Tourist arrivals surpass 100,000 mark for third consecutive month 

In a promising testament to the recovery of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, the country has welcomed over 100,000 tourists within the first 21 days of August. This milestone marks the third consecutive month where tourist arrivals have crossed the 100,000 mark, solidifying the positive trend and reflecting the growing confidence in the nation’s tourism offerings.

The cumulative arrivals for the year have surged to over 870,000 so far, underscoring the gradual revival of the tourism industry after a period of uncertainty.

The recent surge in arrivals can be attributed to a diverse range of factors, including allure of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural, natural, and historical attractions as well as the boosted air connectivity from top source markets ahead of the peak season.

Leading the influx of tourists were visitors from India, the UK, China, Germany, and France, respectively. This influx reflects the global appeal of Sri Lanka’s attractions and its ability to captivate travellers from different corners of the world.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando said that high occupancy rates are being witnessed across the island, with specific hotspots experiencing notable increases in visitors. Notably, the city of Kandy is currently experiencing high occupancy due to the ongoing Esala Perahera, a vibrant cultural procession that serves as a captivating draw for globetrotters seeking to immerse themselves in the nation’s cultural heritage.

He also said that SLTDA is actively responding to the growing demand by exploring avenues to accommodate the rising numbers of tourists. He noted that an advertisement is set to run shortly, inviting temporary registrations for home stay accommodations during early September.

This proactive approach aims to cater to the anticipated influx of visitors ahead of significant events, including the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament and the upcoming winter season.