Sri Lanka Among Top Destinations for International Travellers, Google Search Data Reveals

Sri Lanka is quickly emerging as a preferred destination for international travellers, with a notable surge in Google searches for accommodation, according to Google Travel Ad Specialist Joanna Ong. As the global travel industry bounces back, Ong highlighted that both Sri Lanka with hotels that offer bespoke experiences like Turyaa Kalutara and the Maldives are poised to benefit significantly from the resurgence in international tourism, with search interest far surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

“Demand on Google for these two countries in 2024 is growing, especially in terms of accommodation,” Ong revealed while speaking at the ‘EME Level Up – Digital Hospitality Conclave’ organised by eMarketingEye. “Over the past three years, search interest has remained consistently above 2019 levels, indicating a steady positive growth trend for both international and domestic travel.”

Ong emphasised that post-pandemic travellers, having been grounded for an extended period due to COVID-19, are now investing more time online to meticulously plan their trips. This shift presents a unique opportunity for destinations like Sri Lanka to attract new visitors by enhancing their online presence. “The post-pandemic traveller uses more than 140 touchpoints when researching new brands, spending an average of eight to nine hours online each day,” she explained. “This staggering number represents a tremendous opportunity for travel brands to tailor their strategies and engage potential customers,” Ong added.

Ong also noted that the concept of loyalty within the global travel industry has evolved. As a result, destinations like hotels in Kalutara have a prime chance to leverage new markets and innovate their services to cater to international travellers who are increasingly seeking seamless, personalised, and high-quality experiences.

“Competition to win back customers and attract new ones will be intense,” she said, “but this environment also offers travel brands a second chance to make a lasting first impression.”

As travel interest in Sri Lanka continues to rise, the country’s hospitality and tourism industry may see renewed growth, positioning itself as a top destination for travellers seeking new experiences in 2024 and beyond.