Sri Lanka aims for three million tourists in 2025

by · TTG asia

Sri Lanka is aiming to substantially increase tourist arrivals to three million in 2025, up from a target of 2.1 million in 2024, as the country emerges from a foreign debt crisis that began in 2022, an official has said.

Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of the state-owned national tourism organisation Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, also announced the formation of a new National Tourism Commission. This commission will serve as the primary governing body for tourism and will bring together four state agencies currently responsible for tourism, including a hotel school.

Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourist arrivals in 2025 as the country emerges from its financial challenges; the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka, pictured

In addition to these changes, a Tourism Policy Formulation Council will be established, consisting of experts from both within and outside the industry. This council will focus on policy development and provide ongoing support for the sector.

Hewawasam, a newly appointed official following the government change after last month’s parliamentary elections, was speaking at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards ceremony, which was revived after a five-year absence, in Colombo on December 27. Several awards were presented, including those for the best resort and best tourism services provider.

The government is targeting US$5 billion in tourism revenue, which will provide much-needed foreign exchange, by 2025. In 2023, revenue surged to US$2.1 billion, up from US$1.1 billion the previous year. From January to November 2024, revenue reached US$2.8 billion, compared to US$1.8 billion during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from January to November 2024 totalled 1.8 million, up from 1.3 million during the same months in 2023. Sri Lanka is now targeting over 2 million arrivals for the year. The country’s key source markets are India, Russia, the UK, Germany, and China.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad, chief guest at the awards ceremony, said Sri Lanka’s identity as a tourism destination is ingrained in its compelling legends and enduring legacy, adding that the country is home to epic tales, historical kingdoms, and colourful Buddhist festivals.

Sri Lanka’s economy was crippled by the double blows of the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis, which severely impacted tourism, among other sectors. Forcing the country to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the authorities have rescheduled foreign loans and international bond payments and Sri Lanka is now on the road to recovery.