sri lanka tourism board official website

Metadata Catalogue

• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Brief Description of the organization

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is the official institution tasked with establishing, positioning, and developing Sri Lanka as a leading destination for international visitors and it is responsible for tapping into Sri Lanka’s natural potential to expand and enhance its tourism offering while benefitting investors and supporting communities, in a sustainable manner.

Prior to SLTDA being established in 2007, these functions primarily resided with the organization known as Ceylon Tourist Board / Sri Lanka Tourist Board / Sri Lanka Tourism Board which was set up in 1966 by the government of Sri Lanka an one instructional framework created under Ceylon Tourist board Act No. 10 of 1966.

Then The Tourism Development Act of 1968 provided the Ceylon Tourist Board with the statutory authority to develop tourism in a planned and controlled basis and allowed to obtain lands for development process. The Act also conferred powers for the Protection of Highways and Places of Scenic Beauty and vested authority in the Ceylon Tourist Board for the Registration and Classification of Tourist Hotels and all other tourist services.

The Tourism Act No 2005 came into effect in October 2007. With the circulation of the new Tourism act, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966, which was in effect for the past 41 years, was replaced. In terms of the provisions contained in the new act, the Tourism Development Fund was legally constituted, with 2 main sources remitting finances to the fund. By way of 1/3 of the Airport Tax collections and 1% of the Turnover of all Sri Lanka Tourist Board registered establishments. The Act provided for the setting up of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), thereby replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. The new Tourism Boards set up under the new Tourism Act are:

• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
• Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
• Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

To be recognized as the world's finest island for memorable, authentic and diverse experiences.

To be a high-value destination offering extraordinary experiences that reflect Sri Lanka's natural and cultural heritage, are socially inclusive and environmentally responsible, and provide economic benefits to communities and the country.

Data contributions

Hotels, Restaurants, Hotel Proposed, Tourism hot spots, Bank ATM, Shopping Malls, SLTDA Parcels

Role of SDI in their Business Process

Initial use case for NSDI was to develop a platform for investors to identify correct location for tourism investment (investor insights platform). There will be additional use case developed on NSDI on the completion of the said platform.

Name(s): Mr. Janath Palmadulla Junior Manager - Web ICT Department Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Tel :+94 112 426 900 | Ext: 110

• How To Apply?
• Extend ETA?
• Exemption list
• COVID Policy
• Terms and Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Useful Link

• Track Application

General Information

Sri Lanka ETA is a kind of approval letter granted by Sri Lanka Immigration System which enables all nationalities are eligible to visit Sri Lanka on short term stay.

Sri Lanka ETA is an electronic visa and valid to stay up to maximum 30 days on Double Entry or Multiple entry basis as per policy.

All foreign nationals are eligible to apply eVisa who want to visit Sri Lanka. Applicant can apply personally through our secured error free assistance system or via approved agencies or Embassy/Consulate.

This upgraded portal provides a facility to apply and process on behalf of applicant request through various error free security method. ETA fee and our processing fee is paid via online payment gateway is protected by E Services. Once visa is issued and will not be refunded. For more details visit terms and condition before process.

What is Official Sri Lanka ETA

Official Sri Lanka Immigration Department announced an Electronic Approval Note ( ETA) for a short term social visit to Republic of Sri Lanka from 1st January 2012 onwards.

A Sri Lanka Approval Note (ETA) is an online Visa permit to enter Sri Lanka for non Sri Lankan nationalities and valid to stay as per visa policy.

Persons plans entry to Sri Lanka which should hold a valid (ETA) Approval Note issued by Sri Lanka Immigration. Tourists/Business can apply online for Sri Lanka ETA which is completely electronic processing online submission and the approval for the same will be communicated via email.

An ETA is an Electronic Approval Note (Visa) for visit to Sri Lanka for a stay of up to 30 days. The Sri Lanka ETA is issued electronically; it is not required to submit original travel document or other documents for processing. Applicant need to complete and submit our online application form and the Sri Lanka ETA can be processed within 24 hours. Most of the Sri Lanka ETA will be processed immediately as per Immigration approval.

It is very important that the information on the request form is accurate and exactly matches the traveller's passport. Name, Date of Birth, Citizenship, Passport Number and Passport dates must be correct.

Extension Policy

A Foreign traveller staying more than 30 days may eligible to apply for an extension of stays.

