Sri Lanka Targets to Attract more Tourists from the Middle East – Higher Tourism Potential from the UAE

Recently, Sri Lanka, Tourism Promotion Bureau participated in a press conference held in the Arabia Travel Media Centre. The Sri Lanka Minister of Tourism was present at the occasion to discuss the available potential to increase tourism in the country from this region.

The figures for 2017 show that Sri Lanka arrivals from the Middle East to Sri Lanka amounted to 107,635 with a growth increase of 6.5% compared to the previous year. At the moment there are 70 flights going back and forth from Sri Lanka to the UAE, this serves as an incentive for travellers to target Sri Lanka. The tourists from the Middle East are seen as big travel spenders. This means that along with benefits for the tourism industry comes benefits for the retail industry as well. Hon. Minister John Amarathunga stated that Sri Lanka has much to offer when it comes to culture, heritage, and biodiversity. He also stated that there are many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka for example, the Blue Water Club Suites to match demand.