Galle Literary Festival, key driver of economic growth and cultural tourism
Daily FT: Galle Literary Festival (GLF), Gourmet Galle, and the Art Trail stand as vibrant showcases of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, playing a vital role in elevating its tourism industry and economic prospects. Together, these festivals not only celebrate the country’s rich heritage but also position Sri Lanka as a premier destination for cultural tourism on the global stage.
The economic impact of these events is considerable. In 2024 alone, the festival generated a combined economic contribution exceeding Rs. 713 million, with a significant portion coming from high-spending visitors who contribute to local businesses across accommodation, dining, and transport. GLF stood out, contributing Rs. 525 million, with additional spending from casual visitors adding Rs. 150 million.
Gourmet Galle and Art Trail contributed Rs. 19 million and Rs. 92.4 million, respectively. These festivals not only boost tourism but also benefit local businesses and communities by generating significant financial returns.
A defining feature of GLF’s success is its ability to attract a diverse range of travellers, from high-spending tourists to those who opt for longer stays. International visitors spend an average of $ 450 per day and typically stay for three to four days, making a substantial contribution to the festival’s economic footprint compared to the average daily backpacker spend of $ 35. Domestic and casual attendees also make a significant impact, spending an average of $ 175 per day.
Hirdaramani Group Director Rakhil Hirdaramani emphasised the vital role of such events in attracting tourists and boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. “Sri Lanka needs to focus on attracting high-spending tourists, as this is essential for the country’s tourism growth. Events like the Galle Literary Festival and Kala play a key role in this effort, enhancing our appeal and supporting the nation’s tourism industry. “Therefore, we must prioritise such experiences and curate unique offerings to engage a wider international audience and deepen their connection to Sri Lanka.”
The festivals align with the Government’s tourism goals. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam explained the strategic importance of festivals in achieving specific tourism growth targets. “This year, our goal is to double the number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on attracting luxury travellers. To meet this objective, we must continue to expand our infrastructure, including hotels and a range of accommodation options. A dynamic calendar of festivals and events will be pivotal in driving this growth and enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a premium destination.”
Galle Festivals Director Damita Nikapota shared the impact of the event: “Festivals like the Galle Literary Festival have the potential to elevate Sri Lanka as a prestigious location for international events. The success of Cannes and Hay Festival demonstrates how a small town can transform into a globally recognised destination through its festivals, drawing millions of visitors annually and generating substantial revenue for the local economy. By hosting world-class events, Cannes has not only enhanced its international profile but also fostered significant investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural programming. Similarly, we can also create a unique international identity for Sri Lanka!”
Moreover, the festivals drive infrastructure development, attracting skilled expatriates and international expertise. Investing in state-of-the-art venues and facilities will solidify Sri Lanka’s reputation as a cultural hub. Expanding the reach through international collaborations and leveraging global digital platforms can amplify the overall impact of festivals of this nature.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have been engaged in expanding the tourism concepts that are being promoted alongside the promotional campaigns carried out in many tourist source markets overseas. The local tourism industry is on a steady growth path while also becoming a key revenue generator to the country. Cultural tourism is fast becoming a concept that attracts foreign travellers to the country. Tourism authorities and stakeholders are engaged in exploring more ventures to promote the concept of cultural tourism. However, the ongoing expansion witnessed by Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has also resulted in the expansion of business/investment opportunities in the industry. These opportunities range from the development of infrastructure and supplementary infrastructure facilities required by the tourism industry to meet the increasing demand, especially with regard to the many tourism concepts being promoted. There are many business/investment opportunities in providing expertise and technical knowhow to develop and promote new tourism concepts as well. There are also business/investment opportunities emerging in several sectors related to the tourism industry like the leisure and hospitality sectors. The interest shown by many international leisure and hospitality brands to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka is indicative of the increasing business potential in the sector. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and related sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250128/Z_2 |