Sri Lanka eyes more Mid-East travellers this summer

"Things are looking up for Sri Lanka this summer as the country is on the threshold of long lasting peace. 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," said Ms Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

She remarked that:

"As an alternative to expensive summer vacations in Europe or Caribbean cruises, many regional tourists will choose to spend less and select a destination closer to home and Sri Lanka which is just a little over three hours flying time away offers the right solution."

SLTPB has initiated a series of programs and initiatives to further boost tourism from the Middle East to Sri Lanka including exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and road shows, advertising, brochure distribution, public relations, as well as familiarization visits to the island for influential business and travel journalists.

For the sun-sea-and-sand enthusiast, Sri Lanka offers unbeatable value. Due to its location along the equatorial zone it has a tropical climate which varies with the regions and the seasons. Summer temperatures range between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and sunny, blue skies are virtually guaranteed. The island nation offers several public beaches as well as five-star beach hotels and resorts of every shape, size and budget to cover the needs of the most easy going or discerning family.

Sri Lanka offers diversity within easy reach in a small island. Among the many epithets showered upon this tiny island include Serendipity, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma and Pearl of the Indian Ocean to name a few and none comes even close to articulate the true beauty and old world charm of Sri Lanka.

Tourists from around the world visit Sri Lanka every year in search of a perfect holiday ranging from nature, culture, adventure, education, healing and spiritual discovery to connecting with roots or simply to watch a cricket match.