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Building momentum through growth, investment, and enhanced visitor experiences
Sri Lanka is moving ahead with an optimistic outlook for its tourism sector, with authorities projecting $4.5 billion in earnings this year and aiming for $5 billion by 2026. Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Buddhika Hewawasam, outlined the country’s forward strategy while noting steady growth in visitor numbers.
By February 2026, arrivals had reached 228,000, contributing to a cumulative total of 505,000 tourists so far this year. This reflects an estimated 10–15% increase compared to the previous year, with strong inflows from India, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France. The country is now targeting around 3 million arrivals annually.
To support this expansion, focus is being placed on infrastructure upgrades, improved hospitality services, and logistics enhancement. Investment promotion is also a key priority, with developments such as Mandara Ridge Haputale and growing interest in bungalows in Sri Lanka reflecting the sector’s diversification and appeal to new travel segments.
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