The upcoming festive season will be one to look forward to with the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs making plans to attract both foreign and local tourists to the city of Colombo.

This year’s edition of Tourism Fest 2016 will be a major fillip for event-based tourism conceptualised by Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga. Tourism Fest 2016 will take place from the 20 to 23 December at the Independence Arcade in Colombo.

The inaugural Tourism Fest last December was a big tourist attraction and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better. Based on an initiative of Amaratunga, Tourism Fest aims to transform the peak holiday season in to a mega tourist attraction in Colombo. Tourism Fest 2016 is billed to feature musical shows, cultural shows, seasonal events, food festivals, exhibitions and many more attractions at one location.

“I want Colombo to be recognised as a city that comes alive during the festive season. Many tourists complain that there is nothing much to do in the city when the sun goes down. Events of this nature will not only entertain tourists but will also be an attraction for the local community,” said Amaratunga.

As part of the Tourism Fest, the Minister has requested the corporate community to illuminate their buildings and nearby streets in order to create seasonal ambience in the city. The city’s roundabouts, main roads, hotels and shopping areas will also be illuminated as part of this programme.

This year’s four-day fest will include daily musical shows featuring popular bands and artistes, food festival with the participation of leading hotels including all five star hotels, various exhibitions depicting Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions, cultural shows, Christmas carols, fireworks displays etc. There will be loads of entertainment for children as well.

December is the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka. It is the month that traditionally records the highest number of arrivals to the country. Sri Lanka is poised to record over two million tourist arrivals for the first time in its history this year. Tourism Fest 2016 will cap off a historic year for Sri Lanka Tourism.

Source : http://www.ft.lk/article/574884/Tourism-Fest-2016-to-cap-record-breaking-year