3.2.2Sri Lanka tourist arrivals targets
Given the limitation in room capacity and the time required to build new hotels, we expect moderate growth in 2011 – 2013 and much faster growth thereafter. However, the industry is expected to move towards premium prices with greater value addition attracting high spending tourists.
It is important that the country moves away from the low cost tourism and focuses on high end tourism. To attract high spending tourists the following are being focused.
I. A product that is appealing to the high spenders (business, leisure, shopping wildlife etc.)
II. High quality of accommodations and service
III. Value addition and product segmentation.
Growth expectations for 2011 – 2012 years are indicated below:
The industry needs to be clear of the type of customer segments that Sri Lanka should target. Given the diversity of the value proposition, a number of different market segments could be serviced. The key strengths of the country that will be highlighted in promotional campaigns would be the (a) diversity, (b) compactness and (c) authenticity