## Tourism Industry Concerned Over Proposed E-Cigarette Ban 📉

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has voiced concerns regarding a proposed blanket ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, warning it could deter international visitors from key source markets. • The Policy Move: The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) has submitted legal recommendations to the Ministry of Health to ban the sale, import, and manufacture of all vaping devices. The goal is to create a "tobacco-free generation" by closing existing legislative gaps. • Market Impact: Industry analysts highlight that vaping is increasingly replacing traditional smoking in high-value markets. UK (2nd largest market): Vapers (5.4 million) now outnumber traditional smokers (4.9 million). Europe (Top source region): 1.15 million tourists arrived from Europe last year, where approximately 4.6% of adults use e-cigarettes. Global Context: There are an estimated 129 million vape users worldwide, particularly among younger demographics. • Tourism Performance: 2025 Retrospective: Total arrivals grew by 15% to 2.36 million. 2024 Year-to-Date: 0.8 million arrivals recorded from Jan 1 to April 30. April Trend: Arrivals reached 135,643, reflecting a 22% decline compared to previous months. The industry fears the ban may negatively impact Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a destination, particularly for travelers from the UK and Europe.