Sri Lanka tourism recovery is showing resilience despite the challenges caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with roughly 75% of hotel operations functioning normally. The Sri Lanka tourism recovery effort focuses on restoring essential services, supporting SLTDA-registered establishments, and implementing measures to sustain arrivals and foreign exchange earnings. Industry leaders emphasize that the Sri Lanka tourism recovery remains a national priority for economic stability and growth.
Sri Lanka tourism recovery continues post-Cyclone Ditwah with key industry support
Sri Lanka tourism recovery continues to gain momentum following Cyclone Ditwah, with the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) reporting that most hotels remain operational. THASL President Asoka Hettigoda highlighted that establishments in Colombo, the South, deep South, and Pasikudah are functioning with minimal disruption, while access roads to Nuwara Eliya are being cleared for light vehicles.
Despite ongoing challenges in Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, including power outages, water shortages, and communication disruptions, Sri Lanka tourism recovery efforts are progressing. Hettigoda stressed that support should prioritise SLTDA-registered hotels contributing directly to government revenue, rather than offering blanket aid to unregistered operators. He also called for temporary vegetable imports and immediate implementation of a visa-free scheme for 47 countries to stabilize arrivals and foreign exchange inflows.
The government’s swift interventions have complemented the Sri Lanka tourism recovery, including free visa extensions for tourists whose visas expired and fee waivers for airlines handling cancellations or date changes. Hettigoda noted that wildlife parks in Yala, Kumana, and Wilpattu have begun reopening, while hotel bookings remain largely intact despite minor reservation cancellations.
Financial support is critical to accelerating the Sri Lanka tourism recovery. The THASL has requested assistance from the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims and from banks to extend financial facilities and repayment concessions. Additionally, a proposed Donor Conference for Tourism aims to mobilize funds for hotel restoration and infrastructure projects, such as rail upgrades and enhancements around the Nine Arches Bridge area. Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma pledged to convene follow-up discussions with banks and insurance companies to support the recovery process.
Sri Lanka tourism recovery is also reflected in the country’s visitor arrivals, which surpassed 2.1 million in the first 11 months of 2025. November recorded 212,906 tourists, marking the highest monthly arrivals since March 2025 and a 16% year-on-year increase. Daily tourist arrivals averaged 7,093, up from 6,139 the previous year. India remains the largest source market, followed by Russia and the UK, while Germany, Australia, China, France, Poland, the US, and Spain contributed significantly.
While the sector still faces challenges in reaching the revised 2025 target of 2.4 million visitors, industry analysts remain optimistic that strong performance in December, boosted by the winter travel season, will sustain Sri Lanka tourism recovery.