Sri Lanka welcomes over 100,000 tourists in May

Saturday, 1 June 2024 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Industry on verge of crossing 900,000 tourists YTD milestone
Draws 102,669 tourists in first 28 days of May, pushing YTD to 887,320 visitors
Daily average up year-on-year from 2,687 to 3,667
SLTDA Chief Priantha Fernando expresses confidence on crossing 900,000 milestone in May
May fell short of achieving monthly target of 131,112 arrivals
India, Maldives and UK emerges top source markets

Sri Lanka welcomed over 100,000 visitors in May, with year-to-date (YTD) arrivals at the verge of exceeding the 900,000 milestone.

During the first 28 days, the country received a total of 102,669 tourists, pushing the cumulative number to 887,320.

With a daily average of 3,667 arrivals, industry analysts projected that the month could end with around 898,321 visitors or potentially surpass the 900,000 mark due to a surge in arrivals by air and sea. In May 2023, the daily average of arrivals was at 2,687.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando on Wednesday, expressed confidence that the country would exceed the 900,000 arrivals milestone by the end of May.

Although May 2024 saw an increase from 83,309 visitors in May 2023, the numbers still fell short of the monthly target of 131,112 and the 2018 benchmark figure of 129,446.

India emerged as the top tourist source market in May, contributing 29,176 visitors during the first 28 days, while the Maldives and the UK followed with 7,762 and 7,440 travellers, respectively. Additionally, tourists were also welcomed from Germany, China, Australia, Russia, France, the US and Canada.

Year-to-date (YTD), India remains the largest source market with 152,759 tourists, accounting for 17% of total arrivals. Russia with 110,348 and the UK 79,432 visitors follow as significant contributors to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

For 2024, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to draw 2.3 million tourists and generate an income of over $ 4 billion.

During the first four months of 2024, earnings from tourism rose by 92% to over $ 1.25 billion. The strong performance highlights the resilience and appeal of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.