Saturday Nov 09, 2024
FT
Saturday Nov 09, 2024
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Tourism Minister Harin Fernando
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday said the industry has managed to rebound with earnings nearing $ 1.6 billion along with the boost in arrivals in 2023.
“During the first 10 months of the year, earnings have totalled $ 1.59 billion. It is a 56% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to the same period in 2022. October earnings stood at $ 136.70 million,” he told the Daily FT.
“We are confident that by the end of the year, tourism earnings will reach $ 2.5 billion,” he added.
Fernando said the tourism industry has not only weathered the storms but emerged more robust, contributing significantly to the economic revival.
In light of these encouraging numbers, the Minister said Sri Lanka Tourism has set an ambitious target of welcoming 2.5 million tourists and earning $ 4 billion in income.
The Minister currently attending the World Travel Mart (WTM) in London said the new tagline of Sri Lanka Tourism, “You’ll come back for more” was well received by the participants.
“Statistics show that 33% of tourists are repeat travellers and it augurs well in attracting high-spending repeat visitors,” he added.
He also lauded the Sri Lankan travel companies that garnered a lot of positive feedback for innovative products at the WTM.
“WTM is considered as a great platform to send a positive message to the world that Sri Lanka is safe and travellers could visit any part of the country to have a wonderful tourism experience of this Island nation,” he added.
With more international airlines and charter flights resuming operations now till March 2024, the Minister expressed hope for a busy winter season whilst promising activities filled December, to end the year on a high note.
