After the 600,000 milestone Sri Lanka Tourism prepares for 700,000 in 2011

After achieving the milestone of over 600,000 tourists this year, Sri Lanka is preparing for a target of over 700,000 arrivals in 2011.

The preparations are being spearheaded under the banner of Visit Sri Lanka 2011 which was declared by President Mahinda Rajapaksa after attaining peace in the country, and to receive the targeted tourists Sri Lanka Tourism launched a campaign ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka 2011’ at the WTM in London in November, 2010.

“Sri Lanka Tourism is set is achieve the target of 700,000 tourists in 2011 with the launch of Visit Sri Lanka Year,”Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, Deputy Minister of Economic Development said.

“The tagline ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’ was created with the help and support of the industry," he added.

 The word is apt considering the brand new Sri Lanka the industry wants to showcase to the world. An island free of conflict and a place where the visitor can experience everything that is refreshing.

Sri Lanka Tourism launched Visit Sri Lanka 2011 with 12 theme events spread across the year. Twelve themes will be promoted during each month of 2011, symbolising the twelve letters in the “Wonder of Asia”. These twelve themes include beaches, sports and adventure, MICE, people and culture, religious tourism, weddings and honeymoons, body and mind wellness, heritage, nature and wildlife, community and education, culinary, shopping and entertainment. 

Sri Lanka Tourism’s aim is to obtain 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 for the visiting tourist.

Sri Lanka was earlier known as a beach destination. However with the events planned for next year and the products created surrounding the events and themes, the intention is to highlight the various products that could cater to the different market segments the world over.

Marking a remarkable historical moment, Sri Lanka Tourism celebrated the 600,000th tourist arrival to the country by early December 2010.The target for the year was 575,000 arrivals.

Since the end of the conflict in 2009, Sri Lanka has seen an increase in tourism figures. November 2010 broke two records; the highest number of tourist arrivals with 72,251 tourists arriving in the country, a marked a 63.1% jump as compared to last year and the highest figure attained in a month since 1966. The last highest figure was seen in 2004 recording 66,159 tourists per month.

Under the guidance and direction of the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Sri LankaTourism wants to ensure that the tourist from the time he touches down in the island, up to his departure is well looked after and he/she leaves the country with a pleasant experience and fully satisfied.

First tourist of 2011 to get VIP reception

SRI LANKA Tourism Promotions Bureau has organised a special ceremony at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake to welcome the first tourist coming to the country by flights on 1January 2011 to mark the start of Visit Sri Lanka year.

These visitors will be welcomed by Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism and Malraj Kiriella, Acting Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau along with the staff of the Bureau.

Further the traditional drummers and dancers will welcome the tourists and they will be garlanded and offered with surprise gifts.  On 1 January 2011 the incoming tourists will be invited to partake of traditional sweetmeats with Kiribath and Kavum at the buffet table and to light the traditional oil lamp.   

In 2011 Sri Lanka Tourism will be offering surprise packages to the 250,000th, 500,000th, 600,000th and 700,000th tourist that arrives in the island to mark Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit 2011.

All promotional activities and events will be planned in the next couple of years with the goal of achieving the target of 2.5 million tourists set by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.