Cumulative tourist arrivals reach 1,484,808 visitors by September 30
September arrivals lower than both weekly and daily averages of August
62.8% year-end target of luring 2.3mn tourists fulfilled thus far
The tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka surpassed the total for all of 2023 in the first week of October, a positive sign for the country’s recovering tourism sector.
The provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that by September 30, 2024, the arrivals had reached 1,484,808 visitors, close to surpassing last year’s total of 1,487,303.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) attributed the achievement of surpassing the 2023 levels to strategic initiatives, including the industry’s high-profile influencer campaigns, digital media efforts and global recognitions Sri Lanka has achieved so far for the year.
“Sri Lanka Tourism, with its continuous promotional efforts and clearly defined strategy and objectives, has achieved the previous full-year arrivals. The success was achieved through many strategic initiatives. The recommencement of all major airlines with increased frequency and seat capacity is an indication to the industry that there is hope for revival,” the SLTPB said in its statement.
However, despite the progress, the sector has been experiencing a dip in arrivals compared to the momentum seen in previous months, with several factors contributing to the decline.
In September 2024, Sri Lanka welcomed 122,140 international tourists, with a daily average of 4,071 arrivals and a weekly average of about 30,535.
Daily Mirror
