Sri Lanka Tourism on the Rise: Aiming for 2.3 Million Visitors in 2024

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is set for a strong recovery, with officials confident of achieving 2.3 million arrivals in 2024, driven by robust year-to-date performance and favourable conditions during the winter season. Earnings from tourism reached $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024, positioning it as the third-largest source of foreign exchange. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is targeting key markets like India, China, the UK, and Germany through a digital marketing campaign and PR initiative.

The industry is also benefiting from international endorsements, including being ranked as the 5th most popular solo travel destination by Forbes. Properties of Heritance Hotels, which are among the best hotels in Sri Lanka, are likely to gain from this boost in tourism. Public-private partnerships and initiatives such as the “Check-In” campaign have also helped revitalize the sector post-crisis. The MICE market share has risen to 10%, further expanding tourism offerings.