December's 248,592 visitors to Sri Lanka push 2024's tourist arrivals total to 2,053,465
December arrivals totaling 248,592 narrowly missed the projected target of 256,389 by 7,797 visitors. It is an 18.18% increase compared to the same period last year, and is slightly below the record 253,169 arrivals achieved in the same month in 2018.
The overall number of tourists to the island nation reached 2,053,465 for the year 2024 - falling short of the target of 2.1 million, which was revised last August, from the original target of 2.3 million, owing to several set-backs that included the delay in launching the global marketing campaign, disarray from visa-related matters and a brief travel advisory issuance by six major countries.
India retained its position as Sri Lanka’s largest source market, contributing 416,974 visitors or 20.3% of total arrivals. Other significant markets included the Russian Federation with 201,920 (9.8%), the UK with 178,339 (8.7%), Germany with 136,084 (6.6%), and China with 131,681.
Year 2024’s total arrivals, which represents a 38.07% year-on-year growth is the third highest annual arrival figure recorded. 2017 saw 2,116,407 arrivals and remains the second highest annual arrival figure, behind the highest number of visitors to Sri Lanka figure - achieved in 2018.
The sector has already seen an inflow of $2.81 billion in the first 11 months and Tourism earnings for 2023 are estimated to have surpassed the $ 3 billion mark, a notable improvement from the $ 2.1 billion registered in 2023.
Sri Lanka recorded a peak of $4.4 billion from tourism earnings in 2018 when the sector performed at its best. At its peak in 2018, earnings from tourism accounted for 5 percent of the county’s gross domestic product (GDP).
For 2025, Sri Lanka Tourism is expecting 3 million arrivals and $ 5 billion income, with a five year plan to attract over 5 million visitors and generate around $ 8.5 to 10 billion in revenue.
Sri Lanka Tourism is also set to unveil a unified national brand this month instead of going ahead with campaign taglines, aiming to redefine the country’s global tourism appeal and achieve a higher return on investment.
The island is popular for nature with its pristine beaches and tropical climate to tea plantations in salubriously cool highlands to safaris in wildlife parks, with most European and Western tourists choosing it as the key destination during their winter season falling from November to February. Sri Lanka boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient city of Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, with the country’s unique biodiversity making it a hot spot for eco-tourism.
Hospitality Sri Lanka
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