Tourist arrivals top 100,000 mark in first 23 days of July

Wednesday, 26 July 2023 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is experiencing a noteworthy resurgence as the country welcomed 104,664 tourists in the first 23 days of July, crossing the 100,000 mark for the first time in four years.

This milestone not only signals positive momentum for the industry but also surpasses last year’s full arrival target, with the year-to-date figure now reaching an impressive 729,538.

The daily average arrivals in July have also shown significant improvement, reaching 4,551 compared to 3,346 in June, indicating a growing off-peak demand and highlighting the industry’s resilience in the face of challenges.

India emerged as the top source market for tourist traffic during the first 23 days of July, with 17,909 visitors, accounting for 17% of the total arrivals.

The United Kingdom followed closely with 12,404 visitors (12%), China with 7,082 visitors (7%), Germany with 5,812 visitors (5%), and Russia with 5,419 visitors (5%).

Additionally, tourists from France, Maldives, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia also contributed to the increasing visitor numbers in June.

Looking at the year-to-date figures, India remains a strong contender as the leading source market for Sri Lanka, with an impressive cumulative number of arrivals reaching 134,102. Russia closely follows with 115,694 visitors, and the United Kingdom with 63,226 visitors.

Speaking to the Daily FT Tourism Minister Harin Fernando expressed his satisfaction with the sustained growth in tourist arrivals, attributing it to the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka Tourism and the private sector champions in attracting visitors from around the globe. “The successful endeavours have resulted in showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage, captivating the interest of travellers worldwide,” he added.

The resurgence of the tourism industry signifies a positive outlook for Sri Lanka’s economy, as the sector plays a pivotal role in generating revenue, creating employment opportunities, and promoting cultural exchange.