Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is poised to achieve significant milestones in 2024, with Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), B.H.R. Sariffodeen, projecting a ‘historic double’ in terms of revenue and tourist arrivals. With an ambitious target of around two million arrivals, Sariffodeen anticipates surpassing the 2.3 million mark, attributing the growth to strong numbers in July and the upcoming winter season. Despite anticipated low seasons in April, May, June, and October, other months, including August for the Kandy pageant, are expected to see high arrivals.
As of May 5th, Sri Lanka has already welcomed 806,698 tourists, with India and Russia leading the top markets. Revenue has reached USD 1.5 billion by the end of April 2024, with hopes of reaching USD 5 billion by the year’s end, positioning tourism as the second-highest forex generator for Sri Lanka. While recent concerns over the visa-on-arrival issue were acknowledged, Sariffodeen assures that its revocation and effective management by the marketing team have mitigated any negative impact.
Highlighting tourism’s crucial role in the nation’s economy, Director General of SLTDA, Upali Ratnayake, emphasizes the importance of enhancing visitor facilities and services. Increased utilization of train services by travelers, particularly to destinations in the Upcountry and down south, has presented both opportunities and challenges, with efforts from the Tourist Police to ensure safety and address incidents such as thefts. Commending the swift action of the Tourist Police in resolving issues, including the recovery of lost items, demonstrates their proactive approach to safeguarding tourists’ interests. Additionally, SLAITO extends gratitude to Tourism Minister Harin Fernando for his intervention in reintroducing the old 30-day visa system, addressing concerns raised by industry stakeholders and ensuring a smoother experience for tourists.