Sri Lanka in P&O Cruise Itinerary. Arcadia Cruise Ship exclusively for Adults Calls on Colombo with 2,100 Tourists

02nd February 2012, www.island.lk

Officials from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Ports Authority welcomed the vessel ‘Arcadia’ which called on Colombo yesterday (Feb. 02). The luxury carrier, owned by UK based company Carnival PLC, had more than 2,100 tourists from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. Local excursion tour operator Gemini Tours and Travels was soon busy conducting tourists from the ship to prearranged destinations; Colombo, Kandy and Pinnawala. The vessel is scheduled to leave for Thailand, its next destination.

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Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals in June 2011 Up by 20pct

13th July 2011, www.lankabusinessonline.com

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka rose 19.9 percent in June to 53,636 with the Middle East and Asia driving growth and Western Europe flattening, data from the tourism promotion office showed.

Visitors from South Asia rose 22.1 percent to 18,431 with India rising 12,927 and Maldives rising 12.8 percent to 3,679. Visitors from India zoomed after Sri Lanka allowed on-arrival visas from the country in 2002.

Visitors from Western Europe edged up only 1.5 percent to 14,087 with UK arrivals dropping 17.2 percent to 5,188. But arrivals from France rose 36 percent to 2,019 and German visitors rose 31 percent to 2,474.

European arrivals peak during the northern hemisphere winter and Sri Lanka's western coast is also less sunny during the local rainy season. However Sri Lanka is now opening up its East coast which is bright and sunny and calm during middle of the year.

Middle Eastern visitors rose 79 percent to 4,487 and East Asian visitors rose 32 percent to 6,836. Arrivals from China rose 33.5 percent to 1,132 from Japan up 48 percent to 1,180 and Singapore up 18 percent to 1,343.

Visitors from Australia rose 6.7 percent to 2,727.

Related Info :

• Sri Lanka Tourism Statistics and Tourist Arrivals

Sri Lanka Offers Land for Hotels at Government Estimated Price and Scraps Earlier Price of Rs 20mn an Acre. Attracts Projects worth $ 573mn

11th May 2011, www.dailynews.lk, By Indunil HEWAGE

Sri Lankan tourism industry shows signs of being one of the major industries with the influx of mega hotel projects worth US $ 573 million investments and the investor-friendly policies adopted by the Government.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said all hindrances that have ruined investors’ interest in investing in the tourism related activities have been removed now.

“In future, preferred and eligible investors in the tourism industry will be able to purchase land for tourism related projects at a government estimated price,” he said.

Prior to this, many investors were reluctant to invest in the tourism sector due to increased basic expenditure of a project. Earlier, investors willing to invest in the tourism industry had to pay Rs 20 million on an acre.

Having considered the hindrances faced by investors, the Cabinet has granted approval to hand over land to investors in the tourism sector at a Government estimated price.

The tourism industry is flooded with a number of industry related projects.

According to Sri Lanka Tourism figures, 99 tourism projects have been received.

Out of the 99 projects, 78 projects have been inspected. Final approval has been given to 12 projects and four projects have been rejected. Twenty one projects are also to be inspected.

The Government is optimistic that if approval is received for the remaining 95 projects, 5,938 hotel rooms can be added this year.

Out of 99 projects, over 46 projects have been submitted by local companies and 12 local projects have been approved. Under the final approved 12 projects, 625 rooms are expected to be added.

Image: Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau acting Managing Director Malraj B Kiriella at the media briefing. Picture by Thushara Fernando.

Related Info :

• Land for Lease in North & East Sri Lanka for Rs20mn an Acre for Tourism Development

• Tourism Development in Northwest Sri Lanka Attracts Investments. Construction Work of a Hotel in Kuchchaveli Underway

Investors Snap up Lands on Sri Lanka's East Coast as it Opens up to Tourism

07th May 2011, gulfnews.com, By Aya Lowe

Investors are pouring in to snap up land on Sri Lanka's east coast which has only recently been opened up to tourists following 30 years of civil war.

