Govt. targets 3 mn tourists, US$5 bn revenue in 2025

By Nishel Fernando

The government is aiming to attract three million tourists in 2025, generating over US$ 5 billion in revenue, with major institutional reforms planned for the tourism sector next year.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam officially announced the 2025 tourism targets during the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards held at Cinnamon Life in Colombo last Friday. The awards ceremony returned after a five-year hiatus.

He noted that the proposed restructuring of tourism bodies would play a key role in facilitating growth and meeting these targets.

It is proposed to establish the National Tourism Commission (NTC) as the main governing body for tourism. For policy guidance and development, the plan includes setting up a Tourism Policy Formulation Council comprising experts from within and outside the industry. The Sri Lanka Tourism Authority would be empowered to implement these policies.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the tourism industry by focusing strategically on sustainable and inclusive development.

“The government’s commitment to support tourism remains steadfast with initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, advertising, and human resource development. We can build a resilient, sustainable, and shining tourism industry that showcases unparalleled prosperity,” he said.

In this context, Hewawasam stressed the need to increase employment in the tourism industry to at least 15-16 percent while acknowledging that a number of other industries are interlinked with tourism.