Sri Lanka targets 1.5 lakh Indian arrivals

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) has drawn up plans to increase the number of Indian tourists visiting the island nation to 1.5 lakh this year.

"Last year, 1.13 lakh Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka and we witnessed 7.8% increase in Indian arrivals. With over 20%tourists into Sri Lanka being Indians, the SLTB has drawn many plans to increase their number. We will invest Rs 1 crore in our plans," Madhubani Perera, SLTB assistant director (sales and marketing) said here on Monday.

According to SLTB statistics, over 40% of Indian travellers are repeat visitors and over 60% belong to the high-end segment. "The average spending by an Indian is $ 75-80, mainly on shopping, food, entertainment and sightseeing. We will focus on mobilising tourists from tier II Indian cities," Perera said.

As part of the campaign, the SLTB in association with Sri Lankan Airlines, is offering tourist packages to various destinations. "Sri Lankan Airlines flies to 9 destinations in India. This has increased the reach. Besides, we are providing visa on arrival to the tourists," Perera said.

The SLTB will hold interactive business sessions with the Indian travel and trade fraternity in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. Fifteen top-end travel companies from Sri Lanka will interact with 600 Indian companies in due course, Perera said.