Sweden is yet another new market for the already growing list of inbound tourist markets for Sri Lanka with around 7,000 Swedish charter tourists expected to visit the island during the forthcoming winter season.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Swedish charter tour groups have already prioritized to include the Sri Lankan market for winter 2010. Three of the largest charter tour operators in the Scandinavian country will start flying their customers Sri Lanka by the 28th of November 2010. The major tour groups in Sweden, Apollo, Fritidsresor and Ving will transport tourists twice a week to Sri Lanka.

Chairman of the SLTPB Bernard Goonetilleke has identified the Scandanavian market as a growth market for the future with enormous potential. “They have shown tremendous interest in Sri Lanka over the last year,” he said in the press release. “We see the potential for this market to be a strong contender for the top spot in inbound tourism to Sri Lanka.”

The main attraction for the Swedes are the pristine beaches, nature and national parks. The SLTPB estimates that each package will costs between SEK 10,000 to SEK 11,300 (between US$1,350 to US$1,500) per person for two weeks at half-board for a double room.

The SLTPB stated that currently Swedish production house Meter Film and Television are in the island on invitation from the SLTPB and are now in Koggala shooting for internationally acclaimed reality show ‘High School Reunion’.

The reality programme will showcase the unique facets of the country and down south in particular.
High School Reunion will be aired on Kanal 5 rated amongst the top five most watched TV channels in Sweden with an 85% viewer ship rate.