Six cruise ships with total combined capacity of 11,200 passengers arrived in Sri Lanka in first three months of 2019
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) has reportedly stated that six cruise ships with a total combined capacity of 11,200 passengers had arrived in Sri Lanka within the first three months of this year.
The latest of these arrivals was when 3,100 tourists from Europe, Australia and Thailand arrived aboard two luxury cruise liners during the last two weeks, The Sunday Morning has reported.
SLTPB has stated that these arrivals reflect increased interest in Sri Lanka since the launch of a new brand identity, So Sri Lanka, that amplifies Sri Lanka’s natural offering, wellness tourism and lesser known attractions,
Officers from the SLTPB had welcomed the 3,000 visitors upon arrival and provided the necessary information needed during their short stay.
Luxury Cruise Liner Sapphire Princess which embarked from Singapore on March 10th had docked at the Colombo Port on March 15th. The ship had departed from Phuket, Thailand prior to its arrival here.
There were 2,500 passengers on board who toured the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage, the southern coast, Dalada Maligawa, Colombo city tours, Kandy and lesser known attractions.
The cruise will end its journey at Southampton, England on April 13th completing 37 nights touring many countries.
The Pacific Princess, which is part of the Princess Cruise line embarked its journey from Fort Lauderdale in Florida on January 5th and arrived from Phuket, Thailand to Sri Lanka on March 13th. The cruise liner which will make its way to Male in Maldives is ferrying passengers from European nations, Thailand and Australia.
There were 600 passengers onboard who were impressed with the destination offering including special emphasis on spiritual and wellness tourism.
OSL take:
The continuous growth in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has resulted in the increase of cruise liners calling at the country’s Colombo Port. The Sri Lankan government has also paid attention to developing the country’s maritime sector, especially the ports sector. Therefore, cruise ships calling at the Colombo Port are expected to further increase in the next few months given the expansion in Sri Lanka’s image as a tourist destination. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/04042019/Z_1 |