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Tourist flow from Russia to Sri Lanka has almost doubled in February 2012

08:07, 6 апреля 2012

In 2011 the island of Sri Lanka was visited by 21 thousand Russians and by about 12.7 thousand tourists from Ukraine. This year the country expects to increase the tourist flow from Russia alone to 30-35 thousand people. This was told by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka Udayanga Weeratunga at the presentation for travel agents working on this destination.

 

"I started working in Moscow in 2006. Then, about five thousand Russians and the only 452 Ukrainian tourists took off to Sri Lanka. Now we are dealing with different numbers. February this year has already shown unprecedented growth - 96%, which means that our island is rapidly gaining popularity "- proudly told the ambassador. He stressed that these are really great rates for his country, which amount of tourists cannot be compared with Thailand, Egypt and other mass beach destinations.

 

As explained by Mr. Weeratunga now two flights of SriLankan Airlines fly year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Moscow to Colombo. The flight is considered to be direct, however, it makes a 50-minute technical landing in Dubai, during which the passengers don’t leave the plane. In winter, he said, Aeroflot’s weekly non-stop flight, halted due to low season, will be resumed. Presumably, it is going to happen the following winter. SriLankan Airlines will also increase flight frequency up to 4-5 per week during the high season. Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and other airlines offer convenient services to Colombo as well.

 

According to Mr. Weeratunga, about a week ago a new agreement on air services was signed between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka. Now, in addition to two national carriers, other airlines can fly passengers between the two countries. Russia’s S7 Airline has already expressed its interest in taking off to the island.

 

Mr. Weeratunga drew attention to the fact that from January 2012 an entry visa for a period of up to 30 days may not only be obtained at the airport upon arrival, as it used to be before, but also online before the trip. You can apply for visa either through a travel agent or directly through the embassy for $30. The cost of visa at the airport is $35, for children under 12 years old it’s free of charge. No visa is required for transit passengers, staying for up to 48 hours at the airport. At the same time, the ambassador reminded that a tourist’s passport must be valid for at least another six months after the travel dates. "But if your tourists really want to come here, I will personally examine every case, I think we will be able to issue a visa even three months before the expiry of the passport", - assured the speaker.

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