Sri Lanka's tourism industry is anticipating continued growth following the recent presidential election, widely regarded as one of the most peaceful in the nation's history.
Newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has prioritized the sector, pledging to unlock its full potential.
This commitment, coupled with proactive initiatives from industry leaders, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), is bolstering confidence in the island's tourism offerings.
"We are confident in achieving even greater heights and offering travellers an unparalleled experience," said Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the SLTPB. "Beyond our renowned natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous hospitality, we are actively developing new and enhanced tourism offerings. As Sri Lanka embarks on this exciting new chapter, the message is clear to global explorers: Come back for more and experience the difference our island offers."
Meanwhile Priantha Fernando, Chairman of the SLTDA notes, “Our main objective is to develop Sri Lanka Tourism on a sustainable platform, ushering benefits to the community and focusing on the development of regional tourism." He also emphasised the need to support the industry to recover from the financial burden it is currently facing.
Sri Lanka is further taking concrete steps to welcome more visitors. Visa-free travel for citizens of 39 countries will begin in October, and the tourism industry is optimistic about the reinstatement of the streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system pending a court decision.
These initiatives have the tourism authorities confident in reaching its target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals in 2024.
Sri Lanka's appeal as a top-tier destination is well-documented. CEOWORLD magazine ranked it fifth among the list of “World’s Best Countries To Visit In Your Lifetime, 2024,” while Forbes Magazine ranked it the fourth most popular destination for solo travellers in 2024. TripAdvisor also recognized Colombo, the nation's vibrant commercial hub, as the seventh-best in the “Culture Destinations – World” category of its Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024. With a renewed focus on hospitality and accessibility, Sri Lanka is poised to welcome a new wave of travellers eager to experience its unique charm.