Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is forecasting a significant increase in tourist arrivals following the recent elections. The tourism authority expressed optimism that the political stability brought by the elections would lead to a surge in international visitors.
Industry experts, however, are urging the government to prioritize the reintroduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to further boost the sector. The ETA system, which simplifies the visa process for international travelers, was paused during the height of the economic crisis, causing a slowdown in tourist applications.
“The revival of the ETA system is crucial for a seamless travel experience, especially as we aim to attract more visitors post-election,” a spokesperson from the tourism sector said. The tourism industry is hopeful that with political stability, measures like the ETA will be reinstated to facilitate growth.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which is a major contributor to the national economy, is banking on post-election stability to reclaim its pre-crisis momentum. The government’s focus on rebuilding the economy aligns with the tourism sector’s goals, with plans to further improve infrastructure and streamline processes for international visitors.
The industry is also focusing on enhancing safety, hospitality, and the overall travel experience to position Sri Lanka as a top destination in the coming months.