Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up by 7.0 percent in February 2019

Mar 10, Colombo: Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals rose 7.0 percent in February 2019 compared to the same period last year, the data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed.

The month recorded 252,033 tourists arriving in the country compared to the 235,618 arrived in February 2018.

India, United Kingdom, China, France and Germany were Sri Lanka's top five international tourist generating markets in the month of February this year.

India was the largest source of tourist traffic to Sri Lanka with 13% of the total traffic received in February 2019. United Kingdom accounted for 12% of the total traffic; while China, France and Germany accounted for 11%, 7% and 7% respectively.

Arrivals from North America rose 61.7 percent to 16,280 in February and the arrivals from US rose 61.7 percent to 9,678 during the month while arrivals from Canada increased 61.8 percent.

Tourist arrivals from Europe increased by 11.4 percent with the arrival of 135,934 tourists. Most of the tourists came from UK (29,750), followed by France (17,295), Germany (17,268), and Russian Federation (13,008).

Tourist arrivals from Middle East declined by 5.2 percent with the arrival of 3,691 visitors compared to the 3,894 arrived in February 2018.

Tourist arrivals from Asia & Pacific declined by 3.8 percent with 94,058 arriving in the island. Tourist arrivals from India declined by 1.9 percent with 32,286 visitors arriving while arrivals from China fell by 22.0 percent to record 28,039 arrivals.

Arrivals from Australia recorded 54.8 percent increase with 8,810 visitors entering the country in February 2019.

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Sri Lankan tourism; all that glitters is not gold

Tourism in Sri Lanka was said to have reached an all-time high last year with a staggering 2.2 million tourists visiting the country. While news articles widely publicised this never before seen rate, little did anyone pay attention to return in investment and surge in local sales brought by these tourists. 

Most of the tourists visiting the country spend less than $ 500 a week – bringing very little income and indirect employment to our locals, which in turn does not contribute to our economy drastically. So what seems to be the issue here despite having a never before seen rate of tourists pour into Sri Lanka to enjoy our sandy beaches? Let’s dig a bit deeper into the issue. 

Digging deeper into the root cause

Whilst it’s important that Sri Lanka has a steady inflow of tourists, our legislative and other bodies do not pay attention to the type of tourists that visit the country. There has been a growing increase in budget hotels and other budget accommodations both in and out of Colombo, and this number only seems to be in the rising. Although the industry must cater to all levels of tourists, our tourism sector must pay special attention to bring down tourists with higher spending power as this is where the real sales and surge in our economy lies. 

In the past few years there has been a surge in many accommodations coming up in the North, Central Highlands, South and the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Almost 80% of these hotels have room rates below $ 90 for double half-board basis. Additionally, more and more hotels are coming up in these regions simply because owners find this lucrative market attractive and get into business either because they were advised by a friend or saw someone do well in the same trade. 

Diving headfirst into ventures without a proper plan

This isn’t healthy for hotels, banks and the Sri Lankan economy as there needs to be a substantial financial and business knowledge and planning put into a venture. The business will find it very hard in the long run to pay back their bank loans as it will take them between 10-12 years to breakeven whereas a hotel with a good business and financial model will breakeven between 5-7 years; simply because there was no solid financial plan at the inception therefore having a painful effect on the growth of the business. 

Tourists visiting Sri Lanka with lesser spending power, are not contributing to the growth of our economy. With a tourist spending less than $ 500 a week by cutting down on food, travel and any other possible expense whilst opting to stay at budget hotels, their actions are not helping indirect employment opportunities to grow. With foreigners choosing to either back-pack or choose low cost travel options like travelling by bus in town or train for long distances, they are not providing our local tuk tuk drivers and cab services indirect employment. 

