Sri Lanka reaches annual target with Polish tourist

Dec 18, 2012 (LBO) - Sri Lanka has reached an annual target of 950,000 for 2012 with the arrival of Agata Dziekn from Poland on December 18, the state tourism promotion office said. In November 2012 arrivals rose 20 percent from a year earlier to 109,202, the tourism office said.

Dziekn, a graphic designer was welcomed by top tourist officials. She and her partner will get to travel to Sri Lanka free next year.

"After seeing the beauty of Sri Lanka via internet I decided to visit here to spend the holiday," she was quoted as saying in a statement.

I’m very happy to be the 950,000th tourist to visit Sri Lanka this year. I am really surprised by your warm welcome and the gifts.

"Next year, I am planning to visit again to spend a magnificent holiday with my friends. Things like this really do help in promoting tourism in a country."