Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming its one millionth tourist arrival for 2024. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), in collaboration with Airport Aviation Services and Sri Lankan Airlines, celebrated this achievement on Saturday, June 29, 2024, by greeting Paul and Patricia Roe from Ireland. The couple, who traveled to Sri
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry shows positive signs in early June: Challenges Remain: Overall 2024 Target: Additional Notes: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has shown some positive signs in early June. However, it remains to be seen if they can consistently meet their monthly targets and achieve their overall goals for 2024.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on a tear! The first five months of 2024 saw a remarkable 87% surge in earnings compared to the same period last year, reaching a staggering $1.4 billion. This is particularly impressive considering it took almost nine months to achieve a similar milestone in 2023. This robust performance highlights not
Sri Lanka Tourism made a splash at the recent Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2024) in southern China, a premier event for travel industry professionals. Not only did Sri Lanka showcase its offerings to potential partners, but it also secured the prestigious title of “Most Popular Cultural Tourism Destination.” This recognition highlights Sri Lanka’s successful
After weeks of frustration and delays, a crucial meeting addressing the visa issuance controversy finally took place on Tuesday, June 4th, at the Parliament premises. The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, met with officials from the Public Security Ministry and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. These officials
Sri Lanka is rolling out the welcome mat for tourists! The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that free visa entry for citizens of seven countries has been extended indefinitely. This decision, communicated through a circular issued on May 30th by Immigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya, applies to travelers from India, Indonesia, China, Russia,
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry reached another milestone in May, surpassing the 100,000 mark in arrivals with a total of 108,665 visitors. However, this figure marks the second consecutive month with arrivals falling below the 200,000 mark previously sustained for half a year. This slight dip is attributed to the end of the European winter season,
The Maldives has overtaken the United Kingdom as the second-largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka in May, despite an ongoing controversy surrounding a new visa system implemented by Sri Lanka. This development comes amid concerns that a bilateral visa exemption agreement between the two countries may have been violated. The controversy centers around VFS
Great news for property investors! Sri Lanka has relaunched its “Investor Visa” program, specifically designed to attract foreign investment in the condominium market. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, aims to revitalize the real estate sector and make investing in Sri Lanka easier than ever. Here’s what you need to know:
Colombo’s hospitality scene is set for a refresh as Softlogic Holdings announces the rebranding of its city hotel. Effective June 1st, the property will operate under the renowned NH Collection brand, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Minor International (Minor Hotels). This move signifies a vote of confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism potential, particularly in the bustling