Tourist arrivals up

There is an increase of 0.7 per cent in tourist arrivals for the first three months of 2008, according to the monthly statistical report released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

The highest performer during the period was the Middle East, which registered an increase of 80.6 per cent in comparison with 2007. Of the 294.6 per cent growth from the region in March, Iranian tourists formed the major portion with arrivals of 1,300 during the month.

These arrivals were the result of the operation of nine charter flights supported by Sri Lanka Tourism.

The other markets that performed well included Russia with a 58.3 per cent increase between January and March while France registered 93.5 per cent growth and the UK showed a 11.9 per cent growth during March.

MENAFN Press