With the recent sharp decline in tourism arrivals due to the global pandemic and flight restrictions, Sri Lanka Tourism has initiated a novel approach to promote the island through a concept branded as “Go on a Couch Safari” covering wildlife streams from the most popular National Parks.
‘’Tourism is an industry that plays a critical role for the economy. We need to be ready to bounce back quickly when the time is right. We will be introducing several crowd sourcing initiatives to amplify the message. There are three ways which anyone can get involved in this national promotional project. We also will be giving away holiday offers to win for overseas viewers,’’ said Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism, Ms. Kimarli Fernando. This is an opportunity to showcase the biodiversity of the island.
Every year, hundreds of elephants gather at the man made reservoirs inside Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks in the dry season, creating a breathtaking sight. Considered a most beautiful natural phenomenon in the world, this experience will be streamed through SLTPB social media sites and an affiliated website from Minneriya National Park as one of the first first wildlife streams of the series.
Udawalawa National Park is best known for terrestrial big five - Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Water Buffalos, Mugger and Saltwater crocodiles and other species such as sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks that roam free in their natural habitats in the backdrop of the sunset. Sunrise drives will not only capture the top five wildlife popular among wildlife enthusiasts, there will be sightings of a number of migrant and water birds and several other rare and endemic flora and fauna.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau calls on all stakeholders and citizens to team up with them to promote the event.