More ME tourists

Middle East travellers visiting Sri Lanka surged by 24 per cent in 2008, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau's (SLTPB) Middle East Office.

"The year 2008 has been one of promising growth, driven by heightened consumer awareness in the Middle East, and the growing desire for culture and adventure among regional travellers," Middle East Director of SLTPB Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori said.

She noted that the strongest tourism markets included the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon and Iran.

"Sri Lanka's tourism industry is anticipated to make rapid strides, owing to increased travels related to wellness and spas, culture and adventure purposes," Al Mansoori said. "Declining costs of travel, changing lifestyle patterns, consumer-friendly travel facilities, and good child care and maid facilities for Arabs travelling with families have been key growth drivers."

Cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping and dining are some of the factors that draw modern-day Arab travellers to their preferred destinations and Sri Lanka offers these, with the convenience that the country is less than four hours from the Gulf by air.