Online visa system has become very popular

The online visa system introduced by the Government has become very popular among the tourists visiting the country since it is time saving and avoids the hassle of visiting the Sri Lankan embassies overseas to obtain the visas.

The system introduced in January this year has brought in record revenue of Rs. 2 billion as of 13 December 2012. The estimated revenue from tourism by the end of this year would be US$ 1 billion.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena addressing a media conference held at his Ministry, Thursday.

The Deputy Minister said that the Government is ambitious of doubling the revenue through the online visa approval system by the end of next year as a result of increased online visa fees and surging tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. He said that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system which was introduced has become popular among many foreign nationals who arrive as tourists to Sri Lanka.

He said that the tourism authorities are optimistic that the industry will continue to record a steady growth in the coming months.

Participating in the media conference, the Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Rumi Jaufer said that Sri Lanka is no longer a cheap destination and the spending power of tourists visiting Sri Lanka including Indians has increased. Countering the claim that Indian tourists do not spend like other tourists, Jaufer said that Indian tourists stay for long periods and spend more than short time visitors.

Commenting on the Night Races, he said it also helps in promoting Sri Lanka, and Colombo hotels have already secured over 30% bookings for the event. He also disclosed that 3,500 new rooms were added in 2012 and this would increase by another 5,000 next year.