By: Staff Writer
February 13, Colombo (LNW): In a promising sign for Sri Lanka’s economy, tourism earnings soared to a pre-pandemic peak of US$ 341.8 million in January 2024 tourism ministry announced. .
This resurgence indicates a significant recovery for the industry, which faced a prolonged downturn since the onset of the pandemic four years ago.
This milestone marks the first time since February 2020, when earnings reached US$ 391.1 million.
The industry was then rebounding from the aftermath of the 2019 Easter attacks and bracing itself just weeks before the country reported its first locally transmitted Covid-19 case, triggering nationwide lockdowns.
In the recent past, Sri Lanka experienced a surge in arrivals, grabbing daily headlines and signaling a promising outlook for the tourism industry in 2024.
This expansion, potentially leading to the highest number of arrivals and trade earnings since the record highs of 2018, is a notable development.
Thai Airways resumes direct flights to Colombo with MAC Holdings as sales agent.
Expanding its subcontinent profile, Thailand’s national carrier Thai Airways has announced resumption of direct flights to Colombo, connecting the Far-east and Southwest Pacific towards Sri Lanka.
Thai Airways International has also signed the General Sales Agency (GSA) Agreement with MAC Holdings Ltd. MAC to be the Airline’s forefront as their General Sales Agent within the region for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Thailand as a famous leisure destination in the region with Bangkok its capital city is well known for night life, excellent cuisine and an oasis of history and culture. Bangkok being a vital hub is not only popular for tourism but also for religious, economic and trade activities.
The operation of Thai Airways marks its re-entry to the Sri Lankan market after three years of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and brief 20-day operation, due to the Sri Lankan economic issue during May last year and the lack of fuel.
Nevertheless, throughout the pandemic Thai Airways continued to play a pivotal role in maintaining essential air cargo services with P2C charter flights to Sri Lanka.
