Sri Lanka sees surge in tourist arrivals

In a promising start to July, Sri Lanka has welcomed a significant influx of international visitors, marking a notable increase from previous months. 

According to provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the island nation greeted a total of 43,083 tourists in the first week of the month, pushing year-to-date arrivals to 1,053,332.

Comparing figures with the first week of June, this represents an impressive 89 percent rise in tourist arrivals, indicating a robust recovery in Sri Lanka's tourism sector.

The month commenced with Sri Lanka hosting the Dawoodi Bohra International Convention, which commenced on July 7 and spans over 12 days. This convention is a major event for Sri Lanka's tourism industry, drawing over 30,000 religious visitors from more than 40 countries.

The Dawoodi Bohra International Convention holds significance beyond its cultural and religious aspects, as it underscores Sri Lanka's efforts to position itself as a safe and welcoming destination following the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. The event, organized in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and the local Bohra community, marks the first major international convention hosted by Sri Lanka in 2024.

Industry stakeholders view this event as a pivotal opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka's appeal as a global tourism hotspot, leveraging the convention's influence to attract more visitors and bolster the nation's economy.