By: Staff Writer
December 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is celebrating a significant milestone in its tourism recovery, welcoming its 2-millionth visitor today. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is marking this achievement as the country experiences its strongest tourism season since 2018.
December has been a standout month, recording 161,383 tourist arrivals in just the first 22 days. A new daily record of 10,820 arrivals was set on 22 December, while daily numbers exceeded 10,600 from 20-22 December, pushing the average daily arrivals to 7,336.
This surge builds on impressive results in November, which saw 184,168 tourists—a 22% year-on-year increase. December arrivals are projected to reach 256,389, with year-to-date (YTD) figures already surpassing 1.96 million. Sri Lanka is on track to close 2024 with 2.1 million visitors and over $3 billion in tourism revenue.
Speaking at the National Tourism Awards 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam highlighted the industry’s resilience and growth. “We are ending 2024 on a high note, with hotel occupancy climbing to 80% and a vibrancy returning to the sector after nearly five years. The best years for Sri Lanka Tourism lie ahead,” he stated.
India has been the largest source market, contributing 35,131 tourists in December, or 22% of total arrivals. Russia followed with 22,637 visitors, while the UK ranked third with 12,822. Germany and Australia completed the top five with 9,998 and 8,646 arrivals, respectively. For the full year, India accounted for 399,224 visitors (20.3%), followed by Russia (189,299) and the UK (172,404).
Hewawasam emphasized that the ongoing winter season signals the beginning of a new era for Sri Lankan tourism. He announced a structured five-year plan aimed at elevating the sector through institutional reforms and innovative strategies. “Our vision is ambitious but attainable. Tourism’s contribution to the economy, now at 11%, could grow to 15%-20% with effective policies and collective dedication,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of stakeholders, Hewawasam called for continued collaboration to maintain the sector’s growth trajectory. He stressed the need to nurture a skilled workforce to meet the rising demand and create sustainable opportunities across the country.
“Tourism recovery is not just about numbers—it’s about transforming lives and fostering opportunities nationwide,” he noted. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing Colombo’s appeal as a hub for city hotels while promoting lesser-known destinations for balanced regional development.
As Sri Lanka closes in on a record-breaking year, the government and tourism authorities are determined to sustain this momentum. With robust growth, a resilient industry, and a clear roadmap, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is poised for a brighter and more sustainable future.
