Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011

The formal tourism industry in Sri Lanka began with the enactment of Tourist Board Act, No. 10 of 1966.

Since then, tourism in Sri Lanka showed a steady progress up to 1983. However, 30 years of civil war which seriously crippled our country had its devastating effect on tourism as well, resulting in a sharp decline in the industry.

2009 marked the end of the conflict reviving the hopes of the nation about a prosperous future. Since then the economic revival of the country has gathered pace and tourism industry too has shown a parallel development.

The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has seen a resurgence in recent times with 260,525 tourist arrivals and a growth rate of over 21% documented in the first quarter of this year.

In the previous year, the industry had a major impact on the country's economy and society as the total number of tourist arrivals stood at 855,975. This figure symbolizes the growth of the industry which was doubled since 2009.

Additionally the increase in accommodation and value added services are contributing to the growth of the industry. It is the monumental efforts of the industry that have paved the way for such success.

The 5th Annual Sri Lanka Tourism Awards - 2011 will recognize corporate and their invaluable contribution displayed with a view to create a high revenue generating industry.

Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011 will honour 68 best performers in the industry of tourism under 11 award categories. Twenty one new recognitions introduced this year will enable Sri Lanka Tourism to encompass new and diversified tourism products and service offerings.

Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011will also pay tribute to electronic and print media for their contribution to our tourism industry.

Accordingly, Electronic media programmes and news segments on travel and tourism, print media presentations and articles on travel and tourism during the year 2011 are eligible for appraisal.

Foreign journalists promoting Sri Lanka tourism and the best tourism website will be recognized.

Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011 will also honour the organizations and individuals for their contribution towards strengthening and empowering of Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

The objective is to recognize and reward excellence in the travel and tourism industry, thus promoting and enhancing the delivery of service standards.

The winners, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in July 2012.

Applications and relevant information can be downloaded from the website www.tourismawards.lk or can be obtained from the office of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Submissions will be closed on June 5.