Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka reached 126,882, taking a bigger lead over Britons who numbered 105,496 last year. In 2009 too, Indians were leading, but marginally with 83,634 compared to 81,594 Britons.
The total tourist arrivals of 654.476 in calendar 2010 compared with 447,890 in 2009, marking a 46.1 per cent increase in tourist arrivals.
The ending of nearly 40 years of ethnic conflict in the island in May 2009 has seen a surge in the hospitality industry with prices too soaring to new highs.
Five star rooms which cost USD 60 a night in 2009 has now more than doubled. Restaurant rates too have skyrocketed because of huge demand.