Lankan tourist arrivals up 42pc, but hoteliers unhappy
ANN/ The Island
Tourism authorities say tourist numbers to the island are increasing but hoteliers and inbound tour operators say the industry is in dire straits.According to Tourist Board statistics tourist arrivals increased 35 per cent in May and 42 per cent in June, compared to the same months last year. Total arrivals for the first six months increased by 13 per cent. But inbound tour operators and hoteliers say occupancy rates outside Colombo have reduced by a massive 60 per cent and bookings, even for the next season, are discouraging. "Even after terrorist attacks arrivals improved after a few months, but after the tsunami it is taking longer. This is because there is a bad perception about the country," said Malin Hapugoda, president of the Tourist Association of Sri Lanka.
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