Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals on the rise with increase in Indian visitors
Tourism authorities in Sri Lanka have recorded an increase in tourist arrivals to the country to an average 4,000 a day in the second week of July from 3,200 arrivals a day a week earlier.
Authorities have also noted an increase in visitors from India.
“There’s a significant increase in arrivals now, and we are averaging about 4,000 arrivals per day,” Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes has told EconomyNext.
Tourist arrivals dropped 71 percent in May 2019 in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks in April.
However, tourist arrivals had then recovered to 2,102 arrivals a day in June, which was a 57 percent fall.
According to Gomes, tourists from neighbouring India have contributed most towards the growth seen in the second week of July.
In June, the highest number of tourists (15,048) had reportedly arrived from India, which has traditionally been Sri Lanka’s largest tourism market.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is expecting more Indian visitors following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Sri Lanka in June, the launch of budget promotional packages and Air India’s announcement on the recommencement of third daily flight to Colombo from this month.
The SLTPB Chairman had earlier been reported as saying that a festival in August, which will include participation of Bollywood actors and Indian cricket stars, would further boost arrivals.
OSL take:
Indian tourists have been dominating Sri Lanka’s list of tourist arrivals. Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have commenced promotional campaigns in India as well. Besides the recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the resumption of flights to Colombo by Air India, have further boosted the interest of Indian travellers to visit Sri Lanka. Both India and Sri Lanka share a historical bond therefore Indian businesses/investors could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, especially in the tourism sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/24072019/Z_7 |