Sri Lanka wants to attract 2 million international travelers in 2023. One of its main markets is neighboring India, which now holds the top spot. In the first three months of 2023 alone, Sri Lanka welcomed 46,432 Indian tourists. Last month, as part of its ongoing cultural and bilateral ties with its Indian counterparts, Sri Lanka Tourism organized a series of Road Shows in key cities of South India.
The series of road shows was conducted with the objective of promoting the serene island nation’s tourism destinations and products. The first road show was held in Chennai on April 24, followed by Cochin on April 26 and concluded in Bangalore on April 28.
Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant increase in tourist arrivals.
Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism
Led by Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, a delegation of over 30 Sri Lankan travel agencies and hotels participated in this event. “Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from India, which has now secured the top spot,” said Harin Fernando. In the first quarter of 2023, tourism earnings reached approximately US$530 million, compared to US$482.3 million during the same period in 2022. The country’s aims to generate a total of US$3 billion in tourism revenue by the end of this year.
Mr. Harin Fernando underlined that the Indian outbound market has been instrumental in driving tourism to Sri Lanka. He extolled the country’s diverse range of attractions and offerings, including wellness and yoga, beaches, shopping, cuisine, adventure and wildlife, in addition to its extensive heritage dating back 2500 years. “The Ramayana circuit, a religious travel initiative, is a strong draw for the Indian market,” he said. “This is an excellent time to experience the wonderful hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.”
With nearly 1600 km of palm-fringed coastline baked to perfection surrounding the country, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach lovers worldwide. The panoramic views of the western, southern, eastern, and northern coastlines are yet another proof of why many visitors choose Sri Lanka as a holiday destination.
The Minister of Tourism met with several high profile business leaders, investors, tourism stakeholders and companies while participating in several interviews with India’s leading media. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, along with hotels, resorts, destination management companies, and event management companies, is focused on building relationships with travel-trade partners in India.