On first time extends 60 days, second time 90 days and third extend upto 90 days. Overall total 270 days applicant can stay from the date of first arrival.

Applicant should be visit personally visa section of Immigration department alternatively through immigration extension portal [ extension ].

If you unable to use the above services then you may proceed the any authorized agency.

Please note that applicant cannot apply for extension on this portal.

Recent Update - Visa Policy:

All srilanka destinations are open for tourist. No self quarantine is required unless if any symptom occur. Below are the key points of new guidelines visiting sri lanka

Revised entry requirements:

• Precaution measures for any foreigners arriving during these pandemic periods is removed.
• Vaccination certificate is not compulsory to produce by person arriving via Sea Port or Airport.
• Requirement for Pre boarding and on arrival visa negative COVID-19 test result is removed.
• If foreign travellers become COVID-19 positive after arriving then they should mandatorily quarantine for 7 days in private hospital/hotel/accommodation. The cost of treatment must be borne by their own.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate requirement

Below listed nationalities are required to submit YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION certificate must comply with International Health Regulation (WHO) at the port of arrival to Sri lanka

List of Sri Lanka ETA Visa types

Sri lanka tourist visa.

A Visitor planning for a short term stay to Sri Lanka for following purposes, must obtain ETA prior approval for their arrival.

• ​Sightseeing, holidaying
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Medical treatment including Ayurvedic and yoga
• Participate in sporting events, competitions and activities relating to cultural performance

Sri Lanka Business Visa

A person visiting Srilanka for Business prupose on the following categories only must obtain Business ETA Visa.

• ​Participate in business meetings and negotiations
• Participate in Conferences, workshops and seminars
• To take part in Short term training programs (less than one month)
• Participate in Music, Art and Dance Cultural Events
• Attending in Religious activities
• Participate in Conference Meeting

Sri Lanka Transit Visa

A person visiting third countries via transiting Sri Lanka for transit prupose on the following purposes only must obtain ETA Visa.

• ​Transiting through Sri Lanka
• ​Short trip layover upto 48 hr

Disclaimer: By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. Please read the disclaimer policy before continuing.

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• #163, Kirulapone Avenue, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka
• +94 112 51 5759

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Weather Forecast

Palestine envoy pays farewell call on Prime Minister

Parliament informs the Election Commission that a vacancy has been created following the resignation of Hon. (Mrs.) Thalatha Athukorala

Korea to invest in solar energy and agriculture projects in Sri Lanka

Two High Commissioners and 03 Ambassadors Present Credentials to the President

Sri Lanka Achieves $9 Billion in Export Income in First Half of 2024 – State Minister for Investment Promotion, Dilum Amunugama

Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta - 2024’ concludes on successful note

US Acting Assistant Secretary meets State Minister Tennakoon

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Jordan attends Long Service Award Ceremony 2024

Current affairs.

Parliament to meet next week only on the 21st - The Committee on Parliamentary Business decides

The Satyakriya and Adhistana Pooja at Kataragama Kiri Vehera Temple under the patronage of PM

Two Medical (Amendment) Bills passed in Parliament

President Vows to Uphold Commitment to Buddhist Education despite Challenges

The benefits of the country’s growing economy should also extend to general public

President inaugurates his political office

Global disparities between developing and developed nations have grown due to technology gaps and concerns of weapons of mass destruction

Districts Allocated Rs. 11,250 Million in Decentralized Budget after 3 Year Hiatus

The President Participates in Christmas Carols at the Presidential Secretariat premises

Budget Speech – 2024

Media Guidelines Issued by Election Commission

Press releases.

Media Release - 2023.05.28 -

Media Release - 2023.05.26 -

Media Release - 2023.05.25 -

Media Release - 2023.05.24 -

Cabinet Decisions - 21.08.2024

Cabinet Decisions - 12.08.2024

Right to information act, documentaries, desathiya magazine, annual performance report.

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The department assists media in a macro level in welfare, training, policy planning and accreditation, and providing easy access to Government news and information. 

Quick Links

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To the Corporate Website of the

Sri lanka tourism development authority.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is the government authority tasked with planning, development, regulation, and policy implementation of tourism and related industries. Prior to SLTDA being established in 2007, these functions primarily resided with the organization known as Ceylon Tourist Board/Sri Lanka Tourist Board/Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

To be recognized as the world’s finest island for memorable, authentic and diverse experiences.

