Sharp increase in tourist arrivals

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

There was a 50 percent increase in the number of tourist arrivals in the country during the first five months of the year. “If this trend continues there will be around 600,000 tourists this year, a 30 percent increase compared to last year, Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Authority S. Kalaiselvam told a media briefing in Colombo to mark the World Spice Food Festival to be held from July 14 - 25.

He said this would be the highest number of tourist arrivals to be recorded in the country. There were 550,000 tourist arrivals in 2004. He attributed the large number of tourist arrivals in the country due to peace and the political stability prevailing in the country.

He said that the Government has set a target of attracting 2.5 million tourists to the country by year 2016. He said history has shown that people from foreign countries had come to Sri Lanka in search of local spices. “We have a unique proposition that attracts people to Sri Lanka. That is why we organised the World Spice Food Festival in collaboration with leading hoteliers and leading travel agents in the country this year.

Meanwhile, renowned chefs from different parts of the world are due to arrive in the country to participate in the World Spice Food Festival.

The World Spice Food Festival and the Hawkers Street Festival will be held in Sri Lanka to lure tourist to the country.

The Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority, Upali de Silva said the World Spice Food Festival has been organised to provide tourists several dining options and for culinary experts to share their expertise.