News Today: Sri Lanka records 145,669 tourists arrivals in November; India leads as top market

Sri Lanka recorded 145,669 tourist arrivals between November 1 and 24, 2024, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,766,384. With average daily arrivals exceeding 6,000, the country is on track to surpass its 2 million arrival target for next year.

India retained its position as Sri Lanka’s top tourism market, contributing 32,046 arrivals in November and accounting for 22% of the market share. Despite this positive trend, adverse travel advisories and other challenges have made it unlikely for Sri Lanka to surpass its all-time record of 2,333,796 arrivals, achieved in 2018.

Tourism experts view the steady growth as a testament to Sri Lanka’s resilience and efforts to boost its global appeal. Industry stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving higher milestones in the coming years by addressing travel advisory concerns and further diversifying markets.