"Around 100 acres have been given to 13 investors under 99 year leases so we should have another 100 rooms by the end of next year. We have three hotels already operating in that area.

"There are also 13 hotel projects in the pipeline," said Chandra Wickeramasinghe, chairman and managing director of Connaissance de Ceylon, a destination management company.

Following a year of peace, Sri Lanka is looking to bring back the tourists that were frightened away by the internal conflict.

More hotels

"The government wants to have more hotels in the east. The area was abandoned for so many years because of the terrorist problem, but it has tremendous potential," said Anura Lokuhetty, president of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka.

According to Sorath Wijesinghe, ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, the biggest number of tourists visiting Jaffna are those in the diaspora, the Sri Lankans who fled during the conflict. "A lot of the affluent people who have been living in Europe for the last 20 years are going back to see their own country," he said.

According to the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, 654,000 tourists visited the country in 2010, a number they're looking to increase to 2.6 million by 2016 and to five million by 2020.

"We've identified the Middle East as one of the largest growth markets for Sri Lanka with tourist arrivals growing steadily at 46 per cent last year. In order to increase this, we are committed to improving infrastructure, trains, hotel rooms etc..." said Malraj Kriella, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

As part of this plan, they are looking to increase their 15,000 hotel rooms to 45,000 by 2016.

Shangri-la recently announced a plan for a 500 room resort hotel in Colombo and China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation is planning another hotel near the new Shangri-la hotel. According to Lokuhetty, Movenpick which is expanding across Asia has also earmarked Sri Lanka for future development plans.

Sri Lanka has also been working to making remote areas more accessible to tourists by introducing air taxis or seaplanes.

"These flights which are only $99 on average are very popular and are always fully booked.

"They save time and comfort on going to different places," said Mohammad Fazeel, head of worldwide sales at Sri Lankan Airlines.

Image: Travel agents strive to give clients the best deals. Following a year of peace, Sri Lanka is looking to bring back the tourists that were frightened away by the internal conflict.

Related Info :

• Sri Lanka Tourism Industry Records the Highest Tourist Arrival Growth in the world for 2010

• Tourism Development in Northwest Sri Lanka Attracts Investments. Construction Work of a Hotel in Kuchchaveli Underway

• Land for Lease in North & East Sri Lanka for Rs20mn an Acre for Tourism Development

Singapore Airlines & Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to Jointly Promote Tourism to Sri Lanka

05th May 2011, www.dailynews.lk

Singapore Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly promote tourism to Sri Lanka through the Airline’s services to Colombo.

The one-year agreement, which took effect from April 1, 2011, will see Singapore Airlines and SLTPB jointly funding tourism promotion activities such as familiarisation trips targeting trade partners, international media and overseas markets.

Key markets in the agreement include Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and China. Under the partnership, both parties will also provide each other with branding opportunities in their proprietary marketing channels. The longest-serving foreign airline operating to Colombo, Singapore Airlines has been providing air services between Sri Lanka and Singapore for more than 40 years.

Last year, Singapore Airlines celebrated its 40th year in Sri Lanka and introduced the new Airbus A330-300 on the route. The Airline currently operates daily services between Singapore and Colombo.

“Sri Lanka was named the ‘Number 1 Travel Destination in 2010’ by The New York Times and offers visitors a wealth of attractions. The forming of this strategic partnership with SLTPB is testament to our strong commitment to the Sri Lankan market. With Singapore Airlines’ extensive network, I am confident that more travellers will explore and experience what Sri Lanka has to offer, such as its pristine beaches, beautiful national parks and mountains,” Singapore Airlines’ Commercial Executive Vice President Mak Swee Wah said.

Commenting on the new agreement, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau acting Managing Director Malraj Kiriella said by entering into this agreement, both Singapore Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism will work on a common platform to promote product offerings for travellers around the world. It is a win-win situation for both SIA and SLTPB, especially when we look at the benefits we can reap in the long run,” he said.

Sri Lanka Tourism Wins Gold Award for Essence in Marketing Media Travel Poster Category at PATA Travel Marketing Excellence Awards in Year 2011

09th February 2011, www.island.lk

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) as the proud winner of the "Gold award " in Marketing Media - Travel Poster category held for PATA Travel Marketing Excellence Awards in year 2011.

