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Tourism Board Travel: Sri Lanka Is Safe, Minus The Terrorism

Securite Sans Frontieres, a French firm that analyzes national security in foreign countries, has green-lighted Sri Lanka as a tourist destination for foreigners. After evaluating tourism sites, hotel infrastructures, airports and other security issues over a period of 12 days, the agency gave the go-ahead. SSF Frederic Bauer president had this to say:

"The terrorist risk is not that greater in Sri Lanka than other countries visited by the French. In conclusion, the security situation for us is acceptable for tourism visits to Sri Lanka and I take responsibility for recommending the destination for French Tourists."

Does that mean non-French tourists still need to watch out? The Sri Lanka Tourism Board hired the private firm to conduct a security audit in attempt to lure back visitors. After peace talks in February 2006 led nowhere, the travel industry has attempted to counter an endless stream of stories about terrorism with reasons to visit the beautiful island country.

Since France gave the go-ahead, agencies in The Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom have all told their citizens it's OK to visit Sri Lanka. And they're just in time: The World Tourism Organization selected Sri Lanka as the host country for this year's World Tourism Day, on Setember 27. This year's theme is "Tourism opens doors for women." Also, a new travel campaign titled "Men don't get it" will be revealed on this occasion. Seriously. We're not sure what that has to do with travel, but we like the sound of it.

Related Stories:
· Sri Lanka Tourism Board [Official Site]
· Sri Lanka Hotels [HotelChatter]

[Photo: remibenali]