World Bank Invests $77 Million in THRIVE Colombo Project to Transform Sri Lanka's Capital into a Tourism Destination
The World Bank is investing approximately $77 million in the THRIVE Colombo project, the first of three planned operations totaling $200 million, aimed at transforming Colombo, Sri Lanka, into a standalone tourism destination. Currently, only 5% to 10% of visitors to Sri Lanka stay in Colombo, with an average stay of half a day, despite the city having the largest concentration of five-star hotel rooms. The THRIVE Colombo project seeks to increase the length of stay for high-spending international travelers to 48 to 72 hours, weekend breaks, and short trips. The initiative will focus on developing two major tourism 'loops': a Fort-centric loop connecting the waterfront, Galle Face Green, and heritage buildings, and a nature-centric loop around Colombo’s wetlands, including Beddagana Wetland Park and Diyasaru Park. The project will also involve institutional reforms for the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hot... 