Mr. Gregory Duffell –CEO of PATA in a congratulatory note to SLTPB has declared " the judges were most impressed with the quality and the overall high standard of your entry "Essence" in this category , and voted for "Gold" out of 223 entries received from 102 various organizations and individuals worldwide".

The award winning poster entry "Essence" was designed to promote Sri Lanka tourism’s year 2011 marketing campaign named as "Refreshingly Sri Lanka – Visit 2011",with the aim of showcasing Sri Lanka as an Island of peace and harmony ; a place where the visitor can experience everything that is refreshing under the sun.

With this new branding of Sri Lanka tourism hope to promote 8 segments that will encapsulate 8 wonderful experiences which a tourist can enjoy within eight days such as: Pristine ,Heritage ,Bliss, Thrills, Festivities, Essence, Scenic beauty and Wild Life.

Theme " Essence" represents the true authenticity of Sri Lankan life.

Three young children smiling at the backdrop of the poster represent the friendliness, hospitality and welcoming smile that come from the heart of Sri Lankan people.

Even according to previous research and a survey done by the Sri Lanka Tourism, it was revealed that the smile and warm hospitality of Sri Lankan people are the most outstanding attractions in Sri Lanka. The smiles embody the innate quality of Sri Lankans portraying urge for welcoming guests and willingness to lend a helping hand for a visitor in need.

The children also belong to three major races of Sri Lanka, which again emphasizes the cultural harmony and warmth of the new found freedom. Altogether, their combination speaks of the true "essence" of Sri Lankan life , which is unique in many ways compared to people and culture in other countries in the world.

Presenting his views on this achievement, Malraj Kiriella – the Actg. Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau said that "We feel very honored to have won this award, it is a remarkable milestone that reflects Sri Lanka tourism’s exceptional contribution to promote the country as one of the most preferred travel destinations in the world. It is an immense pleasure to see our efforts have gained international recognition and that paves the way for us to position Sri Lanka as a truly a "wonder of Asia " in the world tourism map.

Each year PATA Awards are presented to outstanding entries in the four principal categories: Marketing, Education and Training, Environment, and Heritage recognizing innovation and advancement in the responsible development of travel and tourism . PATA is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year; reflecting the exceptional contributions and achievements in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The grand awards ceremony will take place on Monday, April 11, 2011 at China World Hotel during PATA’s 60th Anniversary and Conference in Beijing, China.

English Language - Sri Lanka's Biggest Advantage in Attracting North American Tourists

19th October 2010, www.lbr.lk

Foreign tour operators say Sri Lanka's real competitive advantage over the region is good command of the English language which should be exploited by tourism authorities to attract visitors from the western hemisphere.

Sri Lanka, as a tourist destination for long has been marketed for its scenic splendor of white sandy beaches and misty mountains and the rich cultural heritage of over 2,500 years.

However experts say nature's attractions are a common factor and a marketing strategy in most tourist destinations, especially in the South-East Asian region.

International tourism experts say Sri Lanka's best competitive advantage over the region has never been spoken.

"One of the things that north Americans get worried when they go to certain countries where English is the second language but not very much spoken in places like Hanoi, Pennon Penn, Myanmar and parts of rural China," Scot Duncan, vice president – marketing, Orbitz USA said.

"But in this country you can and that is very, very critical."

Duncan spoke on Sri Lanka's potential to attract visitors from the north American continent at a media conference organized by national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines recently.

Sri Lanka's leisure industry which was in the brink of bankruptcy due to a near three decade long war, which ended in May last year is now the industry that’s attracting the top dollars.

Year to September tourist arrivals have shot up 44 percent.

The tourism ministry, soft peddling on the country's tourism potential is now placed under the powerful economic development ministry, headed by president Rajapakse's younger brother Basil Rajapakse.

Foreign and local leisure companies have already pledged billions of rupees to develop the tourism sector. Some of the projects are already underway.

