First week of November records over 9,500 tourists

• Tourism Minister overwhelmed by rebound in arrivals
• Industry opines if the trend continues, path to recovery will be quicker
• Over 70,000 tourists have come since reopening of borders in late Jan. 

A record of 9,545 tourists have arrived in the country within the first week of November, reinforcing the industry’s optimism for the winter season.

As per provisional data, from 1-7 November, a total of 3,107 tourists from India arrived, becoming the top source market, followed by 774 from Russia and 764 from the UK. There were also travellers from Germany, Pakistan, the Maldives, France, Canada, the US and Switzerland in the first week of the month.

“The number of tourists visiting the country is steadily increasing with the easing travel restrictions, air connectivity and market-centric promotions during the past few months. It is great to see the industry bouncing back,” Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Daily FT.

With the arrivals up to 7 November added, the cumulative tourist arrivals since the reopening of borders on 21 January is 70,633.

The initial arrivals figure was released by the Tourism Ministry yesterday, and industry sources said the number was the highest recorded within a week in the post-pandemic tourism resumption. They also said that if the trend continues till April, the path to recovery will be fast-tracked.   

As of now, October saw the highest tourist arrivals of 22,771, propelling the first 10-months’ figure to 60,695.

Sri Lanka last week saw two main international airlines, Air France and Swiss Air, resuming scheduled flights to Colombo in a major breakthrough after many years.

Considering the growing interest from global travellers to visit the country, Minister Ranatunga said the tourism industry is looking forward to a busy winter season.  (CdeS)