Tourist arrivals by October 1 surpass total number of visitors in 2023

Creating a unique landmark in the Sri Lankan tourism sector, the total number of arrivals by October 1, 2024 surpassed the entire number of visitors recorded in 2023 which was 1,487,303.

From September 1 to 29, 2024 Sri Lanka attracted a total of 1,480,678 and with a daily average arrival mark of around 4,000 per day the country passed last year’s total number, an official from Sri Lanka Tourism said. Sri Lanka recorded 118,010 tourist arrivals from September 1 to 29, 2024 marinating the 100,000 plus arrival mark every month in 2024. The best month was in 2024 February where Lanka attracted 218,350 arrivals registering a 102.8% growth over 2023 February which had 107,639 visitors.

With peaceful elections and the re-introduction of the ETA visa system as against the controversial VFS visa system and also free visa on arrival for 7 countries Sri Lanka Tourism expects to mark 2024 as the best year for tourism over running the 2,333,796 arrival mark which was registered in 2018. The new government in their manifesto is looking at increasing the yearly arrival mark to around 4 million tourists per year in the future.

Meanwhile, Hilton is planning to open three more properties in Negombo and then Kandy (converting part of the Bogambara prison) and in the East while Radisson Blu will open in Colombo next year converting the Galadari hotel.

With the ETA on and free visa on arrival to be extended to further 38 countries, new global brands opening in Sri Lanka this seem a reality, an tourism official said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka made a strong impression at the recently concluded International French Travel Market (IFTM) in Paris, showcasing the island’s rich tourism offerings alongside 26 prominent companies and SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Tourism officials and Embassy officials. The collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Private sector reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the French travel market highlighting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism attractions, from its cultural heritage to natural beauty, positioning the destination as an attractive option.

 Source:Daily News