Arrivals from predominantly English speaking countries, like Canada, up 67.6 percent Year-to-September arrivals from the US was up 114.4 percent, Britain, up 30.2 percent, Australia 46.1 percent and New Zealand, up 36.8 percent, is showing the direction the leisure is heading in future.

Duncan says Sri Lanka has to differentiate from competing countries to further attract visitors from the north American continent.

"The beaches are spectacular here, they are spectacular in Thailand," Duncan said.

"What makes this country over and above spectacular apart from the scenery are the people."

Sri Lankan tourism officials want to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016.

Related Info:
Sri Lanka Tourism Statistics and Tourist Arrivals

Visit Sri Lanka 2011 Launched at World Travel Market in London

• 11th November 2010, www.dailynews.lk

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased the best of the country's offers to journalists and the travel trade at the start of this year's mega travel show held annually in London.

At a well-attended World Travel Market press conference, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa launched the 2011 Visit Sri Lanka campaign, with its theme of eight wonderful experiences in eight days. This year he said it was exciting that more than 50 Sri Lankan hotel and travel companies had committed to attending the event and marketing their products to attendees - the biggest turnout ever.

The Sri Lankan pavilion demanded attention with its banners proclaiming Visit Sri Lanka 2011. It was opened by Sri Lankan High Commissioner in UK Justice Nihal Jayasinghe. Dr Nalaka Godahewa applauded the industry support for the campaign logo and slogan, Refreshingly Sri Lanka.... the Wonder of Asia.

He said the eight different colours of the letters of Sri Lanka in the new logo represented eight different stories:

These are Pristine: beach; Wild: wildlife and nature; Thrills: sports and soft adventure; Scenic: Tea country; Heritage: 2500 years of civilization and eight UNESCO sites: Bliss: Ayurveda and upmarket boutiques for chilling out; Essence: authenticity of people, eco tourism, culture, the arts, shopping and Festive: entertainment of festivals and events and a unique place for weddings. Malraj Kiriella explained that the 12 letters of the Wonder of Asia depict the 12 month calendar of events for the Visit Sri Lanka 2011 Campaign.

"Every month we will be celebrating a different theme. First up is January which will promote beaches at the season's peak. February will feature Sri Lanka co-hosting of ICC matches. March will promote meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, (MICE) combined with the organizing of UNWTO regional commission meeting in Sri Lanka," Kiriella said.

100,000 Japanese Tourists to Visit Sri Lanka in 2011 on Visit Sri Lanka Promotion

07th November 2010, www.goldfmnews.lk

Sri Lanka is to expect 100,000 tourists to fly in from Japan in 2011 due to renewed interest in the country and the 'Visit Sri Lanka 2011' campaign.

Japan, a strong and longstanding development partner of Sri Lanka is keen on developing the ties between the two countries and is encouraged by the stable political conditions to persuade more Japanese to come to Sri Lanka.

In the January-September 2010 period, tourist arrivals were up 44 percent compared with the same period last year.

Related Info:

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals

Sri Lanka Tourism Statistics and Tourist Arrivals

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals in February 2012 Up by 27pct

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals in January 2012 Up by 15.7pct

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals in December 2011 Up by 15.2pct

800,000th Tourist in 2011 to Visit Sri Lanka Welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport

Tourist Arrivals by Month from 2010 to 2011 - SLTDA

Monthly Statistical Bulletin - SLTDA
Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals by month and Statistics

Annual Statistical Reports - SLTDA
Annual Report that assesses year’s performance.

Sri Lanka Tourism Research and Statistics - SLTDA


See Also:
• Why You Should Consider Investing in Sri Lankan Tourism Industry


• Other Links on Tourism on InvestSriLanka Blog

Tourist Information Kiosks (TIK) to be Located in Key Places in Sri Lanka

30th August 2010, www.dailynews.lk

Sri Lanka will soon have a 24 hour, 365 day non sleeping Tourist Information provider in the form of a Kiosk network which could provide information tourists need at their fingertips.

