The operator will offer 12 Spirit of Sri Lanka departures next, up from four for 2019/20.

Its pledge comes just days after the Foreign Office (FCO) softened its travel advice following the Easter Sunday bombings, which claimed more than 250 lives.

APT said the move demonstrated its commitment to tourism in the country and would meet growing demand for travel to Sri Lanka.

“Introducing extra dates to our Sri Lanka programme made sense,” said APT managing director UK and Europe.

“The destination has been on many people’s bucket list for 2019 and we anticipate this trend is set to continue, despite recent events.

“With the recent change in the FCO’s advice, a commitment from suppliers in the region and with the safety and security that comes with an escorted tour, we are confident that many will continue to book holidays to this incredible country that has so much to offer.”

APT introduced its Sri Lanka escorted tours last year.

The 16-day luxury small-group tour is limited to 16 passengers after features travel from Negombo to Colombo via the tea country hills of Nuwara Eliya and Yala national park.