Sri Lanka Targets 2.5M Tourists by Year-End

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is setting ambitious targets for its tourism sector, with Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath announcing plans to welcome 2.4 to 2.5 million visitors by year-end, marking a historic milestone. The country recently celebrated its two-millionth tourist arrival this week.

Speaking at a tourism partnership event in Colombo, Minister Herath highlighted India’s role as Sri Lanka’s largest source market, citing strong cultural ties, shared history, and excellent air connectivity. “Our two countries are natural travel partners,” he said.

By 2030, Sri Lanka aims to attract 4 million tourists and generate USD 8 billion in revenue, focusing on sustainability, market diversification, improved connectivity, and digital transformation. The strategy aligns with global trends, including the RIAM Declaration on the Future of Tourism, which promotes integrating AI and digital tools into tourism planning.

Visa-free entry for Indian travelers and targeted campaigns have boosted arrivals in recent months. 

Sri Lanka is promoting city tours, beaches, heritage circuits, MICE tourism, destination weddings, whale watching, and cricket tourism, alongside religious tourism such as Buddhist circuits and Ramayana trails.

Minister Herath also invited Indian filmmakers and investors to explore opportunities in hospitality, events, and film production, reinforcing that Sri Lanka-India cooperation remains one of the strongest partnerships in the region.