Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 2, 2024 – Sri Lanka saw a notable increase in tourist arrivals in October, despite travel advisories from the U.S. and six other countries cautioning travelers about a potential threat in the popular Eastern coastal destination of Arugam Bay. According to official data from the state-run Tourism Research and Statistics website, the last eight days of October recorded 37,287 foreign visitors—a 35% rise compared to the same period in 2023.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a travel advisory on October 23, warning of credible intelligence about a possible attack on Arugam Bay. Several other countries, including Australia, Israel, Russia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom, subsequently issued similar advisories.
In response, Sri Lankan police heightened security in Arugam Bay, which attracts a significant number of tourists, particularly surfers from around the world, including many Israeli visitors. Cabinet Spokesman Vijitha Herath stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if the threat was legitimate, adding that the government has taken steps to ensure tourist safety.
Despite concerns about the potential impact of these advisories, October’s overall tourist arrivals rose by 25%, reaching 135,907 visitors compared to 109,199 in October 2023. However, this growth rate is slightly lower than the year-to-date increase of 44% over the first 10 months of the year.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, a key sector in its post-crisis economic recovery, has faced significant setbacks in recent years, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an economic crisis in 2022. However, recent trends suggest a robust return of international visitors, with tourism playing a crucial role in bolstering the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Source :- ECONOMYNEXT
