Sri Lanka welcomes over 2,000 tourists aboard Mein Schiff 06

Describing it as a “powerful symbol of resilience and recovery,” the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) today welcomed more than 2,000 international passengers aboard the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 06.

“This marks the first major tourist movement since last week’s natural disaster, sending a clear message to the world: Sri Lanka is safe, open, and ready to embrace visitors once again,” the SLTDA said in a statement.

Of the 2,300 passengers on board—predominantly German nationals—more than 1,600 ventured out on one-day and half-day excursions across the island, the SLTDA added.

The Mein Schiff, operated by TUI Cruises, is sailing from Cape Town to Singapore and will continue its journey to Hambantota Port for a one-day excursion, giving passengers the opportunity to explore more of Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions.

Welcoming the tourists, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said that, contrary to claims, the number of tourist arrivals has not significantly declined.

“We are happy that over 2,000 German tourists have arrived in the country on this cruise. There were concerns that tourism would drop in the current circumstances, but that has not happened, and tourists are arriving on the island as usual,” the Minister said.

“Even if there is a drop in tourists in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, in all other areas we are still seeing arrivals,” Herath added.