Tourist arrivals expected to incease by 500,000 this year

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is aiming to attract two million visitors this year, an increase of 500,000 from the previous target of 1.5 million, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priyantha Fernando told journalists on Monday.

The SLTDA amended the estimates due to a positive trend in the first quarter of the year, he said.

Fernando said Sri Lanka has already exceeded its target for March 2023, with over 112,991 tourists arriving in the first 28 days of the month, marking the first time since 2019 that Sri Lanka has welcomed over 100,000 tourists for three consecutive months.

SLTDA had earlier targeted 90,000 tourists for March 2023.

The country has welcomed over 323,185 tourists so far this year, he said.

It’s also expecting a boost in the arrival of Chinese tourists due to increased flights and promotional efforts in China, and is also considering adding direct flights from Israel, he said.

“In April, Sri Lankan tourism officials will start promotions in China, which will open the market even more,” Fernando said.