The Information Kiosks, similar to a Bank ATM machine in size and looks, are to be installed shortly in places where there is a high tourist foot fall such as airports, harbours, tourist information centres, World Trade Centre, hotels, shopping malls etc with free of charge operational access. Information would be updated 24 hours a day.

The Tourist Information Kiosk (TIK) is a Digital Information Kiosk Network with touch screen operational capability. It is easy to operate and does not require computer literacy. It is equipped with a thermal printer which will print directional maps and addresses and listed locations.

The information in the TIK will be available in the web as well as in mobile phones. It also has the capability to provide information in all major languages.

TIK has been designed by Intelo Networks (Pvt) Ltd in association with the Tourism Ministry.

The information in the TIK will be available in the web for tourists to refer even before visiting the country as well as in the mobile phones while touring the country.

The kiosks will show off the best of Sri Lanka and provide a crucial focal-point of information for visitors. While the Kiosk provides general information on the country, news , weather, currency rates etc. other service providers such as hotels, boutiques, travel organizers have to enlist with the network in promoting their products and services provided for an annual fee.

Interested parties are advised to contact Intelo Networks on 011-2549549 or via email info@intelonetworks.com.

More Info:
How to get listed on a Digital Tourist Information Kiosk Network of Sri Lanka
National Business Directory : SLT Rainbow Pages goes mobile

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Grow - Statistics from 1999 Show an Upward Trend

03rd May 2010, www.dailynews.lk, By Ruchika Kher

Sri Lanka is witnessing an upswing in tourism. The island with abundant natural beauty is luring visitors, particularly from India, not just with sun, sand and sea but also with new attractions like Ayurveda and adventure.

“The tourism figures in the first quarter have doubled in comparison to last year, with nearly 16 percent of it being tourist arrivals from India,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya.

“After the historic defeat of terrorism, the tourism industry has been on the rise with increased interest from foreign tourists as well. Tourism is finally seeing an upward trend. I’ve been working non-stop since December. Usually I used to work for just 18 days a month, but after the war ended there has been an upswing in tourists and thus more work for me,” said National Tourist Guides organization Secretary General Wije Manawadu.

“We are looking at 2011, which we call the year of Sri Lanka. We are focusing on bringing close to 1.5 million tourists to the country by that time.”

“At the moment we have close to 14,500 hotel rooms in the country. The government is trying to bring it up to close to 50,000 by then,” he added. Developmental programs and marketing strategies are being worked out to lure as many foreign visitors as possible.

“Vigorous promotions in terms of trade and consumer fairs will take place in our key markets; this includes Britain, the Middle East, India, France, Germany and China.

The communications campaign will also be launched in these markets,” said Mudadeniya. “Traditionally the product offering has been restricted to sun, sand and sea. However, now, new product offerings are being developed to improve the experiential component of tourism. They include Ayurveda, wildlife, eco-tourism and adventure tourism, to name a few,” said Mudadeniya.

Even tourists are happy to be in the country that boasts of beautiful, clean beaches, tempting water sports, breathtaking mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife.

“I’m here for the first time and I have to say that it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited.

It’s hot here no doubt, but the scenic beauty is breathtaking. I’m enjoying my time here,” said Linda Christopher who is from London and staying at the Mount Lavinia hotel.

Jasmine Shankar from India said: “I had planned to come to Sri Lanka with my husband four years ago, but everyone discouraged us because of the terrorist problem here. I’m glad that finally now, when it’s over, we have got a chance to come here and see the place. It’s beautiful.”

The country is also pinning its hope on the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award that will take place in Colombo from June 3-5. The number of visitors is expected to increase manifold during the event.

“This event will help us change our image internationally and will confirm that we can host an event of a big magnitude,” said Tourism Ministry Secretary George Michael.

RELATED INFORMATION - TOURIST ARRIVALS AND STATISTICS:

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals up 47pct in April 2010
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka rose 47.0 percent to 38,300 in April 2010 from a year earlier with strong growth in Western European and South Asian generating markets, data from the island's tourism office showed.

