Sri Lanka Tourism Triumphed to New Heights in 2023

In 2023, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector witnessed a remarkable resurgence, achieving its highest visitor influx since 2019. The nation welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors, overcoming challenges encountered over the past four years. Notably, from December 1 to 28, Sri Lanka hosted 189,605 tourists, contributing to a cumulative figure exceeding 1.46 million for the year, showcasing a substantial rebound from setbacks in 2022.

December commenced on a robust note, signalling a positive trajectory toward the ambitious monthly target of 242,135 arrivals, with over 80% already accomplished. The daily average of tourist arrivals experienced a steady rise from November to December, peaking at 6,772 compared to the previous month’s 5,049. Factors such as the resumption of charter flights, regular cruise liners, and the implementation of a visa-free scheme have played pivotal roles in this uptick. Initially projecting 1.55 million tourists and $3 million in earnings, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority revised the target to 2 million amid a surge in arrivals in July, only to readjust back to the initial figures of 1.55 million tourists and $2.7 billion in earnings. These numbers bode well for the industry, with the best Sri Lanka hotels the likes of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts seeing a resurgence of visitors taking up accommodation at their properties.