Sri Lanka Tourism is set to achieve the target of 700,000 tourists in 2011 with the launch of Visit Sri Lanka Year.
Sri Lanka Tourism launched Visit Sri Lanka 2011 with 12 theme events spread across the year. Twelve themes will be promoted during each month of 2011, symbolising the 12 letters in the “Wonder of Asia”. These 12 themes include beaches, sports and adventure, MICE, people & culture, religious tourism, weddings & honeymoons, body & mind wellness, heritage, nature & wildlife, community & education, culinary and shopping & entertainment.
Sri Lanka Tourism’s aim with the campaign is also to the get the involvement and the support of the domestic market and to develop these products by the end of the year. With the help of the locals, the idea is to create a safe and beautiful environment for the visiting tourist.
Sri Lanka was earlier known as a beach destination. However with the events planned for year 2011 and the products created surrounding the events and themes, the intention is to highlight the various products that could cater to different market segments the world over.
However Tourist trade got a news shock as Immigration Authorities re-announced their plans to scrap on-arrival Visa facilit for foreigners at the Airport. Though the move is due to security implications, It can hamper the Tourist trade and instead it would be better to implement a Immigrants registration and tracking system like in Singapore where overstaying tourists could be traced and caught. Being an Island Sri Lanka should find the implementation far easier.