But the end of the war in May 2009, bought about a shift in perception, higher levels of security and the government’s renewed pledge to concentrate and uplift the tourism industry by a series of operations aimed at swift modernization of all components associated with the sector.
When one reviews statistics, it would seem that the government’s strategy has paid rich dividends with tourist arrivals increasing by 46.1 percent in 2010.
December 2010 recorded the most significant gain with an increase of 48.8 percent (84,627 arrivals) against the same period last year - the year in which there was a remarkable increase of 39 percent in the number of Saudi tourists visiting the island, compared to year 2009.
One striking feature within the data is the diversity within the influx; a higher number of Middle East arrivals and other Asian countries coupled with the customary European tourists made up the significant increase.
With either the relaxation or removal of the travel warning since the end of the war, tourist arrivals from western Europe shot up by 54 percent in December 2010 to 30,855.
In addition, visitors from the UK rose 16.6 percent to 10,176, while those from Germany went up 23.6 percent to 4,468 people in October.
The number of visitors from France shot up 74 percent to 3,190 and Dutch visitors were up 92.6 percent to 2,340.
Asian tourists show the most interesting increase.
Visitors from South Asia were up 50.5 percent to 23,087 with Indians increasing 51.2 percent to 15,753.
Maldivian visitors were up 44.5 percent to 5,670.
South Asian visitors were up 39.2 percent to 175,694 in the January-December period as reflected in the official 2010 data of Sri Lanka Tourist Board.
The incremental arrival of Middle Eastern tourists actually signals the opening of a new market that was previously stagnant. Looking to escape into cooler climates or experience different cultures, the Arab tourists are proving to be a highly potent segment.
In fact, the number of Arab tourists grew by 41 percent in the first nine months of 2010 as opposed to the same period in 2009. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s Middle East Office, the strongest growth was registered from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Itself possessing a sizeable Muslim population, the country both respects and accommodates conservative values and all religions are provided the same reverence.
Specifically the diversity that Sri Lanka offers in terms of shopping, cultural shows coupled with an array of restaurants that cater to every genre in food and taste are another feature of attraction.
In addition, Sri Lankan cooking itself has a range of culinary treats that delights connoisseurs of all food types.
From the spicy coconut-based ‘pol sambol’ and ‘rotti’ to the special milk rice, which is a staple food in all new year celebrations, Sri Lankan cooking is an intricate study in the use of herbs and spices.
All hotels are subject to stringent standards and the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) certifies most tourist restaurants.
In order to cater to the growing demand and appeal to different tastes of each individual sector, the government and the SLTB have jointly implemented many initiatives, which include preservation of iconic cultural destinations, like Sigiriya (rock frescoes) and Polonnaruwa, and creating pollution-free eco tourism with parks such as Yala, Wilpattu and encouraging investors to create more eco-based star class hotels within assigned green areas.
In order to nurture traditional aspects unique to Sri Lanka, the cultural ministry and related ministries are supporting traditional vocations such as mask making, cultural dance troupes, batik designing and sculpting more than ever. So when you decide to look for souvenirs remember to take your time.
The previously unexplored northern area is truly an enigmatic destination for any traveler, in fact the trend has caught on at such fever-pitch that most hotels in the Nilaveli, Trincomalee area being advanced booked for the next couple of months. The unusual combination of the blue sea, red sand and greenery enveloping the land is truly an irresistible draw to anyone.
One of the most appealing features of Sri Lanka has long been the sandy and blue beaches, which dominate the island’s unspoiled coastline.
Long-trained by both culture and religion to revere the sea and nature, Sri Lankans are highly conscious of environmental pollution and are especially concerned about keeping the coastlines and the beaches free of any pollution.
This commitment has ensured that the beaches of Sri Lanka are rated among the best (the Unawatuna beach being ranked one of the world’s top 10 beaches).
To complement the beaches, the ardent tourist also has the option of snorkeling, sea-diving, reef exploration and an opportunity to see some of the most unique species of fishes ever found.
Wildlife and photography enthusiasts are catered for as well, with the availability of exciting safaris at an affordable price. Yala and Wilpattu are the most renowned of the lot with the government taking a stern stance on wildlife preservation and with the proliferation of wildlife and eco tourism, exciting safaris are becoming a staple on every tourist’s agenda.
May it be your burning desire to catch the elephant gathering or an unexpected sighting of the elusive leopard, you just might be rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience.
If your taste is more toward flora, then you just might get paradise in one of the famed botanical gardens at either Peradeniya or Haggala. Tourists of all types have long frequented the two gardens, which cover acres and acres of rare and unique plants and flowers.
Another growing attraction is the Butterfly Garden in Habarana that is drawing a large number of enthusiasts who are delighted by the range of rare and exotic butterflies that are bred at the facility. Attached with the Butterfly Gardens are some of the most beautifully structured star class hotels in the midst of the wilderness.
But then again, if your cup of tea is just lounging in a star class hotel with a spectacular view out of your window, then just drive off into the cold, scenic and beautiful hill country in the central district.
From the famed horse races to colonial themed hotels, Nuwara Eliya is a getaway unlike any other. If the star class hotels aren’t your type of accommodation, why not try a traditional bungalow or cottage (most come with an in-house cook).
Probably one of the most scenic places on earth, which be sure to visit, is the famous cliff known as ‘World’s End’ and, most of all, feast your eyes on the many water falls found in the Hill country. One particular fall, Devons Fall, is immortalized in many a story and legend.
With an accelerated economic growth and peace signaling a united country sporting the trademark Sri Lankan smile, you could expect to hear more ‘Ayubowans’ from your returning friends or maybe we might even meet you on the sunny beaches of Hikkaduwa or the green forests of Sinharaja.