It is no surprise that Sri Lanka has recorded the highest growth in tourist arrivals during the first two months of 2010.
A report of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) lists Sri Lanka with a 50 percent growth in tourist arrivals among 77 countries.
According to the report, Sri Lanka outperformed 23 other countries with double-digit growth rates. Sri Lanka was followed by Saudi Arabia(+45%), Israel (+37%), Vietnam (+36%) and Nepal (+30%) fifth.
Accroding to reports, in the year 2009, South Asia accounted for only 1.1 percent of total international tourist arrivals and the region earned around $15 billion in receipts from tourism with Sri Lanka earning $350 million and Maldives earning $590 million while India had the earning of $10.6 billion for the said period.
With LTTE vanquished, many tour operators and Sri lanka travel agents have reported a steep rise in readymade products like Sri Lanka tour packages and hotel packages. Touted as Asia's most treasured island, Sri Lanka's diverse cultural and natural attractions have long been a favorite of European tourists. More recently the island nationa has been heavily wooing Indian, Arabic and Chinese travelers as well.
Tourism is currently the fourth foreign exchange earner of the country, behind foreign remittances, apparel and tea.
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