Time for hotels to step up and improve their game

In addition to the majority of tourists Sri Lanka attracts, hotels too must take a step up and improve their services. Hotels can no longer rely on their restaurants and buffets to help make profits, as this accounts only up to 40% of the total sale. Hotels must focus on the remaining 60% that is the real value addition; accommodation services. However our fiscal standing doesn’t make higher priced hotel a beguiling destination for the cadre of tourists we attract. With 30% of a tax charged (with a breakdown of 10% Service Charge, 15% Value Added Tax &2% Nation Building Tax) in addition to the normal rates, tourists and locals alike are disheartened to yield a higher spending power. 

Corrective measures 

In order for Sri Lanka to attract the right kind of tourists which will in turn positively affect our economy and help our nation grow and provide our locals with direct and indirect employment, Sri Lanka must look into developing infrastructure and providing higher valued goods to attract the right level of clientele. Await to find out how Sri Lanka can facilitate an economic surge during our next publication. 

(The writer is an accountant by profession turned Head of Operations. He possesses over 29 years of expertise in the hospitality industry including 20 years of strong financial administration at five-star hotels. His expertise is spread throughout his various stints in various regions around the world including USA, The Caribbean, Middle East and Singapore as well as holding the position of an operation and commercial oriented Director of Finance, with a wealth of business experience. He is a highly result oriented professional, who believes in cohesive work environments and team work. He is now retired and consults professionally to a leading international consulting firm, whilst residing in his home in Colombo.)

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Sri Lanka's Tourism sector achieves US$ 4.4 billion revenue target

Jan 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka has earned over US$ 4.4 billion from tourism this year with revenue steadily increased by 11.6 percent compared to 2017, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said.

According to the SLTDA, the data suggests that an average duration of stay per person is 11 days in Sri Lanka while average expenditure is approximately 2000 U.S dollars.

The Industry expectations for 2019 are 3 million tourist arrivals and revenue of 5 billion U.S dollars with lonely planet naming Sri Lanka as the Number one destination to travel in 2019.

India, China, and Britain have managed to remain as the leading markets throughout the year in 2018 as well.

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Sri Lanka looks to ease tourist visa requirements to boost tourism

COLOMBO, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said his government is looking at easing the air traffic system including Sri Lanka visas for tourists to boost the island's tourism industry, local media reported Saturday.

Speaking at the Hotel Show Colombo 2018 in the capital of Colombo, Wickremesinghe said that easing visa requirements for tourists was an important step for the island's rapidly developing tourism as the basic requirements of entry into the country must be streamlined.

Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of increasing the number of tourists visiting the country, thereby bringing in more revenue and improving the people's income.

"For us, in the short term, tourism is one of the job creators," the prime minister said. "It means a future for Sri Lankan employment. It means a future for Sri Lankan youth," he added.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which was once heavily scarred by a 30-year civil conflict, has become one of the leading industries after the island was dubbed as one of the world's greatest tourist hot spots by international publications.

Tourist arrivals have recorded a growth of 15.3 percent during the first half of 2018 compared to the same period last year, statistics from the Tourism Ministry showed.

India, China and Britain have remained the largest growing markets.

Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said recently that the government was targeting a revenue of 4.4 billion U.S. dollars through tourism this year.

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Sri Lanka to build southern coastal city to leading tourism hub in South Asia

COLOMBO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government aims to transform the southern city of Galle into a leading tourism hub in South Asia due to it's historic value and the World Heritage Galle Fort, local media reported Tuesday. 

Wickremesinghe, addressing a forum on the Development Plan for Galle and its suburbs, said all illegal constructions within the Galle Fort would be removed and state organisations located in the Galle Fort area would be shifted without delay.

 He said Galle's new development plan with the aim of promoting tourism will be implemented while preserving and protecting the precious World Heritage Site of the historic Galle Fort and no fortifications will be permitted according to the requests of individuals or organizations. 

Wickremesinghe further said all illegal constructions at the Galle International Cricket Stadium will be also removed accordingly. 

The prime minister had recently said that Galle's tourism plans will also focus heavily on conservation of the natural eco-system and new laws will be formulated to protect the environment in the area during construction. 

The Galle district, the prime minister said, is located between two international airports Katunayake and Mattala and although many concentrate on the coastal area of Galle in terms of tourism, its interior areas were blessed with natural beauty and have immense potential. 