To be a high-value destination offering extraordinary experiences that reflect Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage, are socially inclusive and environmentally responsible, and provide economic benefits to communities and the country.

Visitor Alert

With effect from 1st January 2024, only the Guests with Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Licensed Jeep Drivers will be permitted to enter the Yala National Park.

Main road to Yala National Park from Palatupana is closed due to repairs until further notice. Anybody visiting are kindly requested to use Katagamuwa entrance.

New Work Arrangement of SLTDA.

Dear stakeholders! Please be noted that the Head office of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is open for the public on every Monday , Wednesday and Thursday due to new work arrangement.

NOTICE TO GATHER INFORMATION ON LOAN/ LEASE, FUEL & GAS CONSUMPTION

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Ministry of Tourism are planning to provide solutions to the registered tourism service providers during this difficult time to serve tourist aiming to regain tourism soon.

The purpose of this notice is to gather information on financial facility and energy consumption (Fuel & Gas) of the SLTDA registered tourist establishments, services & individuals to work out a short-term solution to serve tourists.

Thus, kindly fill the Google Forms given on our website for loan/ lease, fuel and gas (separately) to reach back on or before 10.00 AM on 12th June 2022. Please note that filling Google form is mandatory and we are unable to accept any other forms of request.

FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ×

• More Details:- Click Here
• Our service is confined only to registered SLTDA service providers.
• Uploading of image of Registration Certificate and Tour Itinerary, are essential for vehicle fuel recommendation.
• Tourist drivers are requested to obtain registration number if the ID card is pending.(011-2437800/Ext-346)

(During week days 08.30am - 4.15pm)

• Self driving foreigners requested to upload passport copy/ visa page & confirmed booking made at a SLTDA registered accommodation.
• Self-Drive Tourists: Swipe-and-Go Card with Forex top-up facility: Updates available soon.
• Individual drivers can apply only upto two vehicles unless otherwise please apply via travel agency.
• Petrol is now availble in Galle Navy Base.

Fuel Available Places

• For Vehicles: CPC Sheds, Selected Army & Navy Bases, SLTB Depots.
• For Generators: CPC Sheds, If any issue please contact Area Manager .
• Petrol & Diesel: CPC Sheds.
• Petrol: Selected Army & Navy Base.
• Diesel: SLTB Depots & Selected Army Bases.
• Currently working with CPC to get priority fuel stations for Tourism sector.
• Petrol: Galle Navy Base & Selected Army Bases.
• Form Link:- tourismfuel.sltda.gov.lk

(Except Weekends, Public holydays)

THE SOFT LIQUOR PERMISSION FOR SLTDA REGISTERED TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS

• Soft Liquor Request letter format:- Download
• More Details:- Important Notices

Assistance with Fuel to Tourist Services

Dear Tourist Service Provider, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority with Ministry of Tourism is facilitating emergency assistance to provide fuel for commuting and arriving guests. To get the assistance please fill the following Google form and submit to us. Our aim is to help all therefore, kindly send the form and wait for our reply by email. Priority be given to SLTDA registered Services/Persons.

Golden Paradise Visa

To Tourism Sector

"Safe & Secure" Certified Tourism Service Providers

Sri Lanka Tourism Operational Guidelines with Health Protocols - Version 2.

Important Notices

• Tourism Development Levy

Tourism News

The New Gazette on Classification of Tourist Hotels

SLTDA Publications

Residence Visa For Expatriate In Tourism Establishments Registered With SLTDA

• Chamber of Commerce (Sri Lanka)
• Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators
• Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism Sri Lanka
• Chamber of Tourism & Industry - Sri Lanka

Industry Partners Association

• Sri Lanka on Wikipedia
• Government of Sri Lanka Official Web Portal
• The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka
• Department of Immigration and Emigration

Related Links

• Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka
• SLTDA Approved Tourism Businesses
• Sri Lanka At a Glance
• Travel News
• How to fly your drone legitimately
• Gem & Jewellery Authority Registered Service Providers

Information

• Sustainable Tourism
• Sri Lanka Map google
• Ministry of Tourism and Aviation
• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
• Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
• Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

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Other portals, visit our other portals.

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+94 77 8106296

[email protected], tours in sri lanka.

