Sri Lanka is currently developing its seafront infrastructure, rules for boat building and marine tourism, but are they overlooking the potential of increasing the number of international Superyacht visitors?
A newly developed national export strategy in the island nation has highlighted an increasing demand for boats and associated facilities. The Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama, told a press conference recently: “The increasing worldwide, regional and local demand for boats for fishing, industrial, commercial and leisure purposes has opened up a number of opportunities and new markets for Sri Lanka as a result of its strategic location, highly trainable workforce and labour cost advantages.”
The first step of this strategy comes in the form of Boat Show Sri Lanka 2018. Scheduled for 26-28 October, this year’s event will feature a yachting festival and takes place at the marina in Galle port, on the country’s south coast. The event is intended “to showcase the country’s capabilities in marine tourism and recreational boating, yachting and boat building for export,” Samarawickrama said.
The show is being organised by several government ministries, including those responsible for ports and shipping, industry and commerce and tourism, as well as the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. These groups are joined by the Export Development Board and Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (BTI).
All this sounds like good news for the fishing, small yacht and boat building sector. Unfortunately though, there still seems to be no initiative, a lack of understanding and little enthusiasm in trying to promote Sri Lanka as a world-class Superyacht destination. With amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural and religious monuments, plus world-class wildlife sanctuaries being abundant on the island, Sri Lanka has more than enough attractions to entice Superyacht owners to visit with their yachts.
“Setting in place some sensible incentives would help drive an increase in international Superyacht visitors.”
Antiquated & overly restrictive rules and regulations need to be revised in order to allow easier cruising along the coast – without having the need to request permission from the Army or Navy every time a Superyacht Captain needs to drop anchor or send his guests ashore with the yacht’s tender.
So what steps should Sri Lanka take in order to develop its Superyacht Industry? We would recommend establishing and jointly promoting ASEAN and Sri Lanka as a single yachting destination. This would be particularly effective if Sri Lanka’s regulations could be brought into line with those of ASEAN, allowing for easy cross-border cruising. With a unified marketing plan, the two regions could redefine luxury tourism in South and Southeast Asia.
Developing the infrastructure to support Superyachts wouldn’t even involve building from scratch. There is already a plan going before the Sri Lankan cabinet, suggested by the previous Minister of Fisheries, to convert existing fishing harbours for maritime tourism. If this were followed with opening the whole country to Superyachts and giving owners and their guests more freedom to explore the island without being hampered by red tape – perhaps in the form of a countrywide cruising permit – there would then be a much greater incentive for more yachts to call in to Sri Lanka whilst cruising the Indian Ocean.
Some consideration should be given to offering tax breaks for charter yachts, by creating a legal framework for them to be able to operate legally in Sri Lanka. Doing so will generate inward investment and act as a catalyst for redevelopment and expansion of existing businesses and facilities already in place to help support Superyachts during their time in-country.
It would be wise to invest in international marketing efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a world-class destination for Superyachts. Couple this with developing the port of Galle as a suitable hub for yachts during arrival and departure. Current berthing facilities need to be upgraded to an international standard. Investment should be made in the support facilities within Galle port, to help support yacht crews during their stay.
Finally, bring all government parties together to formulate an action plan. This can be achieved by holding a Superyacht specific round-table industry conference or discussion during Boat Show Sri Lanka 2018.
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Sri Lanka for detailed information about cruising around Sri Lanka, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Upali Gooneratne is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka and the surrounding area.
Upali Gooneratne
Phone: +94 77 244 3016
Email: upali@seal-superyachts.com