Chinese arrivals here have increased dramatically, according to the latest data of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The number would further increase this year, officials said.

The Island learns that the SLTDA expects a large number of Chinese tourists, especially during the Chinese New Year Festival which falls on February 19.

SLTDA officials confirmed that highest number of tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka in 2014 had been from China.

Of the nearly 1.5 million tourists who visited the country, 128,166 were been from China – a staggering increase of 136.1 per cent compared to 2013.

The Chinese arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2013 were 54,288.

The highest number of tourists is from India. The season’s highest number is from England. China occupies the third place.

source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117331