Tourism figures see massive increase

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals jumped 28 percent in July from a year ago, its second straight rise since May last year. This follows an eight percent rise in the month of June alone. According to Sri Lanka Tourism officials, the leap is attributed to the resolution of the conflict in the island.

Rapid growth in the Middle East market has recorded an unprecedented 103.7 percent when compared to July 2008.

Prior to the holiday season, Sri Lanka Tourism launched communication activities, road shows and other special packages to lure the Middle East traveller to Sri Lanka.

This is the first time a three digit growth figure has been registered in the history of Sri Lanka Tourism. Minister of Tourism Promotion Faizer Musthapaha said, "Under the advise of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, special and 100 percent focus was given to the Middle East, which has resulted in positive growth.

In keeping with the President's vision to attract regional partners, Sri Lanka Tourism has supplemented the traditional markets with regional markets and have increased our budgets and focus to this area.

As Sri Lanka is an island nation; it is prudent to look for markets which are easily accessible. There are more than 100 flights per week from the Middle East and the short flying time will provide a competitive advantage over other destinations," he said. Continuous marketing support will be provided by Sri Lanka Tourism and similar events targeting the Middle East market is being planned for the upcoming months in order to achieve high growth results from this lucrative region.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism and Promotions Bureau, Bernard Goonetilleke said "This is indeed a significant moment for us; to be moving forward positively at such a rapid pace is truly remarkable."

Significant growth was recorded from Western Europe with France which was running on negative growth for the past couple of years, bouncing back with an 81 percent and Germany posting a 75 percent growth in July 2009.

South Asia which registered growth figures of 39 percent when compared to the same period last year is the second highest growth region led by India recording a 45 percent growth this month while East Asia with a substantial 31 percent growth is the third highest growth region for inbound tourism in Sri Lanka for July 2009.