Visit Sri Lanka starts by welcoming first tourist

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, organized a special ceremony at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake to welcome the first tourists coming in 2011.

These visitors who arrived in the early hours of January 1, were welcomed by Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Acting Managing Director Malraj Kiriella along with the heads of the tourism and travel trade.

Traditional drummers and dancers performanced welcoming the tourists, who were then garlanded and offered surprise gifts. The incoming tourists were invited to a traditional sweetmeats buffet with Kiribath and Kavum and also to light the oil lamp.

Visit Sri Lanka 2011 was declared by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka Tourism is set to achieve the target of 700,000 tourists this year with the launch of Visit Sri Lanka Year.

Sri Lanka Torism launched Visit Sri Lanka 2011 with 12 theme events spread across the year. Twelve themes will be promoted during each month of 2011, symbolizing the twelve letters in the “Wonder of Asia”.

These twelve themes include beaches, sports & adventure, MICE, people & culture, religious tourism, weddings & honeymoons, body & mind wellness, heritage, nature & wildlife, community & education, culinary and shopping & entertainment.

Sri Lanka Tourism’s aim with the campaign is also to get the involvement and the support of the domestic market and to develop these products by the end of the year. With the help of the locals, the idea is to create a safe and beautiful environment to the visiting tourist.

Sri Lanka was earlier known as a beach destination.

However with the events planned for year 2011 and the products created surrounding the events and themes, the intention is to highlight the various products that could cater to different market segments the world over.