Tourism triumphs 2022 in quick time in 2023

• Records highest post-pandemic arrivals in July exceeds 2022 figure in seven months
• First 27 days of July draw 123,503 tourists, highest monthly arrival in three years
• YTD arrivals at 748,377, earnings surpass $ 1 b
• Tourism Minister Harin Fernando says growth in arrivals reflects potential to boost industry 
• Asserts SLTPB will conduct aggressive marketing blitz in Japan, Australia and Republic of Korea 
• Top source markets include India, UK, China, Germany and Russia 
• Industry expresses confidence in achieving monthly target of 137,594 in remaining four days of July

By Charumini 

de Silva

Sri Lanka Tourism has welcomed the highest tourist arrivals for a single month since the pandemic’s onset, surpassing the total tourist arrivals of the entire year 2022 in just seven months. 

During the first 27 days of the month, Sri Lanka welcomed an impressive 123,503 visitors, propelling the cumulative tourist arrivals to an impressive 748,377 so far. 

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando elated by the achievement emphasised these accomplishments stand as a testament to Sri Lanka’s allure as a top travel destination and underscores the country’s vast potential to further elevate its tourism industry. 

“In addition to the surge in arrivals, the earnings from the tourism sector have also surpassed the $ 1 billion mark. This strong revival in tourism revenue comes as a significant relief for the industry that has been adversely affected by multiple challenges after the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019,” he told the Daily FT. 

Comparing the daily average of tourist arrivals between June and July, the figures demonstrate a steady increase with July’s daily average surging to 4,574 from 3,346 in June. 

In light of these encouraging numbers, Sri Lanka Tourism has set an ambitious target of welcoming 137,594 tourists for the month and the industry is confident of achieving 14,901 tourists in the next four days. 

India emerges as the leading source market with 20,779 tourists followed by the United Kingdom with 15,126 tourists, while China, Germany, and Russia complete the list with 8,446, 6,848, and 6,374 tourists, respectively. 

Minister Fernando said Japan, Australia and the Republic of Korea are identified as emerging markets and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is focusing on conducting a marketing blitz soon. 

“The swift recovery of the tourism industry is a testament to the collective efforts of the Government and private sector champions. The upward trajectory in tourist arrivals and earnings signifies a promising future for the industry and its integral role in the country’s economic growth,” he added.