The future of Sri Lanka Tourism? Intrepid founder : Darrel Wade A Chat with Shenelle

[@polarbear3577]

From the very first day I saw Shenelle's videos on TV, I realised she is the best person to promote Sri Lanka tourism.The reason i am saying this is because the way she present's her videos in a wholesome and down to earth manner. Shenelle is a simple beautiful girl showing her country. shenelle all the very best in all your endeavours for the future. I will always support you.

[@bitterqueen7065]

With my short stay in UK, I have visited few touristy places, what i understood was there are so many diverse ways to monetise the places we already have. For example, none of our touristy sites offer a service of providing an instant photo with a backgrounds of that place, which is tempting service which most tourist will pay few more money. Also we can put a recorded version of history of sigiriya at display for tourists to sit and watch. Most tourists have an idea sigiriya is just a rock. Providing proper introduction to place will increase the value of place, and leave a good impression about our history in tourists, all UK castles offer that facility. I don't know if it is possible, but we can offer a 1 hour ferry services in our rivers between two locations. We already have very touristy activities, but I suggest we can be more creative and smart to make few more dollers. Wish all the very best to my country.

[@ravindragamage3128]

All Sri Lankan Tamil people where ever spread please come to Srilanka and billed the country ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SteveVasa]

Nothing can beat Srilankan hospitality. Just came back after a two weeks trip around hill country

[@timetraveler-ox6nu]

Thank you shenelle! For your thoughtful interaction.

[@Chaneywoo]

Super interview, many important subjects spoken about ❤

[@Sri-Lankan-Heritage-Trail]

Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@Karen_Kramer]

As a Professor of Facial Anthropology, I've had the opportunity to study various communities across Sri Lanka, including rural villages. In my fieldwork, I've noted a linguistic disparity among Sri Lankan village girls and women, with minimal English proficiency observed. However, your exceptional command of the language, particularly notable for someone from a rural background, is commendable. Moreover, my studies have led me to discern distinct facial morphologies between urban and rural Sri Lankans, reflecting unique environmental and cultural influences. Despite this, your visage embodies the quintessential traits of authenticity found in Sri Lankan village populations, evoking a sense of cultural richness and beauty. Coupled with your evident intellect and confidence, you present a compelling representation of the intersection between rural identity and linguistic aptitude.

[@bkilpatrick5828]

What the f*** is this comment about? Are you trying to impress this KZbin comment section with a summarised thesis?! Or is this AI generated text to make you seem intellectual? It reads like it was written by an automaton! You write about Sri Lankans generally and Shenel specifically like David Attenborough talks about animals in the wild! Not too surprising, considering a typical Caucasian intellectual's predisposition to treating non-white folks from developing countries like they’re lesser human beings. I think you need to get off the internet and touch some grass!

[@bkilpatrick5828]

This is such a weird, unnecessary and patronising comment! But in keeping with the trend of a Caucasian "intellectual's" tendency to treat non-white people from developing countries as lesser humans. Apart from the fact that there are plenty of people in Sri Lanka who are probably more proficient in English than you (have you read any books written in English by Sri Lankan authors? Try the Booker Prize list, there's a few on there), why on earth would anyone care about the English proficiency of anyone living in rural communities in a country where English isn't the native language?! Especially as a "facial anthropologist"?! Would you make similar observations in France or Germany? Or is this strange comment, on a KZbin video about the tourist industry in SL, simply the only place where you can try to have an air of superiority because your peers view your work as subpar? Whatever your reason is for writing this comment, I think you should go outside and touch some grass!

[@bkilpatrick5828]

Weird, patronising and unnecessary comment. Not relevant to the content of the video at all.

[@King_Coconut416]

@@bkilpatrick5828 That comment may seem odd, but she is simply expressing herself from her perspective and area of knowledge. She has said it in a kind way, admiring Shenelle’s beauty, personality, and knowledge. I don't see anything wrong or patronizing in it, unless one is looking to create unnecessary drama, which is typical in Lankans. The internet is a place of freedom of expression, and it doesn't seem to violate that principle here.

[@ulyssesgrant9071]

Where in God's name did you come to the conclusion that Shanelle is "someone from a rural background." Nobody from a rural background would have this level of proficiency in English. Shanelle is a city girl who seems to have grown up in privilege and most likely started speaking in English since birth. Not being able to discern this difference is a big fail in my books.

[@haroon176]

Sri Lanka Tourist Board commenced tourism in the 1970s in a very well planned manner. Bentota, Giritale, Sigiriya, Passikudah are a good examples But Arumgam bay, Hikkaduwa, Miriissa are examples of the unregulated areas. There is a certain carrying capacity where tourism can take place. The Tourism Authorities should ensure that the carrying capacity is not exceeded. For this we need a proper Blue print from Experts both local and foreigners in the industry. Then sustainable tourism can take place.

