• Ukraine tops tourist arrival numbers with close to 1,500, followed by Kazakhstan and India

By Charumini de Silva

Tourist arrivals post reopening of borders have now crossed the 4,000 mark, with the Government also planning to soon roll out the much-awaited global tourism campaign.

Within just three weeks since airports were opened on 21 January for international travellers and commercial flights, there have been 4,368 tourists, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the Daily FT. 

Yesterday’s 211 tourists were the latest to arrive from Kazakhstan at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). Ukraine tops the tourist arrival numbers with close to 1,500, followed by Kazakhstan and India.

On Wednesday, the Government lifted the temporary travel ban imposed on travels originating from the UK. The travel ban was introduced after the new COVID-19 variant in the UK.

Fernando said they anticipate more tourists in the coming months, as Sri Lanka Tourism is planning to roll out the much awaited global campaign within the year.

“Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has now appointed a Steering Committee to ensure a successful global campaign to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination, but also as a safe country,” she added.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Chief also commended the commitment of the airlines and for connecting the world back to the country.

“It is remarkable how all the airlines have extended their support to revive the tourism industry and Sri Lanka in this crucial time,” she said.

‘Safe and Secure’ hotels double in anticipation of tourist inflow

THASL thanks President for supporting tourism industry