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Experience the enchanting atmosphere and breathtaking nature of this island with our diverse tour options. For beach lovers, we offer tropical sandy beaches with thrilling activities like volleyball, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Adventure seekers can enjoy jungle trekking, wildlife safaris, and mountaineering. History enthusiasts can explore ancient sites with historical value. As our guests, we greet you with "AYUBOWAN" and take full responsibility for your experience. Choose from our standard packages or customize your tour with our guidance. Our dedicated guides and chauffeurs ensure a perfect trip, providing 24-hour personalized services and a reliable, secure journey.

Travellers’ Choice Awards Winner

Call/chat with us on whatsapp: +94 778106296, best of sri lanka - 04 days 03 nights.

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa
• Visit Temple of Tooth Relic
• Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Best of Sri Lanka - 05 Days 04 Nights

• Enjoy Beach in Negombo
• Sightseeing Tour in Colombo
• Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Best of Sri Lanka - 06 Days 05 Nights

• Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit Horton Plains National Park
• City Tour in Colombo

Explore Sri Lanka - 18 Days 17 Nights

• Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa & Kandy
• Visit Yala National Park
• Enjoy Beach in Mirissa

Wonder of Asia - 04 Days 03 Nights Tour

• Shopping & Nightlife in Negombo
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Habarana
• Enjoy an Elephant Back Safari
• Visit Temple of the Tooth & Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit Spice Gardens & See a Cultural Show

Fortnight Expedition - 14 Days 13 Nights

• Visit Yala, Wilpattu & Horton Plains National Parks
• Visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa & Dambulla
• Relax at Serene Beaches

Small Miracle - 07 Days 06 Nights Tour

• Visit Historical & Religious Sites
• Fun Activities Such as Elephant Rides
• Walk Through Tea Plantations & Waterfalls
• Relax on Sandy Beaches

Sri Lanka at a Glance - 11 Days 10 Nights

• Explore the Abundant Wildlife in Lush Jungles
• See Waterfalls & Climb Little Adam's Peak
• Relax on Lovely Beaches

Tracking Sri Lanka - 10 Days 09 Nights

• Explore Wildlife in Sri Lanka
• Walk Through Tea Plantations & See Waterfalls
• Relax on Serene Beaches

Honeymoon Tours in Sri Lanka

• From Bountiful Beaches & Waterfalls Surrounded by Warm Hospitality, Wild & Exotic Adventurous Experiences, Cold & Cuddly Nights To Just Bed & Breakfast With Romance All Over; Our Honeymoon Packages Cover All of It & It Is Your Call to Make the Best Choice.

Buddhist Tour in Sri Lanka - 07 Days and 06 Nights

• Explore Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Visit Temple of the Tooth
• Visit Gadaladeniya & Lankathilaka Vihara
• Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara & Gangaramaya Temple

Wildlife Tour and Camping at Yala National Park

• Enjoy Beach & Nightlife in Negombo
• Camping at Yala National Park
• Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
• Sightseeing Tour & Shopping in Colombo

Adventure Tour in Sri Lanka - 07 Days 06 Nights

• Bird Watching, Jungle Trekking & Confidence Jumping
• Kandy Rail Journey or Belilena Cycling
• Adventure Activities & Water Sport
• Colombo City Tour

Tailormade Tours

• Plan Your Tour to Sri Lanka According to Your Interest and Budget. Our Well-Experienced Team Will Assist You To Discover the Joy of Sri Lanka by Arranging a Unique Tour That Is Designed Specifically for You.

HOW IT WORKS?

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After getting everything planned and confirmed, expect nothing but an exceptional travel experience with Pearl Lanka.

CLIENT GALLERY

We are on tripadvisor read the latest reviews from our travellers., paradise at its best with top organisation.

April 1, 2023

The trip was totally individualized with various hotel options. The excellent driver was highly flexibel and adjusted the schedule according to our wishes from day to day, was driving very carefully and we could feel totally safe. Hotels, food, sites and visits were perfect, letting us fall in love with this beautiful country. Read More...

Sri Lanka 7-day round trip

Apr 08 2023

Great 7-day round trip we had in Sri Lanka. This is awesome destination for tourism. The whole country is like a botanical garden. Every day we enjoyed lots of different things, like Buddhist tramples, elephant riding, lots of historical sites, safari, great food, which brought us wonderful and unforgettable experience. In addition, we were happy to have Wasantha as our guide... Read More...

