By Mario Andree
Tourism arrivals for the 11 months of this year increased 45.7 percent to 569,849 from 391,028 last year. The highest number of visitors on a monthly basis was recorded in November with an increase of 63.1 percent to 72,251 from 44,311. Arrivals from North America increased 65.5 percent to 34, 761 from 21, 005, while Latin American arrivals declined 31.1 percent to 469 from 571 for the corresponding period.
Western European arrivals increased 50.5 percent to 226, 006 from 150, 161, Eastern Europe increased 32.2 percent to 30, 993 from 23, 443. African arrivals increased 40.6 percent to 1, 897 from 1, 349, Middle East increased 59.8 percent to 34, 106 from 21,340.
East Asian arrivals increased 41.5 percent to 60, 019 from 42, 403, South Asia increased 37.6 percent to 152, 607 from 110,886.
Arrivals from other parts increased 45.6 percent to 28, 964 from 19, 890.
Next year has been nominated as the ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ year expecting more than 700,000 tourists to visit the country.
In focus to attract high yields from tourism the country is developing several ports to facilitate cruise ships.
A recent release stated, Sri Lanka has been added to the South Asian cruise run and in January next year a 110 passenger cruise liner would be visiting Trincomalee port leading the way for more visits during the year in to other ports in the country.
With the current stability of peace Sri Lanka has been rated as the top destination for 2010 by New York Times and second place by National Geographic Magazine.
With the demand taking place hoteliers are increasing their room capacity while many others are venturing into the sector to help increase the current room capacity of 14,500 to a satisfactory level where the country can cater 2.5 million visitors by 2015.
source - www.island.lk
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