Tourism arrivals drop 20% in August

August tourism arrivals recorded 37,760 displaying a 20% drop against July arrivals which was 47,293.

According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data this is the third lowest arrival figure after May and June where both months averaged around 32, 00 arrivals per each month.

The total arrivals for the first eight months now stand at 496,430 which is far below previous years first eight month figure of 5,040. With good flight connections India became the top destination for Sri Lanka fielding over 80 ,000 guests while UK followed with 65 655, Russia with 49,00, Germany with 40350 and France 28 230.

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando disclosed that they made a series of fruitful but low cost promotions to India and said that he hopes to bring three IPL cricket matches to be played in Sri Lanka this year. “This will bring more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka.”