Sri Lanka’s appeal as tourist hotspot grows stronger

4 March 2024 05:05 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Pic by Nisal Baduge

200,000 mark crossed for the third consecutive month
February tourist arrival growth expands 102.8% YoY
However, lower scenario and upper scenario expectations set by SLTDA missed
Russian Federation, India, and UK rank as the top three tourist traffic generators

Tourist arrivals to the island nation surpassed the 200,000 mark for the third consecutive month this February, affirming Sri Lanka is regaining its position as a sought-after destination among its key source markets.
Provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that in February, the island nation welcomed 218, 350 international visitors. When compared with the corresponding period in 2023, the tourist arrival rate has expanded 102.8 percent Year-on-Year (YoY).
Accordingly, for the 1 January to 29 February, cumulative tourist arrivals stand at 426, 603.

In December 2023 Sri Lanka welcomed 210, 352 visitors, whereas in January it welcomed 208, 253 visitors.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando took to X, formerly Twitter, stating that Sri Lanka tourism has had an “amazing two months” in 2024.
However, the target set for February was missed. The arrival numbers fell short of both, the lower scenario expectation of 220,091, and the upper scenario of 238, 614.

The weekly arrival average for the month surged to 54,500, whereas the daily arrival average was about 7,500. Further on 24 February, tourist arrivals crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The largest tourist traffic generator for Sri Lanka in February was the Russian Federation, which accounted for 15 percent of the total tourist arrivals. Ranking second is India, bringing in 14 percent of the total tourist arrivals, and the United Kingdom accounting for 9 percent of the total arrivals.

Other key source markets include Germany, China, France, Poland, Australia, and the United States.
While the tourism industry is keen to increase tourist arrivals, concerns have been raised in a section of tourists arriving in the country engaging in business, within the tourism trade itself mostly, which is a major issue for stakeholders, especially SMEs.

Stakeholders place on record that this has been since as early as 2022, and the trend is increasing. Authorities continue to turn a blind eye to the emergence of such businesses posing challenges to Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a destination for high-spending tourists.
With these tourist-run businesses operating without registration, they are not liable for any charges, fees, taxes, and so on, which provides them the room an opportunity to offer products and services at much lower rates.

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Suhada malli Monday, 04 March 2024 12:06 PM

More than the numbers, now pay attention to the experience. Do they have to rustify at the airport for a taxi. Using the sinhala and tamil media, educate the population the be nice to foreigners, smile, help, we need to create a unique brand which other countries cannot offer.

Percy Monday, 04 March 2024 12:53 PM

The loud Russians are off putting many other tourists. Authorities must check up on foreign own businesses whether they follow protocol or change the law to accommodate them. Can't have half and half!

NV Jen Monday, 04 March 2024 02:47 PM

How many of them, based on their experience would actually come back or even recommend others to visit Sri Lanka? Also how many are the high spending tourists out of this number? Real success of the story lies in these factors only.

Eilish Monday, 04 March 2024 02:51 PM

We have stopped coming to Sri Lanka mainly because of the boorish behaviour of Russians. They are often drunk and aggressive. They have no interest in culture just alcohol, smoking(not just cigarettes).

Kumar Soysa Monday, 04 March 2024 07:20 PM

How does this translate into actual value in cash? With many tourists buying and running their business here, what profit is there for the people?!

Sam Monday, 04 March 2024 09:42 PM

It's good that tourist numbers are going hight. It's time to look into the mafia that operates such as Tuk Tuk mafia in Galle. They think they are the only people should transport the tourists and no opportunity for competition. They rip off tourists and already lots of youtube vlogers are report against them. They basle tourists too. Authorities need to look into these and educate them fir fare opportunity for everyone. They talk about tourists doing business but these mafia does the same thing as tourists. Only difference is they are local thugs.

Tissa Fernando Monday, 04 March 2024 11:35 PM

Are they all tourists or those looking to make few bucks here.

KumaraT Tuesday, 05 March 2024 12:35 AM

The new trend by some establishments to give preference to high spending Indian tourists and barring even local citizens should be checked by authorities. This is going to be counter productive in years to come.

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Sri Lanka’s appeal as tourist hotspot grows stronger

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