In 2018, tourist arrivals will hopefully reach about 2.5 million guests – less than expected due to almost two months of political turmoil that made many travellers change their plans to visit the country. During January–November period, 2,08 million tourists visited Sri Lanka, a 11.2% increase on year-to-year bases. Yet the next year's expectations do not seem unreal with several reputable tourist sources having named Sri Lanka as the destination N1 for visiting in 2019.
In March, 2019, the long-delayed Global Tourism Promotion campaign will finally be launched. The newly appointed Minister of Tourism Development is also going to meet personally with all foreign ambassadors in Sri Lanka to ensure the country is now totally safe for visiting, and will urge them to withdraw the travel advisories. In order to stimulate the tourism sector, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau will all have new appointments for the top posts in the respective organizations.
Sri Lanka Wants to Almost Double Tourist Arrivals in 2019
News in Asia
Sri Lanka has set an ambitious goal to welcome four million tourists the next year who will bring US$ 5 billion of revenue.