Sri Lanka’s cabinet has given the green light to offer complimentary tourist visas to visitors from seven countries, including China, India, and Russia, in a bid to stimulate tourism and aid the recovery of its economy, according to a statement issued by the media ministry.
Under this pilot program, tourists from China, India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will receive free visas until March 31, 2024. The move is a part of Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to revitalize its tourism sector and reach a target of five million arrivals by 2026.
Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque beaches, ancient temples, and renowned tea, suffered significant setbacks to its tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe financial crisis in the previous year, marked by widespread protests and essential shortages such as fuel.
However, 2023 has seen a positive shift in the tourism sector, with Sri Lanka welcoming its millionth visitor by September, a milestone not reached since 2019. The nation is projected to conclude the year with 1.5 million arrivals.
Latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority revealed that India is the largest source of tourists, contributing 200,310 arrivals, followed by Russia with 132,300.
According to the central bank, Sri Lanka garnered $1.3 billion from tourism during the first eight months of 2023, a notable increase from the $833 million generated during the same period the previous year.
(With input from agencies)
