Friday, July 5, 2024 Sri Lanka is setting its sights on a significant milestone in 2024 by aiming to attract 2.5 million tourists. This ambitious target is a testament to the country’s resilient tourism sector and its commitment to becoming a top travel destination.
Following the global challenges faced in recent years, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been steadily recovering, showing promising signs of resurgence. India continues to be the leading source market for Sri Lanka, contributing 18% of total tourist arrivals. To boost these numbers, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) have organized a series of roadshows in Indian cities such as Indore, Vadodara, and Surat.
These events, supported by the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai, SriLankan Airlines, and various tour associations, aim to highlight Sri Lanka as a year-round destination. In 2023, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector surpassed $2 billion in earnings. For 2024, the country has already generated $1.
25 billion in the first four months. Harin Fernando, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs , expressed optimism about achieving the 2.5 million tourist goal, citing the global marketing campaign “You’ll Come Back for More” and participation in major international events as key strategies.
SriLankan Airlines plays a crucial role in this growth strategy. The airline’s CEO, Richard Nuttall, highlighted the performance of Indian rout.