Marine tourism, which includes activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and marine wildlife experiences, has become an increasingly important segment of the global tourism industry. It offers travelers unique opportunities to explore the ocean’s natural beauty, underwater ecosystems, and historic shipwrecks while supporting coastal economies and promoting ocean conservation. Around the world, destinations are investing in marine tourism to showcase their coastal heritage and attract adventure travelers seeking sustainable and immersive experiences.
A press conference was held at the ICT (Rathnadeepa) Hotel in Colombo on the 12th to disclose these facts to the media. Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, senior officers of the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, Buddhika Hewawasam, along with other officers and guests, were present at the event. The authorities said that they hope to provide these diving experiences to promote the tourism sector and an official website was also opened for this purpose.
In line with this global trend, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is hosting three Serbian celebrity divers, Mr. Janez Kranjc, Ms. Ivana Orlovic Kranjc and Ms. Dorotea Dikic in Sri Lanka from 6th March to 19th March as part of a special initiative to promote the country’s underwater diving experiences, particularly around historic shipwrecks located along Sri Lanka’s coastline. During their visit, the celebrity divers will explore and document several key diving destinations including Colombo, Negombo, Mirissa, Kirinda, and Galle, capturing unique underwater footage and experiences that highlight Sri Lanka’s rich marine biodiversity and fascinating shipwreck sites.
The expedition aims to raise international awareness of Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for underwater exploration and shipwreck diving. The content captured by the Serbian divers will showcase the island’s diverse marine habitats, historical wreck sites, and vibrant underwater landscapes, positioning Sri Lanka as a must-visit location for diving enthusiasts and marine adventurers.
On 12th March, the newly created content from the celebrity divers, together with existing marine tourism content produced by the Sri Lanka Navy, will be officially launched on the Sri Lanka Navy’s website in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Simultaneously, the same content will be featured on the official SLTPB websites, further strengthening the joint effort to promote Sri Lanka’s marine tourism offerings to a global audience.
This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to promote sustainable marine tourism while showcasing Sri Lanka’s underwater heritage to the world.
ANURA PREMALAL
PIC BY-Thusara Fernendo
