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05/05/2005: "Sri Lanka Arrivals Still Down by 26%"

Sri Lanka Arrivals Still Down by 26%

Sri Lanka's UK visitor numbers are still well down, despite a two-for-one offer from operators. Tourism minister Aruna Bandaranaike admitted then industry was still truggling following the tsunami.

Despite the promotion, he said the UK visitor figure fell by 26% in March to just under 8,000 compared with the same month last year. The UK is Sri Lanka's second-biggest market, headed only by neighbouring India. Bandaranaike admitted: "British tourists are coming back very slowly."

He said hotels partially damaged by the tsunami are now repaired, but that the worst-hit areas, mainly on the east coast, would take some time to fully restore. Other areas such as the inland tea plantations and ancient monuments were still attracting tourists, he said.

Columbo, the capital, is said to be faring slightly better. "Columbo hotels are full. We need 4,000-5,000 extra rooms," Bandaranaike said. Hyatt and Sheraton plan to open properties in Colombo in the next two years, while Hilton is planning on at Arugam Bay on the east coast.

(This article was taken from the BusinessTravel magazine)