'Gulf tourists - high spenders'

SriLankan Airlines joining the oneworld alliance would have a major positive impact for the travel industry in Sri Lanka and even neighbouring countries, said Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism, Dushan Wickramasuriya at the final day of the four-day Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. He said that by joining oneworld, Sri Lanka gets promoted automatically by 14 other airlines and this would bring additional tourists not only to Sri Lanka but to the entire sub continent as well.

Wickremasuriya said that the arrival numbers are growing and the peace dividend along with political stability and promotions done by the trade and government is helping to increase numbers further.

He said that they have also received many inquires from the travel trade and travel agents.Wickramasuriya said that Gulf tourists are high spenders and they stay for around a week at high-end hotels.

"Another advantage is that they like to travel with their family," he said. Meanwhile Amadeus' latest global report, released at the ATM revealed that the global travel industry has rebounded rapidly from the 2009 financial crises and is poised for sustained growth over the next decade, specifically in the Middle East.

According to the research, overnight visitor flows are expected to grow at 5.4% per annum over the next decade worldwide, significantly faster than GDP growth at 3.4 per cent. However, the Middle East and Africa region is expected to witness even higher growth, at an annual rate of 11.9%, faster than the 8.4 % growth registered over the previous 10-year period."

Fifty three travel companies took part at the event and Sri Lanka Ambassador in UAE, Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya and Chairman SriLankan Airlines, Nishantha Wickramssinghe were special invitees at the opening ceremony on Monday.