In January last year, a total of 252,761 foreign tourists visited the country. The number has risen to 277,327 arrivals in January this year, reflecting a steady growth in the tourism sector.
India recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals during the period, with 52,061 visitors. The United States followed with 29,547 tourists, while 27,134 visitors arrived from Russia and 17,776 from Germany.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe stated that a joint programme has been launched to promote both domestic and international tourism in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The inaugural discussion of the initiative was held in Ratnapura.
The Deputy Minister further noted that Rs. 3,500 million has been allocated this year to strengthen tourism promotion efforts across the country.
