Sri Lanka has reported a surge in tourist industry arrivals in the first quarter of this year. The highest performer during the period was the Middle East, which registered an increase of 80.6 per cent in comparison with 2007 according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

For the sun-sea-and-sand enthusiast, Sri Lanka offers unbeatable value. Due to its location along the equatorial zone it has a tropical climate which varies with the regions and the seasons.

Summer temperatures range between 24 to 26 degrees celsius and sunny, blue skies are virtually guaranteed. The island nation offers several public beaches as well as five-star beach hotels and resorts.

“A full range of water sports can be enjoyed in Sri Lanka, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water-skiing and deep sea fishing. Equipment for all sports can be hired and professional instruction is available throughout the coastal areas,” said SLTPB managing director Dileep Mudadeniya.

Divers in Sri Lanka are treated to some of the most spectacular reefs in the world as also large schools of a variety of colourful fish. The islands coastlines have dozens of famous ship wrecks dating back centuries and also coral reefs, under sea caves & rock formations all around the island.

When even the most avid sun-bather needs a break from the beach, Sri Lanka offers a variety of options to unwind. Comfortable tours of the city are also possible with air-conditioned coaches and multi-lingual guides introducing you to the island’s unique culture.

All of the above attractions are combined with the highest standards of luxury and comfort and service with a smile. There are more than five thousand rooms available in graded establishments along the southern coast offering a wide range of options for high spenders as well as budget travellers.

Sri Lanka is especially attractive this summer for families (June 1 to August 31 2008) as the Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in conjunction with SriLankan Airlines has announced that prominent hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka will extend a value added benefit for Middle East travellers by offering a free stay for one child free (below the ages of 12 years) per paying adult sharing the parent’s room as an industry standard during the summer months. This includes, airline tickets, hotel stay and ground transportation as well.

As night falls, the partying begins and continues into the wee hours of the morning. The hotels are geared up to provide maids and nannies to look after the children so that the parents can enjoy the holiday.

A visit to Sri Lanka would hardly be complete without sampling the wild natural beauty of the country including the scenic waterfalls, spice and tea plantations, bird and wildlife reserves, tropical jungle excursions and the luxurious yet eco-friendly accommodation.

SriLankan Airlines operates a full Airbus fleet to 41 destinations in 22 countries worldwide. Flights from the Middle East to Colombo connect with onward services to the Maldives, 11 key destinations in India, seven destinations in the Far East including Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand. – TradeArabia News Service