January 14, Colombo (LNW): Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage anticipated the revitalisation efforts to attract two million tourists in 2024, pumping an estimated revenue of US$ 6 billion, the President’s Media Centre (PMC) said citing her comments during a briefing held at the Centre recently.
Addressing the briefing, Gamage shared optimistic predictions for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
She highlighted the current positive trajectory, emphasising a significant 106 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to the preceding year.
The Minister noted the success to effective measures implemented to promote tourism after a three-year downturn.
Gamage further expressed satisfaction with the tourism industry’s revival, with over 700,000 tourists visiting the country this year and more than 1.4 million in 2023, marking a noteworthy growth of 106 per cent compared to 2022.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Tourism is actively working on further tourism development initiatives to attract more visitors. The ambitious target for 2024 is set at 2 million tourists, with an expected revenue projection of US $6 billion.
Notwithstanding this positive outlook, the Ministry is addressing challenges such as reported ticket price increases at popular tourist attractions.
The Ministry is investigating these price hikes at the ministry level and denies responsibility for alleged arbitrary actions by some government agencies.
Minister Harin Fernando, actively engaged in promoting the tourism industry, is in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to promptly address issues affecting tourists. Efforts are underway to develop a relief programme for tourists facing challenges.
The Ministry is also planning special projects to enhance tourist convenience in cultural sites, waterfalls, Ella, Bandarawela, and other tourist areas across the country.
This phase signals a resurgence in the tourism industry, underscoring the commitment to its development and contributing to foreign exchange earnings for the country, the President’s Media Centre (PMC) further said.
