Sri Lanka second most popular SAARC destination:

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/12/26/new01.asp

Sri Lanka second most popular SAARC destination:
Tourist arrivals to reach new peak next year
by Shirajiv SIRIMANE
Sri Lanka will account for the second highest number of tourist arrivals in the South Asian region next year.
With the ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ initiative and co-hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, Sri Lanka anticipates over 725,000 arrivals which places the country ahead of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. Only India is ahead of Sri Lanka. Currently the Maldives attracts around 600,000 and Sri Lanka passed this mark last week.
Sri Lanka Tourism Director General S. Kaleiselvam said that in addition to the record number of arrivals of 625,0000 so far for the year, the industry has also generated US$ 480 million in revenue. “This is over a 40 percent increase as against the previous year,” he said.
He said that next year Sri Lanka is expected to pass the US $ 560 million mark in revenue. The previous highest revenue target was achieved in 2006 when the country recorded an income of US$ 410 million from the industry.
He said that the proposed ferry service between Sri Lanka and India would also boost arrivals as many middle income South Indians would patronize this service. “In addition many Sri Lankans too would use this service and there would be an overall increase of traffic both ways,” he said.
Reports from India said the State owned Shipping Corporation of India has invited bids for commencing the ferry service between India and Sri Lanka from January next year.
Sources in the shipping ministry has told PTI that the “Shipping Corp has issued Expression of Interest for bids for the ferry service between Tuticorin and Colombo”. Sources said that many shipping companies are likely to come forward.
Kaleiselvam said the response from investors for the proposed Kalpitiya Tourism Zone too was very encouraging. In addition, many international hotel chains such as Shangri-La too have already invested in Colombo.
A 40 room three star hotel has been opened in Jaffna while another 40 room luxury hotel will open next year in Pasikuda.Currently Sri Lanka has 14,700 star class rooms and 5,000 guest houses. Moreover, home stay facilities are available for 500 guests. “More rooms are currently being added by both local and foreign investors and Sri Lanka is ready for ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011,” he said.
More airlines are also expected to fly to Sri Lanka next year, while those already serving Colombo plan to increase their frequencies.
The local airlines, SriLankan and Mihin, also plan to add more destinations. This will also be a boost to tourist traffic