July tourist arrivals hit 126,000 historic high

Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of arrivals per month for 2023 when July tourist arrivals touched the 126, 000-mark yesterday.

From July 1 to 27, 2023 Sri Lanka had received 123,503 arrivals and this is expected to pass Lanka’s best arrivals month of 125,495 recorded in March 2023, an official from Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said. In 2022 Sri Lanka attracted 47,293 arrivals for July and 106,500 for March.

Sri Lanka has also passed the total number of tourist arrivals recorded in 2022 which was 719,978 by mid-July 30, 2023 when the country attracted 748,377 arrivals.

He said that with the Sri Lankan economy recovering and more international flights and cruise liners patronizing Sri Lanka they are now confident that Sri Lanka would be able to touch the 2 million arrival target for 2023. “This is an enhanced target.”

He also said that world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Sri Lanka also gives a huge boost to tourism as it gives a positive message that Sri Lanka is a safe destination to travel.

For the fourth month in succession, India was the top source destination for Sri Lanka accounting for nearly 18% (21,000 Plus) of the total arrivals while the United Kingdom with 15,500 (12%) and China (7%) Germany (7,000) Russian Federation (6,500) followed. (SS)