Fantastic tailored tour!

March 15, 2023

Pearl Lanka organised the tour perfectly according to my itinerary. We managed to tick off all the points I wanted to see in 3.5 days: from Galle and beaches down south, the elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park, mountain train from Ella, tooth relic temple in Kandy, to the ancient sites of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla... Read More...

March 1, 2023

The lady Sachini who I booked through was amazing, thoughtful, knowledgeable, prompt and reassuring. Nothing was too much trouble and she was so flexible building the holiday we wanted, it was completely tailored to what we wanted. Prasad was our guide, he was fab. He was punctual, helpful and kind. My daughter had a rash whilst away and he took us straight to a doctor... Read More...

Sri Lanka at its best!

February 21, 2023

This was simply an unforgettable experience thanks to the beautiful country of Sri Lanka and our amazing host Eesham! We were taken to all of the best sites and experiences and at the best times. Nothing was too much trouble and the attention to detail was impeccable. I can’t rate this experience highly enough and my husband and teenage sons agree. Read More...

Wonderful Trip

October 21, 2022

I had a amazing trip with that travel agency.I was assisted by Sachini who had helped me a lot from the beginning to the last day in Sri Lanka. She was very kind and helpful. The guide and also the driver was Eeshan.He was so nice, friendly punctual, organized and always ready to help me all the time. I am so lucky to find them and because of that my experience in Sri Lanka was unforgettable. Read More...

Mohamed Elokabi

Unforgettable trip.

August 2, 2022

We’ve just finished our 14 days trip around the beautiful Sri Lanka on last July. We had visited many counties in Asia & Europe, but our first trip around to Sri Lanka was a different story which we can tell a lot about it just close to fairy tales. To be honest, the previlage goes first to the kind and humble Sri Lankan people who understand the value of their country visitors and understand.. Read More...

Amazing experience

June 11, 2022

I have amazing experience during my stay, thanx to sachini who arrange my etirinary, eventhough I keep changing my sched but she wanted to.make it sure I'm okay all those hotels and places to go..the whole experience was so incredibly amazing... Shalita who've been my guide and my personal photographer and a good friend too his the best one who always has a smile in his face... Read More...

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• Destinations

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Recent Media Coverage

• The Pekoe Trail

Sri Lanka is Back! Love Sri Lanka

“the best places to go in asia in 2024 – conde nast traveller”.

In the south of the country, new luxury resorts continue to entice. Next to the Indian Ocean-bordering Yala National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards; and the art deco-inspired The Charleston, which opens in December in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. The Pekoe Trail, a new 300km network of hiking routes that snakes its way through Sri Lanka’s highlands, continues. Traversing historic tea plantations, colonial estates, local villages, holy shrines, and forests brimming with biodiversity, it’s a novel way to experience Sri Lanka’s lush hill country. – Zinara Rathnayake

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Sea Turtle Hatchery and Rescue Centre

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Adam’s Bridge

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Dutch Church Kalpitiya

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Hummanaya Blow Hole

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Go beyond sun, sand and surf! Dive, snorkel, paddle and explore the golden beaches and enticing waters around the island...

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Explore Sri Lanka’s misty mountains during your holiday. The cold ‘Hill Country’ comprises of picturesque towns from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and more...

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Sunday Aug 25, 2024

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Sri Lanka Tourism confident of ending 2024 with 2.3 m arrivals

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu (centre) at the media briefing on Friday flanked by Managing Director Nalin Perera (right) and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Chairman Shirantha Peiris  – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

• Optimism stems from 
• YTD figure crossing  1.2 m; forecasts 1 m more from Sept. onwards provided favourable conditions prevailing
• Nearly Rs. 3 b worth digital marketing and PR campaign to be rolled out from September in 5 markets initially and 7 more next year
• Share of MICE tourists grow to 10% from 4% previously
• Tips tourism to become second largest foreign exchange earnings source by end 2024

