Mannar to Host Grand World Tourism Day Celebrations from September 25–27

A grand three-day celebration marking World Tourism Day will be held at Keeri Beach in Mannar on September 25, 26 and 27, with the aim of promoting the tourism resources of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province to the international community and strengthening the regional tourism sector and local economy.

Chairman of the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, Dr. J. Vivekanandan, said the event has been organised to showcase the Northern Province’s natural attractions, heritage, arts and cultural diversity to both local and international tourists.

The programme will feature traditional arts and cultural performances from across the Northern Province, along with a range of beach sports and recreational activities involving the public, youth and tourists.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience traditional Mannar cuisine and seafood, while exhibitions and sales stalls featuring locally produced handicrafts and other products will be organised as part of the celebrations.

According to Dr. Vivekanandan, newly completed tourism infrastructure development projects in the Mannar region will also be introduced during the event. Steps will further be taken to create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and those engaged in the tourism industry.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will be organised with the full cooperation of the Mannar District Secretariat, all Divisional Secretariats in the Mannar District, all local government authorities in Mannar and other stakeholders involved in the tourism sector.

The event is expected to provide a platform to promote Mannar and the wider Northern Province as an emerging tourism destination while creating greater opportunities for local businesses and communities.