 "That is why we have already made plans to start tourism projects in Akurala and Koggala. With all these projects, Galle, I am certain, will become a major tourism hub in the region," the Prime Minister said. 

Sri Lanka's tourism sector has continued to grow since a three-decade civil conflict ended in May 2009 between government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels. 

China has been Sri Lanka's second largest market with 115,870 Chinese tourists arriving so far this year.

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Boat Show and Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018

Sri Lanka Online Visa

Boat Show & Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018 is organized by Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in association with Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Ministry of Ports and Shipping at Galle Yacht Marina, Port of Galle.

To provide a single platform for all related business sectors involved directly and indirectly in the boat and ship building industry and nautical tourism sector to display and promote their respective sectors for potential international and local clients and giving initiation for the leisure boating culture to the Sri Lanka.

South Asia’s most focused and largest international Boat Show and Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018 will be held from 26th to 28th October 2018 at the Galle Yacht Marina of the Port of Galle. This event will be the first ever marine festival in Sri Lanka organized to show case the country’s capabilities in recreational boating and yachting, nautical tourism, boat building and related services for export and local markets. To attract the younger age groups towards boating, in addition to the boat and ship building sector, water sports events geared to the younger generation including wake boarding, water skiing, jet ski racing, wind surfing, catamaran and dinghy racing, try a boat event run by sailing clubs, fashion show linked to a nautical theme, fishing events and demonstrations, music (various bands), F and B court, classic car rally and display, Sri Lanka cultural display especially those linked to the sea, events for school children, nautical tourism, ocean academy, Sun & Sand Festival etc. will be added. Following the success of Boat Show Sri Lanka 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, & 2016 the upcoming boating festival will attract large number of buyers and visitors, boating enthusiasts, and industry professionals from countries such as India, Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives, South Korea, Belgium, Middle East, Germany, Holland, UK etc.

The Boat Show and Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018 will be organized by Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (gte) Limited (BTI) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in association with Ministry of Development Strategies & International Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Ministry of Ports and Shipping (Sri Lanka Ports Authority).

The Boat Show & Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018 will be organized at Galle Yacht Marina, Port of Galle from 26th to 28th October 2018, with the objective of providing a single platform for all related business sectors involved directly and indirectly in the boat and ship building industry and fisheries sector to display and promote their respective sectors for potential clients. The total number of stalls in this year is around 80.

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Beauty Destination Beyond India - Sri Lanka

In compare to India, Sri Lanka will beat India in its beauty. The population of Sri Lanka is low and not polluted like India so the beauty of nature remains natural and non polluted. Sri Lanka is a true beholder of pure and simple beauty with all its natural charm. This Island is shaped like a drop of water from north to south and east to west and replete with numerous temptations. These temptations invoke phantasmagoria that stretches beyond the realms of fantasy. It is a true world known fact that Sri Lanka is prosperously diverse in compare to India. This diverse land houses varied specific destinations in which each of bestows diverse facets. These aspects makes Sri Lanka an absolute country with scores of only tourist destinations. If you are visiting India then don't forget to visit Sri Lanka. The country holds more nature beauty than India. Apply for Sri Lanka visa now because already all the hotel and resorts are full for last 3 months. The time of visiting tourist to Sri Lanka already get started. This island depicts a living museum with myriads of distinct features if you are eager to get explored and appreciated then travel to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is an incomparable island from all other island with all the miscellaneous aspects. From shimmering coastline to exotic wildlife, man-made marvels to natural splendor, every feature has its own distinct of charm and greatness that allures its visitors more. The alluring charm of this incredible island leaves one breathless or spellbound with its intriguing wonders.

Culture: One of the dominant aspects of Sri Lanka is Cultural assimilation. It is exclusively famed for its ethnicity with other different or unique characteristics as well. Scores of tourists are more attracted in comparison to India to explore the sundry culture and traditions of the island. The infatuating culture of this island makes it the most adored destination where one can stay and enjoy their vacations at the fullest. The best of its culture can be found in its heritage and architecture. The island is dotted with some interesting sculptures and edifices.

