Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka are projected to surpass the 100,000 mark in May, although they are expected to fall short of the target range of 120,934 to 131,112.
Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority indicate a moderate growth, with 79,431 tourists recorded in the first three weeks of May, compared to 83,309 during the same period last year.
The daily average of tourist arrivals stands at approximately 3,782, a decline from the previous months' average of 5,000. This decrease is attributed to the off-peak period between April and the summer season, as well as issues related to visa processing.
India remains the largest source of tourists, accounting for 26 percent of the total arrivals in May. The Maldives ranks second, contributing 11 percent of the arrivals. Germany has moved into third place with 8 percent, followed by the United Kingdom at 7 percent, and China, which now ranks fifth, contributing 6 percent.
Russia, which previously ranked among the top two sources of tourists, has dropped to the seventh position. Industry stakeholders attribute this decline to Russian charter flights opting for other destinations due to increased hotel room prices and landing charges at Mattala International Airport.
