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 $2.16 billion, representing a 66.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The earnings for the first eight months
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry faces significant challenges due to a fragmented tour guide sector, threatening the country’s ability to meet its target of attracting five million visitors by 2030. A recent study by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) found that 23% of the country’s 6,347 tour guides are operating without proper licenses, highlighting
Sri Lanka is set to offer a two-week tourist visa at no cost to visitors from 38 selected countries, according to Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena. The new visa policy was approved by the Cabinet and is aimed at making travel easier, similar to Singapore’s visa-on-arrival system. “The Cabinet approved the immediate implementation of
Long queues were observed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today as travelers faced delays in obtaining on-arrival visas. The current situation arises because Sri Lanka has not yet reverted to the previous visa approval and issuing system, following the Supreme Court’s order to suspend the VFS-led system. This has led to extended wait times for
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector generated an impressive income of US$ 328.3 million in July 2024, a figure almost matching the country’s half-yearly tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This significant boost in tourism earnings, which more than doubled the June income of US$ 151.1 million, highlights the sector’s robust recovery following years of disruption
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 experienced a significant boost in tourist arrivals, with over 91,000 international visitors arriving in the first two weeks of August. This recent influx brings the year-to-date total closer to 1.3 million visitors. According to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the island welcomed 91,634 tourists from August 1 to
A new luxury ‘Airport Terminal Shuttle Service’ has been launched from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to the Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC) in Makumbura. The service was officially inaugurated by Transport and Highways Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe, addressing a longstanding issue for travelers at Sri Lanka’s main airport. Previously, foreign
Sri Lanka’s first-ever seven-star hotel project, Aviyana Private Chalets (Aviyana Ceylon), currently under development in the Udispattuwa area of Kandy, is now inviting investors to participate in its groundbreaking venture. With investments starting at Rs. 5 million, the project promises to significantly boost the country’s economy and tourism industry. To raise awareness about the Aviyana
Sri Lanka saw 26,889 tourists arrive in the first four days of August 2024, pushing the total visitor count for the year to 1,224,948. The recent India-Sri Lanka cricket series and the launch of IndiGo Airlines’ daily service from Chennai to Jaffna have contributed to this influx, particularly boosting Indian tourist numbers. India led the