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals up 68% in February 2010
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka surged to 67.7%, approximately 57,300 arrivals, in February 2010, as compared to 447,890 in 2009 and 44,551 in 2008. Moreover, there has been a steep increase of visitors, namely from India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals (2009 to 2010)
A comparisan chart and other statistics from SLTDA.

Sri Lanka Tourism Statistics at a Glance (1999 to 2008)
This page from SLTDA gives you an insight in to key statistical indicators of Sri Lanka Tourism Industry. Please click the relevant link to access the graphical representation of data.

Survey on Departing Foreign Tourists from Sri Lanka (Sep 2008 to Feb 2009)
The Research Division of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority conducted a survey of departing foreign tourists at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the period from September 2008 to February 2009. The main objective of this survey was to obtain information on visitor profile, travel behaviour and expenditure patterns and opinions and impressions of tourists on the levels of satisfaction they had while on their holiday in Sri Lanka.

Highlights of Performance of Sri Lanka Tourism - 2008
Year 2008 marked a turning point for Sri Lanka Tourism as it recorded a dip, and then the start of an upswing, as a result of the end of war.

Annual Statistical Reports - SLTDA
Yearly, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority produces a report that assesses the year’s performance. The key performance indicators are as follows:
* Trends and Structural Characteristics of Tourist Traffic
* Scheduled Airline Operations and Passenger Movements
* Accommodation Industry - Capacity and its Utilization
* Income and Employment
* Tourist Pricing
* Foreign Travel by Sri Lankans
* Growth of Travel and Tourism
* Revenue from Tourism

Monthly Statistical Bulletin - SLTDA
Monthly statistical bulletin which consists of information on tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy.

Sri lanka's Small & Medium Hotels Could Go Green under SWITCH ASIA Programme

15th May 2010, www.news.lk

Sri Lanka’s Small and Medium Sector hotels too will now have the opportunity to ‘Go Green’ and implement energy and water conservation and waste management programs through the Switch Asia Programme.

A European Union funded Ceylon Chamber of Commerce collaborated effort managed by CCC Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, SWITCH-ASIA will see a further 350 hotels going ‘Green’, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau revealed.

According to the Tourism Promotion Bureau sources, the Travel Foundation (UK), Responsible Tourism Partnership, Institute of Environment Professionals Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have committed their support as partners.

The strong ties between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the EU have facilitated in expediting SWITCH –ASIA which will enhance the globally recognized ‘Green’ image that Sri Lanka already enjoys with many award winning hotel properties adding luster to the verdant natural forest cover being the winning gem.

Sri Lanka readies for IIFA Show. From June 3rd – 5th 2010

08th May 2010, www.dailynews.lk

The International Indian Film Academy weekend will open many opportunities for Sri Lanka to promote tourism around the globe.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) discussed opportunities open to Sri Lanka as the host destination for IIFA 2010, the International Indian Film Academy weekend, scheduled to take place in June.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said the country can expect 14 times the benefits of the investment with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) being held in Sri Lanka. This is the first international event Sri Lanka is hosting after the end of terrorism.

He said this will create many economic benefits to the country especially to the tourism industry. Colombo being selected to host the IIFA will change the attitude internationally. This is an opportunity to show that the country is peaceful, stable and comfortable.

With a significant investment pledged by the Sri Lankan Government, the country will focus on infrastructure development, primarily the restoration of city roads and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, which will be the official venue for the IIFA Awards.

SLTPB Manging Director Dileep Mudadeniya said “Each year the host destination of IIFA 2010 will be placed on an international platform as over 300 media from around the world congregates in the country for the much anticipated event of the Indian Film
Industry.

”Sri Lanka anticipates a boost in the tourism and hospitality industries, where employment opportunities are expected to increase, with a distinct rise in tourist arrivals taking place within this period”.

Infrastructure development has already commenced to facilitate transport, accommodation and the staging of the event, at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium will be re-modelled to meet international standards with a long-term goal of hosting regional and global events.

The high-profile FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum is also scheduled during the IIFA weekend will invite India’s key businessmen, offering a dynamic global platform to Sri Lankan industries to deliberate on a diverse range of businesses and bilateral economic issues.

