Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is expecting a large increase in the number of Middle Eastern visitors despite the global economic downturn.
An added attraction for tourists was the easing of political tensions, according to SLTPB Middle East director Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori.
“Things are looking up for Sri Lanka this summer as the country is on the threshold of long lasting peace,” Al Mansoori said.
| Advertisement |
“The global economic recession is likely to have a significant impact on where Arabs and expatriates alike choose to spend their vacation time this summer.”
Al Mansoori believed many regional tourists would forgo expensive summer holidays in Europe and cruises in the Caribbean as Sri Lanka was only a three hour flight away from major Middle East airports.
SLTPB has initiated a series of programmes and initiatives in an attempt to boost tourism from the Middle East to Sri Lanka including exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and road shows, advertising and brochure distribution.
Dnata's regional head of leisure and non-air products confirmed that Dnata Holidays was starting to witness a resurgence in sales for Sri Lanka.
"It's definitely coming back, which is great to see because it's a lovely destination," he said.
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
