Sri Lanka to Lock Double-Digit Growth in the Crosshairs at WTM

Sri Lanka will be forecasting a return to double-digit numbers in tourism arrivals when it makes its presence felt at London´s World Travel Market from November 14 to 17 this year.

Recent refurbishments, the opening of new coastal properties, keen investment interest from big players in the international hospitality industry and a positive tourism outlook are all strong indicators that Sri Lanka is back in business.

“We are delighted to hear that Sri Lanka is back on top form”, said Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director for World Travel Market. “I understand that the return to a positive trend has been gathering pace throughout 2005.”

“It was a tragic year for us in 2004, but tourism is an extremely resilient industry and we are working hard to ensure that the buoyancy experienced up until the final days of last year will return in the shortest time possible,” said Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara.

Only 48 of Sri Lanka´s 248 star-class hotels were damaged by the tsunami. Of these, 31 have already been repaired and are fully operational and a further 10 are being totally refurbished, and will be ready by the beginning of the winter season in November 2005.