### 📈 Roadmap to a US$ 8 Bn Tourism Industry: Quality Over Quantity

Sri Lanka aims to transform its tourism sector by shifting from a volume-based model to a premium destination strategy, targeting higher revenue with fewer, high-spending visitors. • Economic Targets & Projections Current State: ~1.5M tourists generating US$ 2.25 Bn (avg. $150/day). Proposed Goal: 1.2M tourists generating US$ 5.76 Bn (avg. $400/day). Total Potential: Over US$ 8 Bn by 2030 by integrating specialized sectors. • High-Value Sector Breakdowns Wellness Tourism: Leveraging Ayurveda to tap into a US$ 1.3 Tn global market; aiming for US$ 200M in premium revenue. Medical Tourism: Investing in high-tech equipment to attract elective surgery patients, projected to add US$ 500M. Cultural & Nature: Upgrading sites like Sigiriya and coastal areas to command luxury rates (US$ 500–2,000/night), mirroring the Maldives model. • Strategic Implementation Pillars Infrastructure: Immediate focus on cleanliness and 5-star service standards at beaches and heritage sites. Market Pivot: Ceasing marketing to budget "backpackers" and "digital nomads" in favor of wealthy retirees and luxury travelers. Local Retention: Implementing the "UAE Model" requiring majority Sri Lankan ownership to ensure profits remain within the national economy. Employment: Mandatory training programs to transition the workforce into high-end hospitality roles. • Global Benchmarks UAE: Generates US$ 70 Bn via premium infrastructure and strategic investment controls. Bhutan: Uses a US$ 100/day sustainable fee to maintain exclusivity and fund public services.