First group of Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka last night (01 March) since the COVI-19 pandemic. Group arrived on a specially chartered Sri Lankan airlines aircraft. (UL1881) Around 120 tourists arrived from Guangzhou to Sri Lanka.
A small welcoming party was held at Katunayake International airport which was attended by, the Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong and others. Speaking at the event, Minister Harin Fernando stated that more Chinese tourists will be expected in the coming months and that strikes and protests should not hinder tourism industry in the country.
It should also be noted that there is a significant increased in tourism arrivals in February 2023 compared to February 2022 according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). According to SLTDA around 210,184 tourists have visited Sri Lana by end of February 2023. Consistent increase in tourism earnings will be extremely beneficial for the country’s economic situation.
