Sri Lanka promotes tourism potential in Vietnam

Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Professor A.Saj U.Mendis said that most tourists like to travel to the South Asian country for sightseeing activities, to enjoy a cultural experience, and for spiritual tourism.

Sri Lanka boasts six UNESCO World Heritage sites dating back 3,000 years, including the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, the old town of Galle, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the sacred city of Anuradhapura, and the ancient city of Sigiriya.

The country is a magical land waiting to be discovered, he noted.

Tran Thi Phuong Nhung, deputy director of international cooperation department of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that in 2019, only about 3,000 Vietnamese tourists had visited Sri Lanka, while up to 15,000 Sri Lankans had chosen Vietnam as a tourist destination.

Those figures are modest compared to the tourism potential that exists between the two countries, she stressed.

Ms Kishani Wickramasinghe, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, confirmed that Sri Lanka is suitable for Vietnamese tourists to visit at any time of the year.

The South Asian nation boasts favourable weather all year round and beautiful landscapes, and it provides entertainment services that cater to the taste of all tourists, she added.

Located in South Asia and dubbed the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" Sri Lanka features a maritime route connecting West Asia and South Asia. It is famous for producing and exporting tea, coffee, rubber, and coconuts. The natural beauty of its tropical forests, beaches, and cultural heritage makes the country a popular tourist attraction.