  Sri Lanka Tourism officials on Friday expressed confidence of 2024 achieving the targeted 2.3 million arrivals based on robust year to date performance and provided favourable conditions prevail in the forthcoming winter season. Last week, year to date tourist arrivals crossed the 1.2 million mark and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu predicted that by the end of August arrivals will reach 1.3 million. “We are anticipating a heavy tourist season from September onwards and confident of luring 1 million more tourists by end of 2024 provided the country situation remaining favourable,” Gajabahu told the media at a briefing along with SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Chairman Shirantha Peiris. Gajabahu’s reference to the favourable situation was apparently over the pre- and post-21 September Presidential poll involving a record 39 candidates.  Earnings from tourism in the first half crossed the $ 1.5 billion mark and has emerged to be the third largest foreign exchange source. Gajabahu said by the end of 2024, tourism earnings will be the second largest. He said as per the industry, the initial forecast for December is a high occupancy of 80%.  The goal for next year is 3 million tourists and 5 million by 2030. Sri Lanka will also kick off the first ever concerted promotion exercise in over two decades next month to woo more tourists.  Under the phase, five key markets - India, China, UK, Germany and France, will be targeted via a six-month digital marketing campaign and a year-long PR initiative with an investment of Rs. 1.6 billion (Rs. 1 billion on digital campaign and Rs. 600 million on PR). The second phase from next year will involve  seven emerging or high potential markets Russia, Australia, Middle East, Japan, Korea, Italy, Poland, Scandinavia and Benelux with an investment of Rs. 1.2 billion (Rs. 750 million on digital and Rs. 450 million on PR). To carry out the campaigns, following a competitive tender, a host of agencies have been picked including Ogilvy, Holmes Pollard, as well as in-country agencies in markets such as China and Russia for select categories. Funding for these campaigns have been sourced from the Tourism Development Levy (TDL) and the Embarkation Levy (EL). Gajabahu recalled that the tourism industry bounced back fast after the 2022 crisis thanks to public-private initiatives including the initial “Check-In” short-term promotion campaign that kicked off in late 2023 and the “Seeing is believing” PR initiative involving influencers, bloggers, and media as well as trade. The promotional push is under the new tourism branding identity “Sri Lanka: You will come back for more” given the fact that over 30% of tourists coming to Sri Lanka are repeat visitors. According to SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera over 50 foreign media personnel including travel influencers and bloggers generated over $ 500 million worth of media publicity for the country. Sri Lanka also participated in 16 international travel shows such as ITB in Germany; FITU in Spain; ATM in Dubai; IFTM in France, SATTE in India, BIT in Milan, GITF in China and 16 roadshows in India, China, Australia and Turkey with emphasis on B2B sessions. SLTPB officials also said multiple initiatives led to Sri Lanka winning 15 international endorsements so far in 2024 including being ranked as the 5th most popular solo travel destination by the Forbes magazine, the fifth fastest growing tourism destination, topping the list on best places for solo female travel and more recently as the “Best International Tourism Board” award at the Global Tourism Awards ceremony held in New Delhi, India. Perera said that Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market’s share has increased to 10% of the arrivals from 4% previously due to public-private initiatives. Among companies who held large MICE events include Pfizer, Toyota, Hero, Tata and KPMG. In a bid to expand the MICE offering, SLTPB and Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau have been promoting Northern and Southern provinces as well in addition to Colombo.    

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Sri Lanka Approves Free Tourist Visas for 35 Countries to Boost Tourism

FILE PHOTO: Tourists visit Gangaramaya Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka April 25,2024. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/File Photo

By Uditha Jayasinghe

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's cabinet approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries including China, India and Russia, a top official said on Thursday, in an effort to boost tourism and help revive its crisis-hit economy.

Tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme that will start from Oct. 1, said Cabinet spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana.

"The aim of the government is to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing tourism industry," Gunawardana told reporters at a weekly cabinet briefing.

The extensive list includes India, China, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and France.

The country of 22 million people, famed for its beaches, ancient temples and aromatic tea, saw its tourism industry pummelled first by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by a severe financial crisis in 2022 that saw mass scale protests and shortages of essentials such as fuel.

But the tourism industry is reaping the benefits of a turnaround that began last year with Sri Lanka clocking nearly 2 million arrivals by mid-August, for the first time since 2019.

The island is expecting to close the year at 2.3 million arrivals.

India is the largest source of tourists with 246,922 arrivals, followed by UK with 123,992, latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority showed.

Sri Lanka earned $1.5 billion from tourism in the first six months of 2024, up from $875 million dollars during the same period last year, according to the central bank. (This story has been corrected to show that the $1.5 bln is earnings from tourism in the first six months of 2024, not 2023, in paragraph 9)

(Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Editing by Michael Perry)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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