🇱🇰🇮🇳 Tourism Cooperation Hits New Highs; SL Targets 4 Mn Arrivals by 2030 📈

Sri Lanka and India have renewed their commitment to deepen tourism cooperation, asserting the relationship is the strongest it has ever been. • India remains Sri Lanka's largest source market, contributing 451,747 arrivals (22% of total) year-to-date, with growth supported by visa-free entry and targeted promotions. • SL Arrivals & Targets: • Total arrivals crossed 2 Mn YTD (as of Nov 17). • Minister projects 2.4–2.5 Mn arrivals for 2025, which would be the highest annual figure ever (topping 2.3 Mn in 2018). • Long-term goal: 4 Mn visitors and US$ 8 Bn in revenue by 2030. • Niche Focus: Sri Lanka is prioritizing niche segments like MICE, destination weddings, wellness, film tourism, and religious circuits (Buddhist & Ramayana trails) to diversify offerings. • Indian Outbound Potential: India's outbound market reached 30 Mn travellers in 2024 (5th largest globally) and is expected to double within a decade. • Indian High Commissioner noted that a mere 1% shift from India’s 2.5 Bn domestic trips could yield 25 Mn visitors to SL—60 times the current Indian arrivals. • Investment & Connectivity: India is actively encouraging hospitality investment in SL, with major brands like Taj and ITC expanding their presence. Nearly 150 weekly flights and the resumed Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai ferry enhance connectivity.