SL banks on record leisure cruises with high-end tourists in 2023

•  SLTPB Director Marketing Dushan Wickramasuriya says already over 30 cruise lines called so far
•  Notes economic impact of leisure crude tourism is massive
•  Asserts Govt. has stepped up efforts to improve infrastructure facilities to cater to more cruise calls

With Sri Lanka expecting a greater proportion of high-end cruise travellers this year, it is anticipated that cruise calls would exceed the record-setting year of 2018.

“Analysing data so far, there is a high probability that leisure cruise calls to the country will surpass the 65 cruise calls made in 2018, as over 30 cruises have called in the country during the first five months,” Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Director Marketing Dushan Wickramasuriya told the Daily FT.

Noting that leisure cruise tourism offers several benefits to destinations, local economies, and travellers, he said it was a sector which was not tapped aggressively earlier due to insufficient connectivity and terminal facilities.

He also noted the economic impact of leisure crude tourism is massive with higher passenger numbers and value generation. “Leisure cruise passengers contribute to the local economy by spending money on various goods and services such as accommodations, dining, shopping, excursions, and transportation. 

This spending supports local businesses, generates employment opportunities, and stimulates economic growth in those areas,” he added.

However, ports that cater to cruise ships often require infrastructure development and improvement. “The Government has already stepped up efforts to build passenger terminals and building docking facilities and other amenities,” he asserted.

He also said discussions are underway to explore a mechanism to offer visas for Indian tourists.

The commencement of the first-ever dedicated luxury Indian cruise line, Cordelia, Sri Lanka Tourism is expecting a greater boost this year with 80,000 Indian visitors and an expected economic impact of $ 18 million over the next four months.