[@rebeccaobris9751]

Shanell I think we should give more publicity about different unknown areas like Riverstone, Meemure and Waterfalls, of course they are famous among us but not among tourists

[@shaunratnayake5957]

its my opinion, don't try to teach me.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

I Like Sri Lanka called as Ceylon Ceylon is Coooool Name.😊❤

[@rajithaseneviratne4]

I think this lady does very good presentations. This is one. Yes, one should listen to the full length of the interview and not judge by the "catchy headline". That's how experienced smart bloggers create content. She is super smart , why the hell dosent SRI LANKA TOURISM take her as Brand Ambassador ?

[@lavendere98]

she already is!

[@ElainefpW1]

Please get these plans and have a look. You can push for getting them implemented. Your concerns are addressed in them.

[@thusithabaya7213]

Super interview! ❤

[@naveenperera7118]

I appreciate your efforts in here as these should done by the tourism department. I can't help but feel concerned about the challenges our country faces due to its current leadership. With more visionary and educated leadership, I believe we could better position ourselves to compete effectively on the global stage.

[@redfalconssrilanka3818]

sri lanka one ofmost beautiful country in the world❤ super tourists destination ❤❤❤❤

[@truthfirst.6966]

Sri Lanka is a Natural resource and good culture and beautiful people in the country.

[@betterlife2168]

World 🌍 one and only Sri Lanka❤❤

[@johnh2364]

I have been to Bali on several occasions and Sri Lanka lately. You cannot compare Bali to Sri Lanka at this stage. A lot must change in Sri Lanka if they are have to have good tourist. I noticed everything is very expensive and even people have changed. everywhere you go they try to rip you off starting from the airport, especially when they see a white skin. This is bad for Sri Lanka. Tougher laws needed to be brought in for hawkers. Its a beautiful Country but a lot more needs to be done to welcome the tourist.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Taxed is 200% higher than last year so what do you exepect...? 2025 will room price will increse as 60-50 $ each for normal.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Normally as Sri Lanka spend 100$ for one day expense. Vehicle prices more high and 400% tax for new import Normally Sri Lankan Vehicle prices are *6 from globle market price.

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

If see Benz car after manufacture 2015 in sri lanka. You need to think that car owner owns lamboghini 😂 in that price.

[@pranavansivanesan7165]

Exactly

[@ravindurajapakse7270]

Sri Lanka has the most waterfall density 😊❤

[@pandjam27]

I hope it will not be a toxic tourist destination like Bali. But Sri lanka is Sri lanka, of course since tourism is one of the main industry the polices should be improved, but i hope it will not ruined the ecosystem with overcrowd tourist.

[@ElainefpW1]

Yes some of these plans are totally new sites.

[@ThecinnamonTV]

Nice

[@ruwanwlr9388]

Shnelle's appearance resembles a typical village Sri Lankan mum living in the kitchen. By the way, she is beautiful.

[@vipulan]

nice

[@CatchtheEllatrainhostel]

Sri lanka will definitely become the next Bali

[@shaunratnayake5957]

Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka, not Bali, please don’t compare, it’s unique paradise 😮

[@cricdose99]

He means . Bali is most famous for digital nomads. There is nothing wrong it is good for sri lanka.

[@rajithaseneviratne4]

I think this lady does very good presentations. This is one. Yes, one should listen to the full length of the interview and not judge by the "catchy headline". That's how experienced smart bloggers create content. She is super smart , why the hell dosent SRI LANKA TOURISM take her as Brand Ambassador ?

[@shaunratnayake5957]

@@rajithaseneviratne4 its my opinion.

[@WalivitaKulasekaramudiyanselag]

Yes

[@manishasene3076]

Agreed we don’t want to be Bali! It’s full of bogans !! It’s become a crap heap.. Sri Lanka shouldn’t be that

[@quintusfernando7396]

Get tourists to feed Wild Elephants❤ Do not imitate Bali *** Arrange Tour Packages** ,Like in Singapore *** .

[@ws1814]

❤

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Bali more crowded place😢. I hope Sri Lanka - Ceylon will not be crowded like that.

[@pmkgunasekara2527]

❤❤😊😊

[@jaylilantha1875]

sri lanka is srilania not bali

[@King_Coconut416]

Yes indeed, because of intelligent individuals like you.

[@ElainefpW1]

It is soo dissapointing that the tourism authorities are not promoting the many tourism plans that were done with world bank funding and expected to take tourism to the next level. These are meant to cater to tourists of all categories including high end toutisrs. Yes experiential tourism key. Interpretation is key. They are meant to take nature based toutrusm to the next level snd everything you ssy here are in these plans including worldclass tourism. Unfortunately these plans appear to be one of the best kept secrets in the country. Funds to implement these plans are super important. Please contact someone in the wildlife division of the ministry of environment and start a dialogue. Experiential tourism is what should be promoted and getting high value tourists rather than increasing numbers.

