Sri Lanka reports record visitor numbers

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has revealed that the country is returning to a strong state of growth following the recent resolution of a civil conflict.

In February this year, the number of visitors to the island climbed to a record level of 48 per cent above that recorded in the same month in 2009.

British travellers have showed particularly strong interest in the destination, with a year-on-year increase of 68 per cent recorded in the number of tourists from the UK last month.

The national tourism authority revealed that three wildlife parks have opened up across Sri Lanka, including Wilpattu, the country's largest nature reserve, which was recently reopened to the public.

Located 176km north of Colombo, the site is home to leopards, Ceylon sloth bears, crocodiles, cobras and many other animal species for adventurous visitors to spot.

Travellers can also head to the south-east of the island to explore the Uda Walawe and Yala parks, which provide a habitat for elephants, monkeys, water buffalo and deer.

People planning to visit Sri Lanka this year can catch flights to Colombo with Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, British Airways and other carriers.

Posted by Paul, 22 March 2010 16:06

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