By: Staff Writer

November 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to consolidate its tourism-related agencies by forming a Tourism Commission, a move aimed at further boosting the thriving sector, according to the island’s Foreign and Tourism Minister.

Speaking to reporters in Kandy, Minister Vijitha Herath announced, “We plan to combine the agencies within the Tourism Ministry and appoint a Commission. Through a merger of agencies, we aim to revive the sector.”

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), which was established in 2005 to replace the former Sri Lanka Tourist Board, is currently the primary agency overseeing tourism. The SLTDA manages several branches, including:

Tourism Promotion Bureau: Handles marketing and promotion efforts.Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management: Focuses on human resource development within the sector and operates the Hotels School.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau: A statutory body run by an independent Board of Management that oversees conventions.

The Ministry of Tourism also includes the Tourist Police Unit, with branches located in Colombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy.

Additionally, the Inter-Ministry Tourism Steering Committee (ITSC), an agency operating out of the President’s Office, aids in implementing strategic plans for tourism.

Minister Herath noted that tourism stands out from other export sectors due to its potential for rapid recovery and immediate gains. He also mentioned that the National People’s Power party has a comprehensive plan for the tourism sector, with initiatives expected to launch next year.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is showing positive momentum, recording 120,961 tourist arrivals in the first 20 days of November.

This figure represents a 17% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2023. So far this year, over 1.74 million visitors have traveled to Sri Lanka, bringing the nation closer to its goal of two million arrivals by the end of the year.

The average number of daily arrivals in November stands at 6,048, a 17% rise from the October average of 5,170 per day. To achieve the November target of 198,069 arrivals, the country needs an average of 7,711 tourists daily for the rest of the month.

India remains Sri Lanka’s largest source of tourists, with 26,717 visitors in the first 20 days of November. It is followed by Russia with 20,157, Germany with 9,444, the UK with 7,715, and Australia with 4,762. On a year-to-date basis, India continues to lead with 349,690 arrivals, followed by Russia (157,756) and the UK (154,385).

The return of charter flights including services by Red Wings, Enter Air, Edelweiss and Air Azur is expected to support further growth through the winter season which ends in March 2025. These charters provide vital direct connectivity particularly for Eastern European travellers.

Adding to the momentum, Jetstar launched its Colombo-Singapore direct route positioning itself as the only low-cost carrier (LCC) connecting the two cities.

With the peak winter season underway, industry champions are optimistic that the country will surpass its targets.