Tourism Chief says SL will continue to strive amidst challenges

• SL welcomes over 260,000 tourists year to date
• First 24 days of March draw 84,287 tourists led by Indians
• Tourism Chief Kimarli Fernando calls on industry to work together to ensure steady recovery 

By Charumini de Silva

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said despite the challenges the destination will continue to remain focused. 

“I am positive that tourism can shine a light and the industry will support it to get it through the darkness to a new dawn,” Fernando told the Daily FT.

As per provisional data released by the Tourism Ministry yesterday, Sri Lanka has received 263,121 travellers as of 24 March, amidst the challenges emanating from the global COVID pandemic.

During the first 24 days of March a total of 84,287 tourists visited Sri Lanka, with an average of 3,512 tourists per day.

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 24 March 8,971 visitors have arrived in the country.

Fernando pointed out that Sri Lanka Tourism has made tremendous efforts to rebrand and position the destination during a very challenging time, adding that the results of these efforts will be seen in 2022-2023.

India has regained its glory as the top tourist source market for Sri Lanka with 43,358, followed by Russia with 36,826, UK 26,863, Germany 20,740 and France 13,780. In addition, tourists were also received from countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, Australia and the US as of 24 March. 

She also reiterated on the importance of tourism industry stakeholders about accountability with strict adherence to the protocols and mechanisms laid down to ensure the recovery of the industry.

“This is the time industry should come and work together to ensure Sri Lanka will have a steady, yet continued recovery both for the sake of the country, communities as well as the industry at large,” Fernando added.