Japanese Pro-Surfers Returns to Hikkaduwa, One of Sri Lanka’s most Exciting Beach Spots for International Tourists

26th March 2010, www.dailynews.lk

Hikkaduwa, largely dependent on tourism with hotels, small and medium enterprises, fisheries and other indirect forms of employment making up the local economy, has fought severe odds to regain its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting beach spots for international tourists.
The once dark memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami have now diminished or wiped away completely in Hikkaduwa. This is with the gradual return of tourists to the country sparking off hopes for a greater revival in the tourism industry.

The return of Japanese Pro-Surfers Association (JPSA) to Hikkaduwa, after a five-year absence, is evident of the town’s attraction and renewed interest among tourists to Sri Lanka.

This event which is to be an annual fixture, was jointly sponsored by SriLankan Airlines and the Tourism Promotion Bureau.

UK Boosts Sri Lanka's Popularity with 16.9% Arrivals Increase, End Of Country's Conflict Aids Tourism

07th October, 2009, www.eturbonews.com, By eTN Staff Writer

The Indian Ocean island welcomed the highest number of British tourists in 2009 during the month of August, representing an increase of more than 1,000 visitors over August last year. Sri Lanka recorded a 16.9 percent increase in UK arrivals and a 32 percent increase in arrivals for the month across all destinations.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau, forward bookings indicate a strong finish to the year helped by the end of the conflict in the country and the subsequent relaxation of the FCO advice, which has opened up additional major tourist attractions such as Yala National Park, Trincomalee, and Arugam Bay.

Sanjika Perera, UK director of tourism commented: "We are delighted that people have chosen to visit over the last few months, showing the renewed confidence in Sri Lanka as a safe and value for money destination.

"We have worked on a persistent promotional campaign in conjunction with the hotel industry back home and with our airline and tour operator partners in the UK, and the results have been very positive. To have improved visitor figures during the recession shows that the British public are aware of the diversity that Sri Lanka offers and keen to experience an Indian Ocean break, at an attractive price."

Image via lankajournal.com

Sri Lankan Tourism Has Tremendous Potential in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Japan

26th October 2009, www.dailynews.lk, By Charumini de Silva

The Sri Lankan tourism industry has tremendous potential to grow further with the dawn of peace. The opening up of the North and the East has brought positive hopes to the Sri Lankan tourism as two-thirds of the coastline, which was formerly under the control of terrorists, has been liberated making it accessible to tourists.

"It is essential for Sri Lanka to promote tourism with professionally designed awareness programs to penetrate the market. During the past three decades, the travel advisories of several western countries gave a negative picture of the country and since peace has been established, it is important to spread awareness among the travellers to the effect that the country is now free of terror and safe to travel," a Senior Travel Consultant, Rob Murrer told Daily News Business.

He said Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a very rich culture and a historical background. There are many places of interest for travellers to explore. Another plus factor is that the travellers have the opportunity to enjoy the hot and cold climates with the minimum of travel and waste of time. This country is a paradise where travellers would love to spend their holidays, but the tourist industry needs strong marketing programs to promote tourism. Participating in international exhibitions, distribution of professionally designed brochures, approaching multinational companies, leading travel agencies and chambers, holding road shows and e-commerce is essential to promote Sri Lankan tourism, he said.

He said that there should be a target market to approach. There was a tremendous market from Germany, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Japan.

As a start, Sri Lanka could focus on these markets and gradually the country would be able to capture the other markets. A lot of tourists visit the country to enjoy nature and the tranquil beaches, as they need to relax because of their busy lifestyles. With the opening of the North and the East to tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has to play a vital role to promote tourism industry by introducing activities such as surfing, wildlife safaris, eco-tourism, snorkelling and adventure, Murrer said.

Another Tourism Consultant Ans Peeters said there are various sectors that could be easily promoted through and Ayurvedic medicine is one of them as it has a great demand from the tourists. Sri Lanka could also enter the market by becoming a paradise for shoppers, as there is high demand for Sri Lankan apparel all over the world.