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Last Updated : 2024-04-29 17:00:00
17 January 2024 09:03 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Pic by Nisal Badage
- Tourist arrivals cross 100,000 mark in just 15 days
- SLTDA Chief says along with tourist arrivals, revenue too has surged
- Industry stakeholders commend authorities for efforts
- Russian Federation emerged as the largest tourist traffic generator for Sri Lanka tourism for January so farTourist arrivals to Sri Lanka crossed the 100,000 milestone within the first 15 days in January, signaling a remarkable spike in global interest in the island nation.
As per the latest data revealed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) yesterday, the island nation has welcomed 101,362 international visitors. When compared with the corresponding period in 2023, tourist arrivals have surged by a staggering 114 percent Year-on-Year (YoY). For the whole of January 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 102, 545 tourists.
The weekly arrival average is about 46,000 whereas the daily arrival average is about 6,700.
“We from Sri Lanka Tourism are thrilled to see the numbers go higher since the last couple of years were challenging. “Not only is the tourism arrival numbers increasing, but increasing is also revenue. So this increase in performance has done a world of good for the industry,” SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando told Mirror Business.
Fernando attributed the increase in revenue to the reimposed Minimum Room Rate (MRR) for Colombo city hotels as it paved the way for properties across the country to up their prices. He shared that based on feedback from the hoteliers, December recorded the best-ever service charge month since the pandemic. Fernando went on to express confidence in 2024 recording the same.
The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President M. Shanthikumar noted that the performance is a “big achievement” given that the industry is still grappling with some challenges.
“We hope the momentum continues. While we commend the tourism development authorities for their efforts, we urge increasing promotional efforts, especially digital,” he said.
The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), while reflecting similar sentiments, shared that the winter season looks promising for Sri Lanka.
According to industry sources, hotels across the island are operating at about 75 percent occupancy, and bookings are looking “healthy” till March. For January so far, generating the highest tourist traffic is the Russian Federation, which accounts for 16 percent of the total arrivals. Ranking second is neighbouring giant India, bringing in 15 percent of the tourist arrivals in the first two weeks of January.
The United Kingdom ranks as the third largest source market for Sri Lanka tourism, accounting for 8 percent of the arrivals. Other key markets include Germany, China, France, and Australia.
K.S.S.Karunarathne Wednesday, 17 January 2024 09:43 AM
Nice to see this
Aswin Wednesday, 17 January 2024 09:50 AM
Well something really good is happening. So happy for the indirect beneficiaries of tourism who have suffered much post the Easter Sunday incident in 2019. Everyone who has played a role in this orcess needs to be congratulated and thanked.
Sokrates Wednesday, 17 January 2024 10:02 AM
The government has still not created a tourist-friendly environment in this country. If you compare the number of tourists coming to Sri Lanka with other countries, it is simply pathetic. Tourism is treated by the government like a cow that is only milked but not fed. The fact that mainly Russians and Indians come is because they expect not more. For Western tourists, the standard of tourism here is not sufficient and shockingly simple. Why is nothing being done against criminals and corrupt people in the tourism business? Why can't you get alcohol in every shop and guesthouse 24/365? Why does a Sri Lankan 5 star hotel only have a 3 star standard compared to international standards? Why are there no decent means of transportation? Why is it still dangerous for women traveling alone? In order to guarantee a long-term increase in tourism, the government still has to do a lot. The main factor why this is not happening at the moment is corruption, ignorance and incompetence.
KoffeeMoffie Wednesday, 17 January 2024 10:06 AM
This is good news for SL. Definitely a fresh injection of blood, which is so badly needed. SL is known for its kind hospitality, nature, and delicious food. But gouging tourists for money, charging a ridiculous price for a rice and curry, and inefficiency in the hotel sector needs to be sorted. Also, tourists don't want to see heaps of smelly rubbish being strewn everywhere by ignorant locals. These are things that will determine if they will return, or give a negative feedback.Tourists are well aware that SL is more expensive to visit than Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. So, if these issues can be improved through education or campaigns, there can be a very bright future for the SL tourism.
Rajiv De Silva Wednesday, 17 January 2024 10:26 AM
We are alway getting it wrong. Do we go after the number or tourist who will come and spend lavishly. I have come across heaps of tourist who normally spend much less than locals on a daily basis.
Smh Wednesday, 17 January 2024 11:57 PM
This is true. I've said it all along. Focusing on quantity over quality is a big mistake.
Leo Wednesday, 17 January 2024 10:48 AM
Aragala people please come and comment something negative.
Ross Wednesday, 17 January 2024 11:56 AM
Great results keep going good to see increase in tuarisam to provide local hotels restaurants other business for recovery process from the past...covid
Rip Winkle Wednesday, 17 January 2024 01:22 PM
The vast majority of 'tourists' in Sri Lanka are Indians and Chinese but the pictures of articles that boast of high tourist numbers show only westerners.
rani Wednesday, 17 January 2024 01:43 PM
Sri Lanka hotels are one of the most expensive in Asia. Govt has put a minimum price of 165 dollars plus plus for Colombo hotels. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia are lot cheaper. We increase our prices when other counties reduce to attract tourist.
Raven Wednesday, 17 January 2024 08:05 PM
The idea to raise prices was by Ranil while some Colombo hoteliers didn't like it. But it turns out that it's a good idea. On the contrary over-tourism will kill the industry.
Sameera Wednesday, 17 January 2024 03:13 PM
Big Thank to India... who always back Sri Lanka with a genuine attitude
V k verma Thursday, 18 January 2024 08:15 AM
We came to srilanka from India recently for holidays.It was really a mesmerizing effect.Beautiful people
Doubter Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:08 AM
Mesmerizing effect .... yeah ... on your wallet, no doubt!!!!
Sudda Thursday, 18 January 2024 08:57 AM
Now visa fee is USD 100!!
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