By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): In a significant leap towards recovery, Sri Lanka celebrated the arrival of over 1.1 million tourists, rekindling hopes of achieving the ambitious target of 1.55 million arrivals by the end of the year.
This remarkable milestone marks the highest number of visitors to the country since 2019, when Sri Lanka welcomed 1.9 million arrivals.
In first 25 days of October, Sri Lanka welcomed 87,926 tourists, propelling the cumulative arrivals over the 1.1 million mark.
Despite this commendable progress, industry experts are cautiously optimistic about reaching the ambitious monthly target of 147,789 arrivals, with just six days to go.
India, Russia, UK, Germany and China continue to lead the charts as the top five source markets for Sri Lanka in October so far.
The industry anticipates a bustling winter season, buoyed by the commencement of new charter flights operating into Colombo.
The Central Bank reveals that tourism earnings in the third quarter of 2023 were over $ 1.45 billion, reflecting a staggering 67% surge from the corresponding period of last year. September earnings stood at $ 152.2 million but witnessed a 28% dip from August. This dip is attributed to September falling short of its monthly arrivals target
Sri Lanka’s rich natural resources serve as a catalyst for both tourism and operational excellence in businesses.
With diverse wildlife reserves, stunning coastlines, and picturesque landscapes, the country attracts tourists from the UK, India, and Europe, creating opportunities for eco-tourism services and demand for accommodation, food, beverages, and unique offerings.
Additionally, Sri Lanka’s natural resources offer opportunities for investing in clean and cost-efficient renewable energy, such as solar power. Embracing renewable energy sources has already improved Coca-Cola’s operations, contributing to the local economy and global environmental preservation efforts.
Following the end of the ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka has experienced a significant infrastructure boom that has attracted investors worldwide.
Upgraded seaports, international airports, and better roads and highways have facilitated economic growth and made it more convenient for tourists and businesses to travel within the island. This improved infrastructure has made Sri Lanka an appealing destination for global brands looking to expand their operations in South Asia, with enhanced transportation networks making it easier to import and export goods.
