Bangkok (TAN): Sri Lanka has launched a culinary tourism promotion strategy to attract tourists from around the world back to the island after its tourism industry received a major setback in the wake of the Easter serial blasts that left hundreds dead.
Sri Lanka’s tourism minister John Amaratunga, who recently held a news conference in the Thailand capital, admitted that hotel bookings had fallen dramatically after April.
[ALSO READ: This is why tourists are heading to this NYC night court]
“Please be assured that the country is now safe for tourists who we are welcoming with our food and culture promotion campaigns,” Bangkok post quoted Amaratunga as saying.
The minister added China, Germany, India, Sweden and Switzerland had downgraded their travel advisories from “do not travel” to “be cautious while travelling”. Thailand had not issued a travel advisory.
[ALSO READ: Rafting guide in Kashmir drowns saving tourists]
Around 2.5 million international tourists visit Sri Lanka every year.