The Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) in collaboration with Sri Lankan Airlines will launch marketing promotions in Malaysia aimed at increasing more Malaysian arrivals to Sri Lanka, Daily News reported Wednesday.

The SLTB had already launched a campaign in Malaysia to attract more Malaysians to travel in Sri Lanka, the SLTB's Assistant Director of Marketing Madubhani Perera was quoted as saying.

Malaysian tourist arrivals have recorded a 68 percent increase for the first half of this year, showing a growth of 6,792 advents. This is a remarkable growth when compared to the first half of last year, Perera said.

Most Malaysians are keen on visiting Sri Lanka to see heritage sites and diversified natural attractions, she added.

In order to promote Sri Lanka travel and tourism, the SLTB will also participate in the China International Travel Mart from Nov. 25 to 27 at Kunming in China. Over 15 selected Sri Lankan companies are expected to participate.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2005)