TOURISM
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up 175.8-pct in May 2023
Thursday June 8, 2023 1:58 pm
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals increased 175.8 percent from a year ago to 83,309 in May 2023, data from the Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.
however, arrivals were down 21 percent from 105,498 in April.
“Compared to April 2023, there has been a decrease in tourist arrivals, indicating the end of the peak season in Sri Lanka,” SLTDA in its monthly report said.
The period between April and June is in the so-called ‘off-season’ that comes immediately after the European winter season ends.
The top countries of origin for tourists in May were India with 23,106 tourists followed by Russia with 7,760, Germany with 6,854 tourists, the United Kingdom 5,987 and Australia with 4,201.
Europe accounted for the majority of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, representing 39.3 percent of total arrivals.
“The increase in tourism is believed to be a result of growing demand from countries such as the Russian Federation, United Kingdom and Germany,” SLTDA said.
“The Asia and Pacific region accounted for 49.5 percent of total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, while the Americas and the Middle East contributed 8.7 percent and 1.8 percent respectively.
“The easing of travel restrictions and enhanced air connectivity to Sri Lanka could be the key drivers behind the growth in tourism during this period.”
In the five months from January to May 2023, Sri Lanka has welcomed 524,486 tourists compared o 378,521 in the same period in 2022.
Sri Lanka raised its tourist arrival target to 2.0 million in 2023 from an earlier 1.5 million on the back of better trends seen in the first quarter. (Colombo/ June 08/2023)