[@dharshinisamaranayake2971]

We should be careful of over tourism a discussion taking place in Bali

[@King_Coconut416]

What does that even mean?

[@ahamedalthaf5824]

I see too many hippies.with backpack.

[@carsongajasinghe3583]

You are joking! It will take another 20 decades to get in to that mentality with our politicos unfortunately. You guys saw the visa issues . What is more!!!

[@King_Coconut416]

What about the fools who elect the politicos?

[@eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Do not engaged politics in to this.

[@MindTrippin-SinceBirth]

Sadly, it will be like this.. All the damn KZbinrs who reveal all paradise places to normies via YT.. They don't understand how much they ruin for real travelers and also local population.. In the beginning, the locals thinks it's fun and cool, earn more money but after a few years they die inside and all joy is gone and then its to late.. I have seen it in to many places

[@Dykiboop]

රනිල්ගේ කැම්පේන්

[@ElainefpW1]

Increasing numbers only is NOT the way to go. All this was discussed with top level tour operators and marketing plans are included in all the plans. Pl. Talk to the ministry that got these plans done by the World Bank funded ESCAMP project. Total waste of money effort. These look at carrying capacity as well. Web based booking. Please look at these plans. Six in all.

[@bainbridgeisland1]

Please don’t compare Sri Lanka with Bali. We have the most unique destination.

[@King_Coconut416]

And yet we don't know how to run it.

[@katsullivan]

Sri lanka doesn’t want to be another bali. Sri lanka is a culturally diverse unique place. The world has only one Sri lanka. Good sir please dont try to gentrify our Sri lanka for profits.

[@ashleydevos2763]

Well said why should . SRI LANKA be another Bali . 2500 years ago there was no Bali. The architecture that Bali enjoys, evolved from the monastic architecture the Sri Lankan monks took to the far east in the 4th C AD. Bali is only post 15th C. One should be better informed and use knowledgeable persons.

[@SukryRonde]

Sri lanka is island has prestine beaches all arround the island by utilising these beaches this country can make revenue billions of USD. These betiful beaches are degradeted and polluted by the living people in the costal belt. Houses, butcher shops. Barber shops etc given permission to continue. This practice must be stop by the government. Here law and enforcement agencies are malfunctioning. Government do not maintain. Otherwise yes. We can make bali here and attract those tourists to here. The elected government are not trustworthy. They are the most sabotage entity in this country

[@beardninja5029]

Sri Lanka is so much more than Bali, with the potential to be greater than what Bali can ever be. Instead of doubling down on tourism all the time we need to focus on our other industries. Remember, our people are extremely well educated compared to most Asian countries.

[@King_Coconut416]

Sri Lanka definitely has a lot more natural resources and the perfect geographical location to become a first-world country. Unfortunately, the ignorant citizens who live here don't seem to have a clue about how to develop society and the country. We can't even understand how to elect the correct leaders to run the country. How will any industry develop and thrive when the people don't even know how to keep their toilets clean? So what has this educated majority done for this beautiful island? They've brought it to a point where the economy has crashed, and we are over $80 billion in debt to the rest of the world. Our passport is one of the worst, and we keep electing leaders who aren't suitable for the job.

[@123asd69123]

Why are you talking to a forigner about business in Sri Lanka?

[@dulnalineka7448]

Because he owns a travel company that does operations in Sri Lanka as well.

[@thenotorious4773]

why not?

[@sunilrodrigo9778]

He said positive things about Lanka tourism potential.

[@Neelscott]

We desperately need foreign investors,why not

[@susanthaweththasinghe9023]

Why not to. Bcz in tourism key stakeholders are foreigners. You seems to be lacking real knowledge !

[@rukshanunambuwa1336]

intrepid 😂

[@nxu5107]

We don’t want to Bali. Is everyone mad? These plans by clueless foreigners who have their own agenda have to be rejected. Any foreign person suggesting policy especially if they are American or English have to viewed with suspicion.

[@this.is.srilanka]

Please watch the entire interview to understand the context of the title and thumbnail of it. ☺️

[@manishasene3076]

@@King_Coconut416oh! Here we go the coconut again!

[@manishasene3076]

@@King_Coconut416 that is really what i wanted to say! You and your passive aggressive comments on many things here!! You really are a rotten coconut.. “King Coconut “

[@najmudeenmohamed8313]

STOP BRINGING YOUR DESEASES TO OUR CLEAN AND HOLY NATION

[@rajithasachinthaka4917]

Hahaha😅. No but nice try.

[@aidentimmathan899]

Never bring into service sector. That country never ever become successful. They always end up rely on visitors and people abuse the power and you always be poor. Srilanka has lot of potential to become succesful export and other sector rather than tourism.