Earnings from tourism pass USD 2.5 Bn mark by October

Despite  travel warnings against ‘would be’ incidents in Arugam Bay allegedly targeting Israeli tourists, earnings from tourism passed the USD 2.5 billion mark from 2024 January to end October showing a huge 59% increase as against the corresponding period of 2023 which was USD 1,593.4 million.

Arrivals too soared to 1,620,715 from January to end October2024 also showing a notable 44% increase as against the same period in 2023 which was recorded at 1,125,455. Earnings from tourism amounted to USD 185.6 million in October 2024, compared to USD 181 million in September 2024 and USD 136.7 million in October 2023.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka tourism left an indelible mark at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, the leading global event of travel, tourism and trade held at ExCel Exhibition Hall, London, which concluded last week. The Sri Lanka stand at the WTM won the award for the Best Stand for Doing Business for its corporate and cozy atmosphere which offered plenty of space to do business in. Adding to the excitement of Sri Lanka’s presence at WTM, the country received the Gold Award for the “Most Desirable Island” at the Wanderlust Travel Magazine Awards held on  November 6, 2024 in London.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London participated in the event, along with over 100 industry partners. The media response at the WTM press conference was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing a strong commitment to showcasing Sri Lanka’s sustainable tourism narrative in the UK media landscape. This successful engagement signals a promising future for Sri Lanka’s renewed tourism strategy, paving the way for greater visibility and growth in the UK market.

As a gesture of appreciation for the UK media’s support, a raffle draw was held at the conclusion of the press conference, awarding seven lucky journalists with enticing travel prizes, including free flights and exclusive stay packages from notable hospitality partners like SriLankan Airlines, Intrepid DMC, Mandara Hotels, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, Thema Collection, Jetwing, Browns Hotels, Fort Hotels, Rosyth Estate and TukTuk Rental Sri Lanka.

 Source:Daily News