September '22 tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka hops backward
Provisional data released by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) indicates that a total 29,802 tourists arrived in September 2022. Arrivals in September fell 21% below that of August’ (previous month) and was by far the lowest this year.
Making the ‘Top 5’ was India which contributed 22% of that total with 6,493 tourists, followed by 2,872 (10%) from UK, with Australia’s 2,309 (8%), Germany’s 2,149 (7%) and the 1,553 (5%) from Russia.
It seems that despite the SLTDA’s best efforts, events keep conspiring to halt Sri Lanka tourism’s recovery. After March this year, it was the political and economic volatility in April / May. That soon came to pass. Then it was the high-level travel advisories from the main source markets in June / July. That too has come to pass after travel advisories were subsequently relaxed. Now, industry stakeholders allegedly blame it on International NGO’s presenting exaggerated negative publicity, that are outweighing all the positive publicity by the industry.
Now, the mainly private sector –driven industry is pinning its hopes on a robust revival in the upcoming winter season, banking on the 3 road-shows held in India in September and in IFTM France as well as the return of Aeroflot in October and Russia’s largest charter airline Azur Air from November.
Aeroflot is to resume operating to Sri Lanka from 10th October with twice weekly connections between Moscow and Colombo. Currently negotiations are on with Cathay Pacific and Kuwait Airlines to re-commence services to Colombo. Discussions are also been held with Philippines Airlines to consider flights to Colombo as it would provide an opportunity for the large number of Americans who travel to the Philippines, to include a visit to Sri Lanka.
Post-pandemic, a total 37 International airlines operated into Sri Lanka. Following COVID-19, only 08 International airlines and 15 charter carriers maintained services to Sri Lanka. Currently, 28 airlines are registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Sri Lanka and this includes 17 scheduled passenger carriers. Increasing connectivity and capacity is intrinsically linked to reaching future visitor goals.
Hospitality Sri Lanka
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