Headline: Heritage Tourism & The Ravana Legacy: A Multi-Billion Rupee Opportunity 📈

The Colombo Institute for Human Sciences (CIHS) recently explored the evolving role of Ravana, highlighting its transition from myth to a strategic asset in Sri Lanka’s cultural tourism and political landscape. • Overall Figures & Economic Impact • Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.36 Mn tourists in 2025 (up 15.1% YoY), surpassing the 2018 peak. • Tourism earnings exceeded US$ 3.2 Bn for 2025, driven by a surge in high-value experiential travel. • The "Sri Ramayan Trails" project targets millions of pilgrims, leveraging AI and AR to monetize 50+ historical sites. • Sector & Market Breakdown • Top Market: India remains the undisputed leader with 531,511 arrivals in 2025 (22.5% share), growing by 27% YoY. • Heritage Tourism: A key growth driver; global markets are projected to reach US$ 641.64 Bn in 2025. • Tourism Diversification: Local narratives in Kandy and the Knuckles range are being "repackaged" as a consumable brand for the ICT/BPM and digital nomad segments. • Strategic Outlook • Scholars warn of "hegemonic" North Indian versions eclipsing local traditions, affecting how sites like Seetha Eliya are marketed. • The commercialization of the "Ravana" brand is seen as a stabilizing force for national sovereignty and foreign exchange recovery. _Summary based on 2025 SLTDA provisional data and CIHS academic proceedings._