Geo Tourism Maps for Sri Lanka’s eastern region
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, following the growth in tourism on the East coast, has teamed up with National Geographic to spotlight this region to sell it to travellers particularly interested in responsible tourism.
Holidaymakers to the island would now be able to have a quick look at the Eastern region before arriving and have a valuable new resource in a comprehensive online Geotourism MapGuide website www.easternsrilanka.natgeotourism.com that was launched on Tuesday.
The Eastern Province Geotourism MapGuide website is one of only 22 Geotourism programmes worldwide and highlights the unique landscapes, people and culture of the East and takes a peek at the main attractions and places to stay and what to do when visitors get there.
“The MapGuide presents a great opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to promote the region and its unique highlights,” said Paddy Withane, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). “Aside from providing a long-term resource to promote the attractions of the East, the project will help boost tourism and support local economic growth.”
The MapGuide was created by the local residents and visitors who nominated the landmarks, attractions, activities, events and even local foods of the region that allows holidaymakers to get the perfect authentic experience of life on the East coast of the island.
All sites and attractions that are featured on the website will also receive a certificate of participation from the National Geographic Society.
“The Eastern Province Geotourism website showcases what makes the region so culturally and geographically significant,” James Dion, Director of Tourism Programmes, Maps’ Division for National Geographic Society, said.
He noted that this project underscores the importance of connecting local communities, sharing the region’s tremendous assets.
The site allows both tourists and locals to continue to nominate new locations, events and special places to be featured on the site.
IFC Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Adam Sack said this project would help tourists to connect with the communities in this region and find the unique and authentic attractions and offerings that would support the livelihoods of those living there.
The MapGuide website is managed by Findmyfare.com, Sri Lanka’s largest online travel company, and guided by the SLDTA, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other private sector tourism players.
EU Ambassador David Daly pointed out that it was ownership of this project that helped to make it sustainable as the communities identified on the site were the centre of attraction and who would be able to provide visitors with that authentic experienceImplemented by the National Geographic Maps Division, in partnership with IFC, the MapGuide and Geotourism website were produced with the financial support of the European Union’s Support to District Development Programme (EU-SDDP) and the Royal Government of Norway.
This project is expected to be carried out in other parts of the country, if required though no plans were underway for this as yet, an official said adding that this project was initiated about two years back.
National Geographic Maps is responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking. Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world’s best wall maps, outdoor recreation maps, travel maps, atlases and globes that inspire people to care about and explore their world.