SLTDA is planning to get the assistance of Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Department of Census and Statistics in this regard, said Malraj Kiriella, Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

He made this remark, addressing the 'Sancharaka Udawa' 2015 tourism trade fair, media briefing held in Colombo.

Rohantha Athukorala, newly-appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said, "In my opinion, Sri Lanka's Tourism industry is undervalued. In my view, this industry is not just US $ 1.7 billion; If you take the total value chain of the Sri Lankan tourism industry, the total value of the industry is between US $ 8- 10 billion."

Athukorala added, "We need to create more value and I'm trying to see whether I can have a discussion with multi-lateral agencies like ADB and World Bank to get their assistance to really quantify the industry potential and then we can see how the policy makers give strong recommendations in one year's time to spur the tourism economy.

"I need to change the policy and this is going to make a huge difference when it comes to the overall country's economy. We need to tell the world how strong and big we are. In my view, this is the number one industry in Sri Lanka. SLTPB is looking at some directional changes and we will continue to do a little bit sharper work. We're also looking at strong links with the private sector. I'm trying to put the pieces together right now in terms of appointing an Advertising Agency, Public Relations and Research Agency to promote Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for Travel and Tourism in the world.

The 5th edition 'Sancharaka Udawa' exhibition will be held at BMICH in Colombo on April 24- 25 with around 200 stalls. Athukora said that the exhibition would further look at different touch points that a typical traveler would see.