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Setting up of a National Destination Weddings Steering Committee proposed
- Vijitha Herath calls for united approach – says vital to achieve Industry vision
In an ambitious attempt to make Sri Lanka the popular or ultimate choice to hold weddings, the Sri Lanka Convention bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held a meeting that brought together key stakeholders from the tourism, events and hospitality sectors onto one platform to propose and exchange ideas, explore ways in which to promote Sri Lanka as a premier destination for weddings.
Sri Lanka aims to attract 20-25 destination weddings annually, potentially generating approximately $6.25 million in revenue through high profile weddings that can attract the wealthy, high end market.
The meeting was held under the auspices of the Minister of Tourism, Vijitha Herath. The minister said that he supports all the plans that will make this idea a reality and called on all Govt. Institutions to work as a team in achieving this goal. The discussions focused on positioning Sri Lanka as a hassle-free destination for weddings, while also exploring new trends and opportunities within the tourism sector.
Minister Herath highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, noting that a united approach would be vital in achieving the government’s future vision for the industry. He also assured continuous support for investors, tourists, and all stakeholders involved in the sector.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Dheera Hettiaraachchi said there is untapped potential in this area, and all obstacles must be overcome with collaborative work among those involved and a setting up of a National Destination Weddings Steering Committee is important to give direction to the initiatives and monitor upto successful implementation.
The SLTDA and SLPB Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam who was at the meeting said that Sri Lanka has all the natural environs to offer to make it memorable for the potential client. In fact in the Hot Seat interview of Sunday Observer Explorer Hewawasam mentioned last month this to be an aspect that is billed for development soon.
Representing the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, Hemant Dadlani gave a great insight to this concept being discussed by providing the technical data to support this great idea, with details statistics and data on destination weddings held locally and internationally.
The meeting turned out to be a landmark event where the initial steps were taken in ensuring that this idea moves forward and progress be made as soon as possible to tap the potential markets and in the meantime to ensure that all what’s required in having a hassle free wedding be made available. As for the issues that obstruct the way forward, such as securing permits for heritage and beach venues, custom processes and logistics handling of the international guests etc. were discussed.
The list of issues that can arise from such a concept being mooted will be daunting and long, as was discussed at the meeting. However if the all the obstacles raised at the meeting, and much more that will come about along the way, be addressed in a systematic way, the prospects of Sri Lanka emerging as a known destination or chosen venue for weddings appears very bright.
Pictures courtesy – Destination Beach wedding in Sri Lanka of Azra & Dominic
Wedding was at Trincomalee in the north east of Sri Lanka at Trinco Blu – Cinnamon Hotels,
What Azra and Dominc said about their professional photographers;
‘David & Jane are award winning photographers and we knew that for our special day we couldn’t risk not having the best in the game to capture the moments’.
What David and Jane had to say..
“Its always surreal when you receive the call to photograph any wedding abroad but Sri Lanka really was a dream destination for us and we are so glad that we were the destination wedding photographers for Azra & Dominic.
Here’s a few of their favourite images from Azra & Dominic’s wedding they have shared on public domain. Courtesy – Stanbury Photography & Film.
