Tourist arrivals pass 1.35 Mn again

For the first time after several years, Sri Lanka tourist arrivals passed the 1.35 million mark in mid (13) of December 2023. Total arrivals for last year were just 719,978.

Also, the first 20 days’ arrivals of 2023 December are expected to surpass the entire arrival figure of December 2022 which was 91,961. As of December 1 to 13 2023, the total arrivals for the month was 73,590.

The November 2023 arrivals were recorded at 151,496 as against the 2022 November figure of 59,759 which shows a 153.5% increase. Over 120% increases in arrivals are expected for the year 2023 as against the previous year.

Meanwhile, earnings from tourism which were USD 1,008.9 million from January to November 2022 increased to USD 1,798.7 during the same period of 2023 showing a 78.3% increase. Once again India was the top source destination for Sri Lanka for December so far accounting for 14,704 arrivals and taking 20% of the total market share.

With additional flights to Colombo and the winter season looming, the Russian Federation was the second with 10,573 arrivals (14%). Both these countries are also now enjoying the ‘Visa Free’ policy which will further boost arrivals from this segment.

Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan resumed its flights to Sri Lanka once again last week and will fly four times a week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The Ground Handling is done by Lanka Sportreizen (LSR).

In the top three list for December so far is the United Kingdom with 7,250 (10%). Germany with 6,214 arrivals is in fourth place while China accounts for 3,976 arrivals and Australia (3,419) remain the fifth and sixth best source market for Sri Lanka from December 1 to 13 2023. (SS)

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