Tourist arrival rate dips in April as economic crisis worsens

• Down to 1, 000-2, 000 a day from 4, 000-5, 000
• SL welcomed 43, 761 tourists from April 1 to 18
• Cumulative tourist arrivals up to April 18 at 329,095

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrival rate has started to witness a dip in the month of April due to the ongoing economic crisis.
The Tourism Ministry yesterday said that the daily tourist arrivals that were in the range of 4,000 to 5,000 in the recent months have now contracted to the levels of 1,000 to 2,000.​​

Reappointed Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday said steps are being taken to increase tourist arrivals.

He added that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the country and to provide them with the necessary facilities without any hindrance.

Tourism sector stakeholders have been repeatedly calling out for help to have continuous access to fuel so the industry can operate with minimal impact amidst the shortages.

While accommodation providers continue to struggle to procure diesel to fuel generators during power-cuts, tour operators are unable to go forward with their planned packages. Several tour operators took to social media to highlight their plight where they highlighted their inability to transport guests to tourist sites due to difficulties in purchasing fuel.

Meanwhile, for the 1 to 18 April period Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 43, 761 tourists, bringing the total arrivals for the year so far to 329,095.  

For the first 18 days of April, the United Kingdom has emerged as the major source market, bringing in 8,743 visitors. India, which has slipped to the second position, accounted for 5,802 tourists.