In a major boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the country has already exceeded its 2023 tourist arrivals within the first nine months of 2024. With 1,487,303 total arrivals recorded last year, Sri Lanka surpassed that figure by September 2024, including a 9% growth in September alone with 112,140 arrivals. Key contributors to this achievement were travelers from India, China, the UK, Germany, Australia, Maldives, Russia, Bangladesh, Spain, and France.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) strategic initiatives, including the successful “Seen is Believing” influencer campaign, played a pivotal role. Hosting 180 media influencers from across the globe, such as renowned travel influencers Luke Martin, Nas Daily (Nusier Yassin), and Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi, SLTPB showcased the island’s unique attractions and hospitality, helping to rebuild global confidence in Sri Lanka as a premier destination.
The digital campaign “Check In…Sri Lanka is Ready” further amplified this momentum, alongside participation in key international travel fairs like ITB Berlin, IFTM Paris, and WTM UK. Global recognitions, including the Pekoe Trail’s feature in National Geographic and Sri Lanka’s ranking as the fourth most popular travel destination for 2024 by Forbes, cemented its status as a must-visit location.
With its brand built on the pillars of being “Compact,” “Diverse,” and “Authentic,” Sri Lanka stands out among global destinations, offering compelling reasons for travelers to explore or return to this island paradise.
