With its pristine white beaches, rainforests bursting with wildlife, and friendly locals serving beautiful ethnic cuisine, Sri Lanka has long been regarded as a paradise for tourists. The sector is once again booming, following the return of peace to the island after many years of civil strife.
Investments in just the first quarter of 2011 reached USD$ 1.2 billion for the tourism sector – the highest ever quarterly foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow for the country. This growth has brought about significant improvements for the country, ranging from hotel refurbishment, construction of new hotels, and the revival of cottage industries, to increased demand for transport and leisure services.
Tourism in Sri Lanka is a key element of the country’s economy: the money spent by millions of visitors enjoying the holiday of a lifetime is of obvious direct benefit to the local population, raising living standards, which in turn aids ethnic integration within the island. The business also promotes a positive image of the country abroad, helping to spur further exports and foreign investment. Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa has recently proposed “Katana City” – a large scale integrated city with at least 4 five-star hotels, two huge shopping malls, and other facilities. International tourism, in the case of Sri Lanka, has become a catalyst for development.
The country offers a diverse range of experiences for the tourist, with no less than eight World Heritage Sites, and several national parks home to 43 of the world’s most endangered species. Herds of Asian elephants roam in Minneriya National Park, while the blue whales can be seen off the coast, giving the eco-tourist access to both the world’s largest land animal, and its largest sea animal, in one day. Other attractions include the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, and the leopards of the Yala National Park – one of the most densely concentrated populations of leopards on earth.
The island’s beaches will enchant every kind of visitor… Whether you’re looking to surf turquoise waters, dive among tropical fish and living corals, or simply lie in the sun, Sri Lanka has it all.
The country can also promise its visitors a zesty gastronomical experience. Many dishes based on fresh fish and seafood are similar to Indian curries, though with a slightly milder, sweeter flavour. The land is also blessed with a range of tropical fruit including coconuts, guavas, bananas and mangoes, all of which are commonly used in cooking. Tea drinking is also customary in Sri Lanka, as it is grown on local hillsides. The staple food, however, is nothing other than rice, which any Sri Lankan meal is not complete without.
Visitors come within easy reach of paddy fields, farming villages, native tribes, ancient sites, pristine beaches, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. This rural charm is complemented by the excitement of Sri Lanka’s urban centres, with modern and colonial buildings, luxurious spa resorts, and numerous top-class hotels and restaurants. Sri Lanka is a mystery waiting to be explored – a tourist’s dream come true.
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