Editors Note World View Asia-Pacific Scene Indian Panorama Kerala Traveller Aviation Face to Face 10 Questions Woman of the Month Hospitality Columns Bookshelf Variety Quiz Back Issues asian traveller :: home :: Asia-Pacific Scene Updated on : 2009.November.11 “We have to reposition Sri Lanka” With peace returning to the island nation, Sri Lanka is all set to make a come back in all aspects of economy and tourism is a very Amith Sumanapala General Manager, SriLankan Holidays and Mice Division, SriLankan Airlines important segment. Amith Sumanapala, General Manager, SriLankan Holidays and Mice Ddivision, SriLankan Airlines talked to Asian Traveller about the present condition and development of tourism on the sidelines of ITB Asia 2009. He was very much excited about the new phase of SriLankan Airlines and its holiday division as the turmoil in the country is over. He was all about seeking different ways to revive the tourism industry. “We are very much excited and relived. In the business point of view we are heading for a fresh start. We have many opportunities in all directions and we don’t know which way to run”, said a visibly relieved and excited Amith Sumanapala. There has been a drop in the arrivals until May compared to the period last year. But after June, Sri Lanka saw a steady growth in arrivals. It was about eight per cent growth followed by a twenty per cent growth in August particularly in the Asian markets.  For example, the growth in arrivals in India has gone up to forty per cent. The demand for the destinations is back again. “Earlier the operators had difficulties selling the destination and now they are giving all the support. There is aggression in the market and the forecasts are promising” he added. “Our first step is to reposition Sri Lanka back in the market. We are also trying to put in new infrastructural facilities in the areas which have been opened for tourists recently. The need of the hour is heavy investment in the tourism sector. There are also many foreign investors who have showed interest to invest in the country. The biggest challenge is infrastructure. We are trying to set up an airport in Hambantota in south of the country. We are about to introduce a new tag line as the older one was not serving the purpose as intended and we are about to re-brand our product,” said Amith Sumanapala. comment      mail to editor C urrent Issue O ther Stories Asia Emerges as the New Luxury Travel Destination Asia Emerges as the New Luxury Travel Destination ASEAN Nations Eyes NE India for Tourism Investment ITB Asia 2010 Buyer Applications Surge Thailand Getting Back its Smiles Macau Continues to Explore the ME Tourism Market Singapore Registers 20 pc Growth in Arrivals Macau to Tap the Indian Leisure Market Sri Lanka Records World`s Highest Growth in Tourism MGTO Hosted Spring Luncheon in Hong Kong New Web Platform for ASEAN Travel We have to reposition Sri Lanka Asia Pacific Tourism Shows Up Ward Trends ITB Asia Buyer Registration Now Open Online Activities that You Just Cannot Miss In Philippines Skills Training to Boost Business Event Sector in Asia Shanghai Ready for IT&CM 2009 Singapore Visas Now Available in 24 Hrs SLTDA plans Rest Houses and Holiday Resorts for Budget Travellers Malaysia Targets Six Lakh Tourists from India Thailand Targets School Tours from the Middle East 10 Unique Venues for MICE Travellers in Singapore First Non-Profit Luxury Eco-Resort To place your advertisements in this space please contact Marketing, Mediastepsindia home | about us | advertise with us | subscribe | contact us | team support : colorvibes The news items and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verify the facts before making business decisions using the same. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2009