The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism practices by partnering with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF). This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing research capabilities, broadening promotional activities, and fostering inclusive responsible tourism initiatives within Sri Lanka. SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential, highlighting its role in advancing sustainable tourism and ensuring the resilience of the country’s tourism sector.
The strategic partnership with MDF underscores SLTDA’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism industry through innovative approaches and evidence-based decision-making. MDF Team Leader Oliver Mathieson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accurate tourism data for effective marketing strategies and catering to the increasing demand for sustainable tourism offerings. Previous collaborations between SLTDA and MDF have laid the groundwork for initiatives focused on research capacity building and fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making within the tourism sector.
With a foundation built on past successes, the new MoU between SLTDA and MDF signifies a continued dedication to elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism sector through strategic partnerships and initiatives. By leveraging research capabilities and promoting sustainable tourism practices, the collaboration aims to position Sri Lanka as a leading destination for responsible and inclusive tourism experiences.