- The last highest figure was seen in 2004 recording 66,159 tourists
Tourism officials headed by Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa welcomed the guest at the Bandaranaike International Airport on 14th December 2010 when he touched down at 3.40pm.
Commenting on his arrival, Dr. Godahewa said “This marks a significant moment in the history of tourism. Sri Lanka is now on the world map as a unique safe destination.
The full credit for this achievement should go to His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa who brought us peace into the country and it is peace that enabled us to achieve 46% growth in tourist arrivals in 2010” Dr. Godahewa said.
Dr. Godahewa also added “With this, we hope to exceed 700,000 tourist arrivals for Visit Sri Lanka 2011”
The lucky guest was presented with a 6 night 7 day package for two which includes hotel accommodation, ground transport and entrance tickets to historical tourist sites in the island.
Since the end of the conflict in 2009, Sri Lanka has seen an increase in tourism figures. November 2010 saw 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.
Sri Lanka Tourism launched Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit Sri Lanka 2011 with 12 events spread across the year.
Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit 2011 will have twelve different theme events happening throughout the year, in keeping with the 12 letters that has been used for the tagline “Wonder of Asia”.
Next year Sri Lanka Tourism will be offering similar complimentary 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 His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa.
source - www.indiainfoline.com
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