Sri Lanka Exceeds 100,000 Arrivals via Direct Flights from Russia – A Timely Boost for Tourism

Russia has been a key tourism source market for Sri Lanka since the country reopened its borders following the pandemic; this was highlighted in 2023 when the South Asian nation celebrated its achievement of recording over 100,000 travellers from Russia through direct flights since the 10th of October last year. The flights on offer have been from airlines such as Azur Air, Aeroflot, and Red Wings. This occasion was marked with a special ceremony on 17th July 2023 at the Bandaranaike International Airport with arriving passengers and crew from Azur Air being treated to a cultural performance.

The Sri Lankan tourism industry has been going from strength to strength this year as more tourists arrive not just from Russia but across the world as well. By the 12th of September 2023, the country had welcomed 950,626 tourists and it is expected to cross the one-million-mark soon. Interestingly, at the time, India was the leading tourism source market followed by the UK, Germany, and Russia respectively. These travellers are not only enjoying the island’s famed south coast but also its scenic mountain destinations such as the hill capital, Kandy; hotels here including properties like Amaya Hills continue to offer safe accommodation from which visitors can experience the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture.