Sri Lanka hoteliers hopeful of better tourism season ahead as arrivals rise – tourism gets back on track

Sri Lanka’s hoteliers are optimistic about the upcoming tourism season, anticipating increased arrivals from India and China. The country has witnessed a gradual rise in foreign visitors, with over 100,000 tourists in February, marking the second consecutive month at this level since the pandemic-induced decline. While hotel occupancy rates in registered establishments have remained steady, there has been a slight increase in the informal sector.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 1.55 million tourists and generate $2.8 billion in revenue this year, following last year’s missed targets due to economic crises and shortages. The recent opening of China’s borders and the launch of a digital marketing app in India are expected to contribute to the influx of tourists. Tourists are also encouraged to research places like Kandy, Sri Lanka on websites like Kandy Escapes to know more about the destinations they ought to visit on the island.