2009 has been a important year for Sri Lanka with the declaration of peace allowing the country’s many historic, natural and cultural marvels to take centre stage.

The improved safety and security situation and recent relaxations of FCO advice have opened up the areas of Yala National Park which boasts a variety of wildlife including the highest density of wild leopards worldwide, Arugam Bay – a world renowned surfing mecca, and much of the east coast including the historic port of Trincomalee – an up and coming place to wreck dive. These important additions complement Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches, tea plantations, cave temples and wild elephants that British visitors have been coming to see for many years.

The recent months of August and September have seen increases in the country’s UK arrivals by 17 percent and 12 percent respectively compared to the previous year. This puts Sri Lanka on target to beat 2008’s annual visitor figures from the UK indicating British based tourists confidence in Sri Lanka despite the recession.

Since the declaration of peace Sri Lanka has invested in its infrastructure, particularly on the East coast and as a consequence there are a number of opportunities for investment in tourism.

In a bid to place Sri Lanka as one of the most sought after holiday destinations in South Asia the plan to develop Kalpitiya and its 14 unspoilt islands shows Sri Lanka is keen to promote and develop environmentally friendly sustainable tourism over the coming years.

To celebrate, Sri Lanka will be launching “2011 – Visit Sri Lanka Year” at WTM this November as part of their goal to welcome 2.5 million visitors by the year 2012.

A special evening launch event will be held at Zero Sette restaurant outside the excel centre from 18.00 on Monday 9th November hosted by the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Dileep Mudadeniya, UK Director of Tourism, Sanjika Perera, Sri Lankan hoteliers and dignitaries.