Tourist arrivals dropped by 28.3% in August when compared with the same period last year. The month of August 2019, recorded 143,587 arrivals. India, the United Kingdom, China, Germany and France were Sri Lanka’s top five international tourist generating markets in August this year. India was the largest source of tourist traffic to Sri Lanka with 26% of the total traffic last month. The UK accounted for 10% of the total traffic; while China, Germany and France accounted for 7% and 5% (both) respectively.
Despite a series of promotions and FAM tourist China was at third place.
The total number of arrivals up to end August was 1,267,737, a 19.9% dip. A total of 1,582,835 tourists had visited Sri Lanka from January to August in 2018. India, the United Kingdom and China were Sri Lanka’s top five international tourist generating markets in August.
“Sri Lanka is well on track to attract 2 million tourists by the end of this year,” Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes said.
The ongoing Bohra Convention which has attracted over 23,000 guests would help boost the September arrival figures. “In addition the ‘free Visa on arrivals facility’ too, would boost more arrivals to the country from September.” (SS)
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