Half a million USD tourism revenue at risk due to war in Middle East

The country is experiencing a 2500-3000 drop in arrivals on a daily basis due to the conflict. 

 In the midst of escalating conflict in the Gulf, Sri Lanka’s daily tourism revenue at risk

By Kelum Bandara

In the midst of escalating conflict in the Gulf, Sri Lanka’s daily tourism revenue at risk has been estimated at half a million US dollars, according to a top official from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.   

Besides, the official said the country is experiencing a 2500-3000 drop in arrivals on a daily basis due to the conflict. 

 The country has seen this trend since the beginning of the conflict.   

According to official data, during the first eight days of March, Sri Lanka received 47,646 visitors, about a 30 percent decline compared to the same period in 2025.  

The closure of the airspaces in the Middle East has impacted the aviation industry. 

 Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, also shifted to an alternative route through Afghanistan and Azerbaijan for its European destinations after the closure of Middle Eastern airspace.   

 In 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector achieved a milestone with record-breaking arrivals of over 2.36 million tourists, generating approximately USD 3.2 billion in revenue. 

While arrivals grew by 15.1% compared to 2024, earnings rose only 1.6% due to lower per-tourist spending.