Tourist arrivals up 15.8 percent

The number of tourists arrivals rose 15.8 percent to 622,661 during the first eight months this year from 537,787 during the corresponding period in 2011. The number of visitors in August increased 9.7 percent to 79,456 from 72,467 in the corresponding month last year.

Tourist's arrivals have been on a steady rise this year with a growth in all key markets on a month-on-month basis according to Sri Lanka Tourism statistics.

The number of arrivals increased in August due to the festivities in the country. The Kandy perahera and the Nallur kovil feast in Jaffna attracted a large number of visitors. Tourists arrivals in February, March and June rose over 20 percent due to the holiday season. The number of arrivals was low in April and July with 9.0 percent and 7.8 percent.

The number of visitors is projected to reach one million by the end of this year considering the growth achieved so far this year, Sri Lanka Tourism sources said. The number of visitors last year was 855, 975.

"Infrastructure is in place and we are confident that tourist arrivals will surge on a year-on-year basis surpassing the 2.5 million target in 2016," he said.

The number of tourist arrivals surpassed half of last year's arrivals within the first few months this year.

Arrivals from the Latin American and the Caribbean region topped the ranking again with a 54.6 percent growth. The number of arrivals from the region rose to 997 from 645 in the previous month.

Visitors from Eastern Europe increased to 48.4 percent to 38,366 in August from 25,850 in the previous month.

Visitors from Africa rose 25.5 to 2,656 in August from 2,116 in the previous month. Tourists from Western Europe rose 18.9 percent to 246,842 in August from 207,596 in July. Arrivals from North America rose 17.8 percent to 39,379 from 33,430. Visitors from East Asia rose 78,781 from 59,677 in July. Arrivals from the Middle East declined 3.3 percent to 35,545 from 35, 731.

Tourists from South Asia which is a major market for MICE tourism has been low compared to other regions. Arrivals from the region rose 2. 4 percent to 149, 899 in August from 146, 349 in July. The South Asian region reported a low growth with 2.6 percent last month. Of the 16,837 who arrived in July, 11,564 were from India.

-LF