- Industry on verge of crossing 900,000 tourists YTD milestone
- Draws 102,669 tourists in first 28 days of May, pushing YTD to 887,320 visitors
- Daily average up year-on-year from 2,687 to 3,667
- SLTDA Chief Priantha Fernando expresses confidence on crossing 900,000 milestone in May
- May fell short of achieving monthly target of 131,112 arrivals
- India, Maldives and UK emerges top source markets
Sri Lanka welcomed over 100,000 visitors in May, with year-to-date (YTD) arrivals at the verge of exceeding the 900,000 milestone.
During the first 28 days, the country received a total of 102,669 tourists, pushing the cumulative number to 887,320.
With a daily average of 3,667 arrivals, industry analysts projected that the month could end with around 898,321 visitors or potentially surpass the 900,000 mark due to a surge in arrivals by air and sea. In May 2023, the daily average of arrivals was at 2,687.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando on Wednesday, expressed confidence that the country would exceed the 900,000 arrivals milestone by the end of May.
Although May 2024 saw an increase from 83,309 visitors in May 2023, the numbers still fell short of the monthly target of 131,112 and the 2018 benchmark figure of 129,446.
India emerged as the top tourist source market in May, contributing 29,176 visitors during the first 28 days, while the Maldives and the UK followed with 7,762 and 7,440 travellers, respectively. Additionally, tourists were also welcomed from Germany, China, Australia, Russia, France, the US and Canada.
