Sri Lanka has achieved a major tourism milestone, reaching over 1.6 million tourist arrivals by the end of October. With more than 117,000 visitors recorded in the first 27 days of the month, the tourism sector continues to rebound. However, industry experts note that the figure could have been higher if not for certain challenges,
The newly appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Buddika Hewawasam, convened a meeting with tourism associations at the SLITHM Auditorium yesterday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector and outlining several meaningful initiatives to achieve this goal. Hewawasam announced plans to establish
Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka crossed the 100,000 mark within the first 26 days of September, according to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). By September 25, the total number of international visitors stood at 99,955, with the milestone being reached last Thursday. The daily average of arrivals for September was
In 2023, total employment in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, including indirect jobs, grew by 11.24% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 429,641 employees, according to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Direct employment within the sector increased by 7.3% YoY, hitting an all-time high of 204,591 workers. Hotels and restaurants dominated, accounting for 80.9%
Sri Lanka recorded over 70,000 tourist arrivals in the first 17 days of September, according to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). From 1 to 17 September, a total of 70,678 international visitors entered the island, pushing the year-to-date arrivals to 1.43 million. However, the average daily arrivals have dropped to
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has generated over $2 billion in revenue during the first eight months of 2024, despite a shortfall in tourist arrivals, according to the latest data from the Central Bank. Tourism earnings between January and August reached $2.16 billion, representing a 66.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The earnings for the first eight months
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry faces significant challenges due to a fragmented tour guide sector, threatening the country’s ability to meet its target of attracting five million visitors by 2030. A recent study by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) found that 23% of the country’s 6,347 tour guides are operating without proper licenses, highlighting
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has attracted US$ 71.53 million in investment proposals up to August 16th this year, according to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). During this period, 43 investment proposals were submitted, aiming to add 773 rooms to the nation’s hotel stock. As of June 31st, SLTDA had
Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector, reaching a target of 1.2 million tourists by August 2024. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed 1,198,059 tourists during the first seven months of the year. July saw a record-breaking 187,810 arrivals, marking the highest monthly total in
Officials from Sri Lanka’s tourism industry recently confirmed that the sector is on a strong upward trajectory, with more than 1.16 million visitors arriving in the country so far this year. If current trends continue, Sri Lanka could surpass its benchmark year of 2018. Tourism Ministry Secretary Somarathne Vidanapathirana expressed optimism about the sector’s recovery,