by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai
With arrivals recording over a 800,000, the year 2011 was a resounding success for Sri Lanka Tourism’s marketing campaign ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’.
According to Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Board, the year 2010 saw a total of 654,476 tourist arrivals, and with 2011 surpassing the 800,000th growth patterns are indicative of reaching the target of 2.5 million by 2016. Visitors from India, Japan, Germany, U.K, France, Netherlands, Italy, and the Middle Eastern countries added to make the numbers. November 2011 with 90,889 tourists became the most celebrated month ever in Sri Lanka Tourism’s history.
‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka – Visit 2011’ gave a very new momentum to destination Sri Lanka’s many treasures. It was a year of accolades for tourism, with visitors leaving behind compliments and taking with them many happy memories of a smiling warm people, who are enjoying life and working hard towards development in a new era reaping the dividends of peace and enjoying the benefits of progress.
Eight of Sri Lanka’s many experiences were highlighted under the themes Pristine, Heritage, Bliss, Thrills, Festivities, Essence, Scenic Beauty and Wild Life. The core eight were further expanded into a campaign, for each month, covering beaches, sports & adventure, MICE, people & culture, religious tourism, weddings & honeymoons, body & mind wellness, heritage, nature & wildlife, community & education, culinary and finally December the month for shopping & entertainment.