Beaches: Sri Lanka is extremely affluent in terms of housing an elegant coastline. The island boasts countless beaches as it has been fringed elegantly by the Indian Ocean. The popular or prominent destinations beaches to experience the alluring splendor are Colombo, Negombo, Trincomalee and Galle. All tourist visiting Sri Lanka must have their tour to these beaches for sure.

Pilgrimage: Mainly Sri Lanka is considered as a prime Buddhist site. The island is fulled with the presence of Buddha in the form of temples, Buddhist caves and other prime edifices. There are so many pilgrim destinations which bestows extreme serenity to Sri Lanka.

So these are some comparison of visiting Sri Lanka. If you too like to visit Sri Lanka now then don't forget to get your Sri Lanka visa on time.

Basic Specifics for the Guest of Colombo

Sri Lanka capital is Colombo or we can say it is designated as Sri Lanka's capital, largest metropolis and major port of Sri Lanka all together pulls all the colors and customs that compose this island nation, squeezes them into a mixture of markets, buildings both humble and impressive and relaxing gardens that knocks them against a fine slab of beach side. Several visitors taking the flights to Colombo will adore Colombo's colonial tradition, its fine cuisine options and lavish shopping market opportunities and the race of urban buzz makes Sri Lanka an awesome rural country. In the northern region of this city is the fort area, where you will observe the huge British fort, dating back 19th century, and several residues of the previous regal power. As a guest if you are travelling to a new country you required having that particular country visa so you must have Sri Lanka visa with yourself.

  
Weather conditions and when to fly Colombo:

No matter what month of the year you pick for your holiday to Colombo and confirm your seats in the cheap flights, every time you will find the weather will be warm and humid. It is possibly wisest to avoid the monsoon rains, however: this season you found on May and August, and October and January.

The Airlines flying to Colombo:

Flights flying to Colombo from UK take about 13 hours of journey without any stopover. Various scheduled airlines that operate the flights to Colombo lead by direct as well as an indirect route. Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines fly to Colombo from all major airports of United Kingdom.

Colombo Airport:

The airport you will find in Colombo is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) which is the airport functioning in Colombo city and receiving the international Colombo flights from all over the world. The airport caters have all essential needs of international guests including banks, money changers, internet access, cart rental firms, bars, restaurants, different shops, post offices and most important help desks and hotel reservations agencies.

In this manner there are many things to that will attract you to visit Colombo every time. There are many tourist attraction places to visit. Get your Sri Lanka visa online and enjoy the each single day of your holiday spending over there.

Justify your Winter Holidays with Sri Lanka Trip!

The dawn of the Winter Season is nearing and there is a lot of excitement about which country to choose for the holidays. It almost does not meet any logic to visit any Western country in this season as those countries will be more chilling. So the next option is to choose any country in the South East Asia which will give some warmth during this excursion.

 Out of the list of countries you would consider, it is almost inevitable that Sri Lanka would definitely be on the first five in the list. It is not fair to say that Lanka is the best destination, but it is justifiable to say that Lanka is the best destination considering the winters and how Lanka can compensate what you are trying to escape from in the west.

 

Now the first thing anyone would wish to do in winters is to get the warmth of the Sun as much as you can. Well, then Lanka has umpteen number of Beaches where one can lie down in peace under the sun for hours together and still not get disturbed by any passerby who is sharing the same beach. The noise, the market space and the rush is minimal and so there is plenty of privacy in the lap of the nature on seaside of Lanka. Also, to explore all the Destinations in Lanka such as its mystery caves, Elephant Safaris, Train journeys as well as Rain Forest Walks are a pleasure to do in the warmth of the Winter Sun instead of the Summer Sun which is not bearable to anyone visiting from a cold climate country.

 Hence, apply for Sri Lanka Visa and check for your Sri Lanka visa status and plan accordingly your favorite winter trip!