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Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando
By Charumini de Silva
Sri Lanka has welcomed over 274,000 tourists so far this year despite the challenges emanating from the global COVID pandemic as well as multiple economic challenges internally.
As per provisional data released by the Tourism Ministry yesterday, Sri Lanka has received 95,377 tourists, whilst pushing the cumulative figure to 274,211 as of 27 March. On an average 3,532 tourists arrived daily in the country.
“Based on the arrival figures and analysis done by the Research Department, we are projecting around 1.34 million tourists by the end of the year. Sri Lanka Tourism is closely working towards this goal. So far, we are on track; but that doesn’t mean we can be complacent. We have to work collectively to ensure we reach this or a higher goal, as there are many external factors that are beyond our control,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the Daily FT.
From 1 to 7 March, 25,507 tourists were received, whilst from 8 to 14 March, 24,891 travellers, 15 to 21 March, 24,918 holidaymakers and 22 to 27 March 20,061 visitors arrived in the country.
National carrier SriLankan Airlines yesterday announced cessation of its operations to Moscow. Industry experts said this will have a severe impact on arrival numbers in the coming months, noting that the direct flights between Colombo and Moscow were instrumental in attracting a higher number of tourists during the winter season.
“A significant portion of tourists that arrived this year was from the Eastern Europe, particularly via Moscow direct flight. The termination of SriLankan Airlines operation will have a significant impact on tourist arrival numbers,” they said.
However, Sri Lanka Tourism Chief Fernando expressed confidence in maintaining the momentum, banking on the giant neighbour – India.
“India has been Sri Lanka’s biggest tourist source market. With India reopening its skies and SriLankan Airlines doubling up its frequencies, we anticipate to lure a significant number of travellers,” she added.
India has regained its glory as the top tourist source market for Sri Lanka with 45,460, followed by Russia with 37,355, UK 28,637, Germany 21,709 and France 14,355. In addition, tourists were also received from countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, US and Australia as of 27 March.
In addition, she pointed out that with the reopening of Colombo International Airport in Ratmalana (CIAR) post-55 years, Sri Lanka could expect high-end Indian tourists coming via private jets for business and holiday.
“We are optimistically moving ahead, amidst all internal and external challenges. We are making use of every single opportunity, whilst putting much effort to support the tourism industry to progress and achieve the end goal,” Fernando stressed.
She also explained a number of initiatives that have been taken thus far to overcome the challenges emerging from the prevailing power and energy shortages.
“We are in the process of negotiating with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Sri Lanka Army, Police and industry stakeholders to ensure they receive a decent quota of fuel to generate power as well as to run their vehicles. Not all efforts are successful, but at least we are taking all possible steps to ensure their requirements to operate tourist establishments without interruption,” Fernando said.
She said a sticker had been issued for Sri Lanka Tourism Development Board (SLTDA) registered entities to be able to get priority to fill fuel from filling stations.
