India–Pakistan T20 Clash Sparks Surge in Tourist Arrivals and Soaring Prices in Colombo
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By: Isuru Parakrama
February 17, Colombo (LNW): A wave of Indian cricket enthusiasts descended on Colombo this month as the much-anticipated Twenty20 encounter between India and Pakistan, played on February 15, triggered a sharp uptick in visitor numbers and travel demand.
Figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) indicate that 18,819 Indian nationals arrived in the country between February 01 and 12 alone. India accounted for approximately 15 per cent of total tourist arrivals during that period, ranking as the leading source market for the month.
Overall, 124,460 visitors entered Sri Lanka in the first twelve days of February, with February 12 recording the highest single-day influx at 12,731 arrivals—just days before the high-profile fixture. Industry observers attribute the spike largely to cricket supporters travelling to witness one of the sport’s most fiercely contested rivalries.
Airfares from key Indian cities climbed steeply in the run-up to the match. Travel agents in Colombo reported that one-way tickets from Chennai, typically priced between US$ 200 and 250 for the short 90-minute journey, surged to between US$ 623 and 756. Flights from Delhi saw increases of over 50 per cent, with fares hovering around US$ 666 as demand intensified.
The hospitality sector experienced a similar boom. Several five-star hotels in Colombo reported near full occupancy on the eve of the match, with some premium rooms commanding rates close to US$ 1,000 per night—far above the usual seasonal average of around US$ 150. Restaurateurs and entertainment venues also reported brisk business, citing a festive atmosphere across the city.
The stadium, with a seating capacity of 35,000, was filled to capacity, with tickets selling out rapidly through official channels. Organisers confirmed that more than 88,000 ticket requests had been received, underscoring the extraordinary interest surrounding the fixture.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the windfall, noting that major sporting events can deliver a significant short-term boost to arrivals and revenue. However, some industry analysts caution that sustaining such momentum will require continued marketing efforts and improved connectivity beyond marquee events.
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