China keen to send 1mn tourists to Sri Lanka

By Kelum Bandara
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is reported to have brought to the notice of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa the importance of attracting one million of China’s total 170 million outbound tourists to Sri Lanka, to develop the sector.

According to informed sources, the two sides discussed the need to improve air connectivity between the two countries, for tourist arrivals.

The Chinese side promised to promote Sri Lanka tourism in China. 

Currently, Sri Lanka attracts only 300,000 Chinese tourists for a year. Also, China is the second largest source market for tourism in Sri Lanka, next to India.