Arrivals top 25,000 in first four days of Dec. signalling resilience against adverse weather

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, recording approximately 25,000 tourist arrivals during the first four days of December. 
This figure represents a slight increase compared to the same period last year, where official data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows the country welcomed 23,958 visitors from December 1st to 4th, 2024. The growth, despite severe weather warnings and localised travel disruptions, signals strong underlying demand and effective crisis management by industry stakeholders.
SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam expressed optimism regarding the sector’s trajectory, noting that the immediate bounce-back in numbers validates the confidence international travellers have in the destination. 
He highlighted that if the current momentum continues, the country remains on track to surpass the benchmark set in December 2018, which saw 253,169 arrivals - the highest December figure on record. 
Last year, December arrivals reached 248,592, falling just short of the 2018 peak, but authorities are hopeful that the current winter season will bridge that gap.
Bolstering this confidence is the resumption of high-profile operations, including the arrival of the TUI cruise ship carrying 2,800 passengers, which docked despite the challenging weather conditions earlier in the week. 
Additionally, daily charter flights from Russia continue to land at Mattala and Katunayake, ensuring a steady influx of visitors from one of Sri Lanka’s top source markets. The Chairman noted that these large-scale movements are critical in maintaining the daily arrival averages required to meet the monthly targets.
Echoing these positive sentiments, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Nalin Jayasundera confirmed that the formal sector is seeing a stabilisation in forward bookings. 
He noted that while there were initial concerns, new reservations are now outnumbering cancellations, a clear indication that the global market has accepted the message that Sri Lanka is open and safe for travel. Industry stakeholders remain focused on maintaining this momentum through the peak holiday season to ensure the economic benefits of tourism continue to flow into the national economy. 
(NF)