Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector Achieves 122% Growth in January, Post-Economic Crisis Recovery

04 March 2024, 04:52 PM IST Photo: canva

SaIn Sri Lanka, which is recovering from the economic crisis, the tourism sector achieved a 122 percent growth in January compared to last year. Sri Lankan Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya informed about this. In January this year, there was an income of 34.2 crore dollars (2833 crore rupees) from the tourism sector.

The amount sent by expatriates to the country is also increased. This year there has been a five percent increase over January last year. Sri Lanka received 48.8 crore dollars (Rs 4042 crore) from expatriates in January this year. Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $4.5 billion (Rs 37,280 crore) as of January.

Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022 due to severe economic crisis. It is reported that as of September 2023, Sri Lanka had a foreign debt of 51 billion dollars. The tourism sector, which is one of the main sources of income for the country, should have collapsed at that time. Civil wars, security concerns created by the 2019 terrorist attacks, and the spread of Covid-19 have decimated tourism.

The improvement in the country’s post-Covid situation and the reforms implemented in the tourism sector have helped Sri Lanka achieve its current feat. Easement of visa rules and declaration of visa-free entry to many countries has attracted tourists in a big way. Low-cost tourism opportunities and limitless sights have attracted budget travelers to Sri Lanka.

A tourist’s dream island

A baby country with almost Kerala/Tamilnadu mixed culture, food variety and hospitality to match. Sri Lanka is the most easily accessible foreign country from Kerala. Choose from different packages that include cultural sites, wildlife and Kandy Hills like Munnar.

At present there is no sea access to this neighboring country of ours which is only about 30 km from Dhanushkodi in India. Air travel is the only option. Cheap flight tickets are available with a little searching. You can get a visa easily by showing your hotel booking and return flight ticket at the airport.

As the country does not have any metro, the main modes of public transport are trains and buses. Another advantage of being a small country is that you can see all the major sights in just a week. Lanka is also a favorite destination for backpackers as it is an inexpensive travel destination.

Tourist destinations like Jaffna, Yala National Park, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Rawana Falls, Dambulla Cave Temple and Arugam Bay are world famous. Another attraction is the beautiful beaches. Flight services to Sri Lanka are also available from all major airports in India.

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2024-03-04 11:22:21