Financial Times

Buffer zone on the beach a good move - PATA chief
While various groups including industry, people and the opposition are opposed to the government's 100-metre buffer zone proposal on the coastline, the head of a regional tourism industry group says he believes it's a welcome move.

Ram Kohli, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), asked at a recent meeting with the industry in Colombo for his comments on the controversial buffer zone, said it is a good idea as it is mainly for safety and the environment.

He added that in India the rule is 500 metres and that it is the norm in Europe as well. The PATA chief, during a post-tsunami visit to Sri Lanka, didn't however want to be drawn into a debate over this issue.

Peter De Jong, PATA President, told the same meeting that the fight against misconception about the destination is important for the revival of Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

He said that it was discouraging as to how little people know and there were many wrong perceptions regarding Sri Lanka after the tsunami. Therefore, PATA, in its weekly newsletter had put maps and indicated places where infrastructure had been damaged and what places could still be visited.

De Jong said places like Sri Lanka have a lot of supporters who will return to the country on holiday. He said that while it is great to donate money and give for tsunami relief, right now the most important thing to do is to come to the country as tourists.

Speaking of his visit to Thailand, De Jong said that the beaches and hotels were back to normal but that there was an important element missing - tourists. He said that while the beaches of Thailand were as beautiful as before, the lack of tourists has created a despondent environment with shopkeepers and others dependent on tourism getting no income.

De Jong noted that it is important for the industry to build the reputation and get the accurate message out about the real status of tourism in Sri Lanka and that the upcoming trade fairs would be ideal. He said that the industry must put the tsunami behind them and pick up and go forward as the future is very bright for Asia.

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