Country on track to record revenue of USD 5b from tourism - Minister Amaratunga

Despite difficulties, Sri Lanka is on track to generate revenue of USD 5 billion from tourism by the end of 2019, Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga said.

By Sandun Jayawardana

Speaking during the debate on the Expenditure Head of his Ministry, Mr Amaratunga stated that when he took over as Minister, the country was earning an estimated revenue of USD 2.5 billion from tourism. This had increased up to USD 4.3 billion by the end of last year, he observed.

“By the end of this year, we expect tourism revenue to hit at least USD 5 billion,” he stated.

The Minister further claimed that the country was on track to record a growth of 100% in tourist arrivals within the four year period of 2015-2019. While there were some 1.5 million tourist arrivals in the country in 2015, this had increased to 2.3 million by 2018 and is due to hit 3 million by the end of the year, he further explained.

Moreover, the Government was making plans to improve facilities in the country catering to adventure tourism, Mr Amaratunga elaborated, noting that 40% of tourists who now come to the country are into adventure tourism.

The Government was also keen on promoting the island as a tourist destination during so-called "off season" during the months of May to October, he added.

In order to promote Sri Lanka as a 365-day tourism destination, free visas and on-arrival visa facilities will be afforded to travellers from 39 countries, Mr Amaratunga told Parliament.