. It also paves the way for diversification of tourism products and promotion of community participating approach in tourism with the understanding of the importance of sharing the international experience on community based tourism.
It is planned to conduct an International Forum as a key activity under the Community Development Programme of the Tourism Resources Improvement Project (TRIP). Two Japanese experts who have wide experience and knowledge in this field are to share their experiences in community based tourism for the Sri Lankan industry to gain from their experiences.
Sri Lankan case studies from leading Sri Lankan companies such as ICC group, Dilmah, and Bio food will be presented. Over 100 participants representing the public and private sector institutions will attend this workshop which is scheduled to be held at 8.30 a.m. on 6 October 2011 at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Colombo 3.