Increased flights to ME

SriLankan will have 37 weekly connections to nine cities in the Middle East-Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait. Additional flights are to three cities-Doha which increases from the present 4 flights up to 6; Bahrain which goes from 5 to 7 and Dammam which will have 3 flights, up from the present 2.

The Government has identified the Middle East as one of four major thrust markets to Sri Lanka, and has launched a series of marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the island’s attractions. There has been an 80% increase in Middle Eastern tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2008.

Sri Lanka is growing in popularity as a leisure destination among Middle Eastern travellers and western expatriates working in the region who are drawn to the island’s beaches, tea plantations and cultural sites. An increasing number, including women travellers, also try out the country’s many adventure sports.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Board has launched a series of advertising campaigns in major media in the Middle East to increase interest in Sri Lanka as a leisure destination. More campaigns are planned for June and July.