COLOMBO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will identify tourism development zones throughout the island which will concentrate on tourism related activities, a statement from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said here Thursday.

The SLTDA embarked on a mutual partnership with the the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to identify the zones which will be set up to avoid undesirable activities.

The zones are likely to be set up in places such as the central highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, the southeastern coast of Arugam Bay, the north western coast of Kalpitiya, the southern coastal towns of Beruwala, Hikkaduwa and Pinnawala, situated 90 kilometers away from capital Colombo.

These areas are popular tourist spots.

"Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the fast-emerging tourist destinations in the South Asian Region. The island's biodiversity, long lasted culture, historic monuments, exotic beaches, and evergreen environment can be identified as the key attractions for international tourists," the SLTDA said in the statement.

Last year, Sri Lanka received 2.3 million tourists while this year it is aiming to welcome 3 million tourists.