Business
Why Sri Lanka needs to look at Art Tourism
“Tourism would not exist without culture. Culture is one of the principal motivations for the movement of people, and any form of tourism will provoke a cultural effect, on the visitor as well as the host.” – Professor Jafar Jafari, expert and theoretician of the tourism and hotel industry.
Following the upheaval caused by a pandemic and an economic and political crisis, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has begun a promising recovery in 2023. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the number of tourist arrivals has been on an upward trend since January this year, with the purpose of travel of nearly 55% of the tourists arriving in March 2023 being on pleasure or vacation.
Speaking of tourists who travel to Sri Lanka in search of art, culture, and history, Donovan Abeyewardene, ArTravele – Artisan in Travel, Luxury Brand of Walkers Tours said, “As a country, we must look into how best we can cater to their needs. It is important to pair arts and culture with tourism, through which we can bring visitors to specific areas of the country. This will result in community wellbeing by invigorating local areas through creative practice.”
An aspect of tourism that has the potential to attract tourists of a similar interest group is art tourism, which involves travelling to experience and engage with art and art-based activities at destinations such as art festivals, galleries, and museums. With an intensely rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for art tourism. The country has a diverse range of artistic traditions that includes music, dance, literature, and visual arts, and modern and contemporary artists, who have been making a name for themselves in both local and international art scenes.
Sri Lanka can develop multiple methods to promote its art, culture, and tourism sectors. Speaking on how this can be achieved, hotelier, restaurateur, fashion & interior designer, and event planner; Nayantara ‘Taru’ Fonseka said, “We need to promote cultural tourism through packages that highlight the country’s unique art and cultural experiences. This can include visits to historical sites, art galleries, museums, and festivals of traditional music and dance. If we promote local artisans, Sri Lanka can create a unique cultural experience for tourists while also supporting local livelihoods.”
Developing and investing in art and cultural hubs that bring together artists, audiences, and patrons of arts is extremely important to sustain this industry. Such communities can help foster a vibrant artistic community while attracting tourists, thus connecting the art tourism industry in Sri Lanka to the wider region. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) is an organisation that is working towards establishing a community of artists, patrons, and audiences around modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka. Speaking on the work they do to establish a market for art tourism in Sri Lanka, Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka, said “To attract tourists, Colombo needs to have a strong cultural offer. The MMCA Sri Lanka is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying modern and contemporary art. Modern art museums, especially those of architectural note, are tourism drivers.” She further added, “The Tate London, the Guggenheim Bilbao, MoMA New York and Singapore Art Museum are not only tourist attractions but have helped to establish these cities as cultural destinations. We have the artists and the art history, all that is missing is a permanent modern art museum, which is what the MMCA Sri Lanka is endeavouring to establish.”
Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first multi-service Special Economic Zone, recently hosted Lord Swire, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) to an exclusive session on the project’s attractive investment opportunities and economic potential within the South Asian regional sphere. He was accompanied by CWEIC officials including Niro Cooke, Country Chair – Sri Lanka and Group Director, The Capital Maharaja Organisation, Pamela O’Leary, Board Member, and Deshan Gonawela, Country Director. The delegation was welcomed by Revan Wickramasuriya, Director General, the Colombo Port City Economic Commission, and Thulci Aluwihare, Deputy Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd.
A Port City Colombo press release said: ‘The visit encompassed a detailed presentation at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery, where the delegation was briefed on the project progress and future projections as a competitive investment hotspot in the South Asia region. Port City Colombo’s key appeal to top investor markets including the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific, progressive regulatory environment that promotes the ease of doing business, and diverse options for investors, were the focal point of the presentation. The CWEIC delegation was also provided an experiential tour of the Mall at Port City Colombo, South Asia’s pioneering downtown duty-free retail offering, which is already contributing towards Colombo’s evolution as a hub for tourism and business.
‘Sri Lanka needs to show that it is open for Foreign Direct Investment,’ said Lord Swire, Deputy Chairman, CWEIC. ‘There are diverse opportunities, not just in the tea and tourism industry, but also within the scope of Port City Colombo’s Special Economic Zone, which is a truly exciting and ambitious initiative. The Commonwealth showcases some of the most diverse and fastest growing economies in the world, with prospective investors who will be interested in exploring the intriguing opportunities that Port City Colombo and Sri Lanka as a whole are bound to offer.’
‘Niro Cooke, Country Chair – Sri Lanka, CWEIC, and Group Director, The Capital Maharaja Organisation, further elaborated: ‘Sri Lanka has long been a sought-after tourism destination. However, we believe that Sri Lanka has the opportunity to evolve into a competitive diversified service-based economy, which could reinvent our nation into a truly formidable regional business hub. With FDI contributors such as Port City Colombo, a strengthened economic outlook, and strategic locality, Sri Lanka now has the right ingredients to become a progressive investment destination.’
‘As a CWEIC Strategic Partner, Port City Colombo has been actively involved in fostering investor relations across the Commonwealth. Port City Colombo recently participated in the Commonwealth Business Forum 2024 held in Apia, Samoa, where the project’s contribution towards sustainable economic growth and regional skilled mobility within South Asia was accentuated.
‘To learn more about the attractive investment opportunities at Port City Colombo, please visit www.portcitycolombo.lk. For information on Single Window Investment Facilitation and regulatory matters, please visit www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk.’
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The public is strongly advised to adhere to the aforesaid legal requirement.
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As the much-anticipated 2025 Classic Car Rally made its way through Sri Lanka’s scenic highlands, participants from across the globe found themselves in the heart of tea country at Heritance Tea Factory. A former 19th-century tea factory turned exclusive hotel, this iconic property served as a memorable stop for the rally’s distinguished guests, offering a perfect blend of history, elegance and immersive experiences.
The rally, featuring an impressive lineup of vintage automobiles, included rare and classic models from the 1930s to the 1960s, with iconic names such as Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, MG, Austin Healey, Delahaye, BMW and Volvo gracing the winding roads of Sri Lanka. These meticulously preserved automobiles, shipped from across the world, added a touch of nostalgia to the misty hills of Kandapola, perfectly complementing the colonial charm and heritage of Heritance Tea Factory.
During their stay, the 24 vintage car owners and enthusiasts, representing countries such as Australia, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom, experienced the hotel’s colonial charm and the breathtaking views of rolling tea fields. Many took the opportunity to partake in the estate’s signature tea plucking experience, donning traditional attire to hand-pick fresh Ceylon tea leaves, a unique and fitting tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage.
Dining at Heritance Tea Factory proved to be another highlight, with the rally participants indulging in delicious menus featuring the finest local and international cuisine, all in all an extraordinary gastronomic experience in the misty mountain ambiance.
Beyond the culinary experiences, the comfort of elegantly restored rooms overlooking the lush tea plantations allowed the travellers to unwind and rejuvenate after a long journey through Sri Lanka’s winding roads. The warmth of the hotel’s hospitality, combined with its eco-conscious approach made a lasting impression on all who stayed.
As the rally continued toward its next destination, Heritance Tea Factory left a special mark on the participants, celebrating a shared love for timeless elegance, heritage, and adventure.
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