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,
Sri Lanka has seen a significant boost in tourist arrivals, welcoming over 85,000 visitors in the first 14 days of July, bringing the total for 2024 close to 1.1 million. This surge is largely due to the Dawoodi Bohra International Convention held in Colombo, which concluded recently. From July 1 to 14, a total of
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) announced that the process to expand free visa facilities to over 60 countries is expected to be finalized by the end of this month. SLTDA Chairperson Priantha Fernando stated that the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have submitted a joint Cabinet paper for approval.