Sri Lanka; A time for a change !!!

 

Sri Lanka is a popular destination among tourists for its beauty of nature with glamourous beach, mountains, stunning waterfalls, rainforest etc. Furthermore, many tourists arrive to visit our ancient historical monuments and cultural events. But is this enough? Don’t you feel we are missing another part of revenue?

Best clubs & bars in Colombo                                                             

• Rhythm & Blues 

• Chiller

• Flamingo House

• W Lounge

• Silk

• Floor by ‘O’

• Tap house by R & R

• Margarita Blue

           

                                                             

 

Best Casino clubs in Colombo

• Bally’s casino

• Bellagio Colombo

• Casino Marina Colombo

• Star Dust

• Continental Club

• MGM Colombo

• The Ritz Club

• Jims poker room

I understand there are few entertainment establishments which generate revenue up to a certain extent. However, in my point of view compared with other nightlife destinations in the world, we don’t possess adequate nightlife varieties & options to generate a strong cash flow and revenue to the country. 

In fact, we are proud of having a history over 2500 years along with amazing natural attractions. However, that doesn’t create repeating guests to the country to revisit the same historical monuments over and over again. Also, it doesn’t generate much income as well.  Therefore we need to have some extra attractions to gain income by expanding nightlife choices throughout the country. Imagine the number of job opportunities that will create? It leads to support the alleviation of poverty in rural areas as well. There are few tourist beach parties arranging in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Arugambay, Negombo in coastal areas where host community will earn a huge income out of liquor and seafood. Beach parties do not require a huge investment, do not need much infrastructure facilities, buildings which pave the way to create high profit for the host community. Apart from recreations and attractions, many young tourists will also expect a quality nightlife which they can relax their mind and enjoy with friends. This is a major reason we are lack in having many affluent tourists and repeating foreigners. As an example, I could take Bangkok, Singapore ,Indonesia which are popular for nightlife, attract more repeating customers than Sri Lanka. Having lack of theme parks also could be elaborated as a huge fact. Disneyland in Hong Kong, Dream world in Bangkok , Global village & carnival in Dubai, universal studio in Singapore has already attracted many of the tourists from western countries including family trips with children. Hence it clearly shows the deficiency we confront. Here is a news article from our previous Tourism minister John Amaratunga stated about the impact of less attraction nightlife for the reduction of younger tourists.

“Our casinos are no doubt an attraction for many Indians, but the complaint that I get from the Indian authorities often is that there isn’t enough entertainment in the city of Colombo and outstations. This is a key reason why most Indians go to other competitive destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Younger people look for entertainment in the night, although others want to enjoy at the later part of the day” Stated by Minister John Amaratunga. India is the largest tourism market in Sri Lanka as per the annual statistical report by Srilanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Moreover he advised The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) the importance of commencing night clubs within the hotels to attract many young tourists.

This biggest challenge we face towards nightlife development is our culture, Religion, attitudes, beliefs & perceptions. As a Buddhist conceptual country, we have to confront many struggles & hardships in developing nightlife within the country. Of course, we have to respect our cultural values, beliefs but at the same time, we shouldn’t hold it as a drawback for our country’s development. We have to move with world flow unless stuck in the same place forever. The government needs to educate the people about the importance, the abundance of business opportunities and job opportunities create by nightlife tourism. But at the same time impose safety guidelines to protect the society. I suggest we could construct a separate area for nightlife entertainments consists of carnivals, night clubs, live musical events, casinos, night markets etc.. Trust me, we will earn millions of revenue. When everything is in one place the government can find it convenient to control and safeguard the host community. Surrounded by few police and bouncers, closely monitor on the crimes like drugs dealings and prostitution and can impose strict fines for those who disobey the rules. On the other hand, we should build up more theme parks to attract families & children as well. Should organize some live music events like Tomorrowland in Belgium to attract many young tourists at least from the Asian region. It will boost income for hotels, transportation, restaurants & shopping sites as well. Implementing these will have a massive influx of tourists with all types of ages into the country. Adhering the eco-system, could reduce using plastic and maximize using reusable and eco-friendly items while organizing events. We have to gain the maximum benefit while preserving the natural attributes as well. 

Thus I have analyzed how nightlife tourism could play a major role in boosting social & economic development of Sri Lanka while controlling the dark side of it.