Sri Lanka a top destination for Indian tourists

Monday, 5 February 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tourism participated at SATTE-2018 which is South Asia’s leading travel show from 31 January to 2 February 2018 in New Delhi, India. Sri Lanka is participating at this year’s fair with a strong contingent of 52 travel agents and hoteliers.

Head table at the press conference

Sri Lanka Tourism focused on promoting film tourism, weddings under MICE category, religious and pilgrimage tourism (Ramayana Trail), etc. at SATTE 2018.

“India continues to be our top source market. We believe that the potential of the Indian travel market is yet to be realised in terms of attracting longer stay and higher spending travellers. We hope to make Sri Lanka the most preferred destination in Asia for Indian travellers. Sri Lanka offers travellers an array of diverse product offerings and experiences spread across the island,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Sutheash Balasubramanium.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Tourism held a press conference on the sidelines of the fair where some interesting statistics were revealed.

A survey conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism highlights that, 63.7% of Indians opt for sightseeing excursions and 49.82% go for shopping while 41.64% prefer sea bathing and 32.74% spend time in the swimming pool.

Launch of Sri Lanka Pavilion at SATTE 2018

Around 37.01% Indian travellers visit the historical sites in Sri Lanka while wildlife is of interest for 21%. The overall experience of the Indian visitor to Sri Lanka, as per the survey, has been very delightful for 69.1% and satisfying for 30.69%.

The other important highlights of the survey shows that, 44.84% Indians come home with a memory of Sri Lanka being a beautiful tropical country; 29.54% say that the people of Sri Lanka are nice and hospitable; 24.2% talk about the pristine beaches with golden sand; while, 24.20% loved the diverse attractions. Finally 30.25% Indians are repeat visitors.