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by Shirajiv Sirimane

Sri Lanka has the potential of becoming the top tourist destination in Asia observed a leading tour guide of Fox Vakanties of Holland, Elly Vermeer.

Attached to the tourist industry since 1978 Ms. Vermeer said that Sri Lanka has so many things to offer that none of the other Asian destinations could match. "Sri Lanka has the 8th cultural wonder in Sigiriya, the cultural triangle, Hortain Plains, tropical beaches and exotic tea, and paddy plantations which makes it an ideal tourist destination.

This country can sell by itself." Speaking to the 'Daily News' he said that none of the other destinations in Asia have all these varieties. "In some Asian destinations there is variety but one has to spend nearly a week to travel to those places within the country. But in Sri Lanka a tourist could find variety with in a space of six hours."

However, she said that the Sri Lankan network of roads have to improve. " I am not saying that you should have highways everywhere. But the present roads must have better conditions. I must also say that the Sri Lanka traffic Police must be more strict on traffic violators that are in abundance."

Vermeer who has been a tour guide in 57 countries said that the Southern province needs a quality Discotheque and a nightclub. She also said that it would be a welcome move to have domestic airports in Galle, Nuwara Eliya and one in the cultural triangle. "No tourist likes to spend half of their holiday in a bus, car or on a tourist coach."

She also pointed out that Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the region, which do not provide adequate travel information at the international airport. "Your country authorities must have more brochures at the arrival counter."

She also said that more regular direct flights too are needed especially from the European destinations. She said that though the war in Sri Lanka has seized, some travel agents are still unaware of it. "Your authorities must have a more aggressive campaign with regard to the peace process." She said that her company publishes a 400 page world tourist magazine and this year it had dedicated over 25 pages from it to Sri Lanka.

"Earlier we had only about five pages and it was the Government's peace initiative that prompted us to increase the number of pages."

She said similarly the Government must invest more on advertising Sri Lanka as a destination in foreign tourist magazines.

"Sri Lanka never had a chance like this in the past two decades to build its tourist image."

Vermeer who is operating from the Unawatuna Beach Resort and planning to settle down in the island said that Sri Lanka is a country with a heart.

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