Sri Lanka plans advanced tourism data collection system for enhanced industry insight

• Tourism Minister Harin Fernando confirms Cabinet paper outlining initiative is underway
• Opines lack of data collection system often contributes to inaccurate information, decisions

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando recently announced plans to introduce a new data collection system within the year. 

“The Ministry is now in the process of drafting a Cabinet paper in this regard. Hopefully, it will be submitted for approval in the next two months,” he told journalists.

Minister Fernando pointed out that the lack of a robust data collection system is a significant concern. 

“At present, data on arrivals and earnings relies heavily on information gathered by the Immigration and Emigration Department. The reported numbers are likely lower than the actual earnings last year,” the Minister said, citing an example of the industry’s 2023 earnings, which he believes surpass the reported $ 2.08 billion, possibly reaching over $ 4.5 billion.

He explained that the absence of accounting for various spending methods, such as credit card transactions and cash carried by tourists, contributes to the data inaccuracy. 

“The introduction of an advanced data collection system will contribute to building a competitive tourism destination, offering a more accurate depiction of the industry’s economic impact and aiding in strategic decision-making for future growth,” he pointed out. 

Minister Fernando recalled a previous effort in 2019 when the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Tourism Data Exchange Centre as part of Sri Lanka’s Digital Economic Strategy for 2018-2025. 

He also said the upcoming initiative aligns with the ongoing commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure and ensuring a more precise understanding of the tourism sector’s dynamics.