February 5, 2018 TnH Global

Sri Lanka targets 440,000 Indian arrivals for the year 2018

Sri Lanka Tourism held a Press Conference in New Delhi, today morning, announcing, a path breaking record of historic growth, with 384, 628 arrivals from India market in 2017. Understanding the unique offerings for Indian travellers, destination Sri Lanka now targets for 440, 000 Indian arrivals, this year. Sri Lanka is growing as, ‘a destination for all seasons’. It has recently been awarded as the, “Emerging destination of the year” by Conde Nast Traveller India and “Asia’s leading Adventure Tourism Destination of the year” in 2017.

The Survey conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism, highlights that, 63.7% of Indians opt for Sightseeing excursions and 49.82% go for shopping while 41.64% prefer Sea Bathing and 32.74% spend hours swimming in the pool. 37.01% Indian travellers visit the historical sites in Sri Lanka while Wildlife remains to be the choice for 21% only. The overall experience of the Indian visitor to Sri Lanka, as per the survey, has been very delightful for 69.1% and satisfying for 30.69%. Thus, it would be right to mention, that nearly 100% Indians visiting Sri Lanka have had a good & enjoyable visit. The other important highlights of the survey conducted, shows that, 44.84% Indians come home with a memory of Sri Lanka being a beautiful tropical country; 29.54% say that the people of Sri Lanka are nice and hospitable; 24.2% talk about the pristine beaches with golden sand; while, 24.20% loved the diverse attractions on this small island. Sri Lanka, in todays’ date takes immense pride in 30.25% Indians, who know the country well and visit time and again!

Witnessing the growth and potential from India, Sri Lanka Tourism will be participating at SATTE-2018, with 52 travel agents and hoteliers. The Sri Lankan delegation would be led by- Her excellency Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara; High Commissioner-Mr. Felix Rodrigo, Senior Advisor to Hon. Minister of Tourism Development in Sri Lanka; Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau-Mr.Sutheash Balasubramium; along with other senior officials. While the pristine beaches and cultural aspect of Sri Lanka, is already being explored by Indian guests, however, key area of focus for this years’ participation would be to promote Film tourism, Destination Wedding, Religious and Pilgrimage tourism (Ramayana Trail). A “tea bar” representing “Ceylon Tea” will be located at the Sri Lanka pavilion 2018 at SATTE.

Sutheash Balasubramaniam, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, on his visit to India said, ‘’India continues to be our top source market. We believe that the potential of the Indian travel market is yet to realize in terms of attracting longer stay and higher spending travellers. It is our fervent hope to make Sri Lanka the most preferred destination in Asia for Indian travellers. Sri Lanka offers travellers an array of diverse product offerings and experience spread across the small island and caters to all ages.‘’

Sri Lanka is a top-notch tourist destination and known as the Wonder of Asia for its long-preserved culture and heritage. Sri Lanka is the home to eight UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned in “Sigiriya Rock Fortress” the succession of ancient civilizations of the Island, showcasing in addition some other attraction that are interesting colonial legacy of the country.