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🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates /Economy & Trade

Sri Lanka woos UAE tourists and investors as trade reaches $1.7 billion

From Khaleej Times · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Sri Lanka is seeking more visitors and investment from the UAE in tourism, agriculture, logistics and technology as its economy recovers.
  • Ambassador Arusha Cooray promoted the island's beaches, wildlife, heritage sites, cultural attractions and tea-country landscapes.
  • She said Sri Lanka is about 4.5 hours from the UAE, has direct flights and offers an online visa process, while bilateral trade has reached $1.7 billion.

Sri Lanka is presenting itself to UAE travellers and investors as more than a holiday destination. At an event titled “Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, Discover Sri Lanka: Gateway to Trade, Investment and Tourism,” Ambassador Arusha Cooray highlighted opportunities in tourism, agriculture, logistics and technology as the island continues its economic recovery.

For visitors, Cooray’s pitch rests on variety. Sri Lanka offers tropical weather, green landscapes, beaches and wildlife within a relatively small island, along with eight UNESCO-listed heritage sites. “Sri Lanka is a very beautiful little island. It’s called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and that is not without reason,” she told Khaleej Times.

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful little island. It’s called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and that is not without reason.

· Arusha CoorayThe Sri Lankan ambassador describes the country's tourism appeal.

She recommended Kandy, the country’s second-largest city after Colombo and home to the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Cultural Triangle, including Sigiriya, Dambulla and Anuradhapura, offers ancient temples and historical sites. Visitors seeking cooler weather can head to the green hill country and its tea plantations, while the southern and eastern coasts provide beaches. Yala and other wildlife parks offer another side of the island.

There are several places actually to visit in Sri Lanka. Plus, you can get to places very fast.

· Arusha CoorayShe emphasizes the range of destinations and the island's accessibility.

Cooray said the period from around November to February is generally pleasant, although changing weather patterns mean rain can still occur between December and January. Sri Lanka is about 4.5 hours from the UAE, with several direct flight options. Travellers can apply for visas online, and applications are generally processed within a short period.

Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest industries and its second-largest revenue earner, Cooray said, with visitor numbers rising. The country is seeking greater visibility among UAE travellers through promotional events and by making use of air links between the two countries. Trade between Sri Lanka and the UAE has reached $1.7 billion, while the ambassador is also promoting opportunities for UAE businesses.

In general, [it is] cooler and it’s very pleasant.

· Arusha CoorayShe describes the typical weather during the recommended visiting period.
About this summary

Originally published by Khaleej Times. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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