Tourist arrivals miss 200,000 mark in April

6 May 2024 04:05 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A tourist buying lotus flowers from a road side vendor in the vicinity of the Gangarama Temple in Colombo
Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Arrivals dip below 150,000

Sri Lanka tourism witnessed a drop in momentum in April with the number of international visitors falling below the 200,000 mark for the first time this year.
Tourist arrivals in April totalled 148, 867, provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed. Although this is a 41 percent increase from the corresponding month of the previous year, it is a significant drop from the 209,181 tourist arrivals recorded in the previous month (March).

Since December 2023, Sri Lanka has been successful in attracting over 200,000 tourists every month, which was also the first time the milestone was reached since the Covid pandemic outbreak.
The momentum was maintained for four straight months, but in April a contraction was witnessed. The dip is not unusual given that April is also the start of the dull period before a pickup in July.

However, while a contraction was expected, tourism authorities last week attributed the steep drop to other factors as well. One such is the new visa system that came into effect from 17 April that has created quite a stir since it was rolled out, as it is more expensive, and not as convenient as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that was previously in place.

Meanwhile, in the monthly tourist arrivals update, the SLTDA noted that the arrival numbers have been “updated” as per the new visa categories introduced by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
The update shows an increase in the arrival numbers.
When Mirror Business reached out to SLTDA for clarity, its Chairman Priantha Fernado said he will be able to share a more clear idea today after obtaining clarification from the immigration authorities.

“The source for us to obtain arrival data is Immigration. There seems to be some change that has been effected on the categorisation: Visiting Friends and Relatives, Business, MICE etc,” he said.
The top thee source markets for Sri Lanka tourism in April were India, Russian Federation, and the UK, which contributed 18 percent, 10 percent, and 9 percent of total tourist arrivals.

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Up to 30days free Visa’s Till Mess is Sorted Out Monday, 06 May 2024 07:07 AM

Provide complimentary visa’s for up to 30days till the mess is sorted out. Need mass tourist arrivals to sustain the expenses of tourism businesses. Most tourism enterprises don’t have much back up finances to support themselves in an event of a slowdown. End of the day, employment will be affected by these so called politicians who are supposed to make wise decisions for economic growth and people’s wellbeing. These incompetent politicians and officials need to be removed in the coming elections as this is another big blunder proven during their term in office.

Gabriella Monday, 06 May 2024 07:39 AM

Look at this vendors body language. It would appear that he is doing the tourist a favour by selling her the flowers. Unfortunately, this miserable attitude is all too prevalent within the tourist industry.

Kumara Monday, 06 May 2024 08:05 AM

TA should be held responsible for the losses. He should be sacked before government looses any more credibility. Another Keheliya nothing else.

Rasika Monday, 06 May 2024 08:07 AM

Thanks for great achivement of VFS together Tiran

Steve Monday, 06 May 2024 08:13 AM

President needs to appoint a Committee to look into this in the land of committees.

amaree Monday, 06 May 2024 08:15 AM

speak to the Public INsecurity Minister for destroying the Tourism Industry in connivance with India

Janaka Rathnagoda Monday, 06 May 2024 08:27 AM

People insert lotus flower from back side nowadays... dont buy

Harin “sleazy“ Fernando Monday, 06 May 2024 08:53 AM

To counter the shortfall we must raise visa fees to $500. We must hand visa services over to a different Indian company.

Nilmini Welivita Monday, 06 May 2024 08:58 AM

Since we are part of India according to the minister of tourism, why not let the Indian immigration handle the visa issuing?

P Kunchithapathan Monday, 06 May 2024 12:13 PM

The adage "too many cooks spoil the broth" seems apt here. The tourism sector was experiencing notable growth, yet the top government ministers couldn't resist meddling with their personal interests, resulting in casualties such as the revenue from online visa applications. The President seems to lack control over many of his ministers and associates. A plethora of comedic errors abound, to the detriment of the country's treasury. The same can be said for the relaxation of vehicle import regulations.

Ravana Monday, 06 May 2024 01:45 PM

The scorching heat is also contributing for tourists to avoid the tropical belt this year

Citizen k Monday, 06 May 2024 05:36 PM

Agree with Gabriella,when in Thailand the vendor will be on his feet to sell it to the customer.

Danny Monday, 06 May 2024 06:33 PM

That’s why the Indian company is at BIA!

Jeanne Tuesday, 07 May 2024 04:13 AM

Get used to it. This country is expensive, overrated and underwhelming. Now add to that the outrageous US$50 for a visitor Visa! Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippine islands are fast overtaking us as a favourite tourist destination.

Sambo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:18 AM

It will even be less in the future with the updated visa charges by a scrounging private company.

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Tourist arrivals miss 200,000 mark in April

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