Sri Lanka (SL) has geared up to woo Indian tourists in a generously proportioned way. In this regard a step has been initiated on the Prime Minister level. On PM’s instruction Jaffna’s Palaly airport would be soon operational to Indian destinations to facilitate travel. In this regard things have already been rolling in a positive way.
Sri Lankan Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held a high-level meeting with the industry stakeholders. He discussed resuming flights from Jaffna’s Palaly airport to Indian destinations. The PM has instructed tourism authorities to draw up comprehensive plans to attract more Indian tourists.
It may be noted that Indian tourists have re-emerged as Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourist market in the month of May, 2022. There were 5,562 Indian tourists who arrived in Sri Lanka against all odds, while over 3,723 came from the UK. If everything goes according to plans, India will lead inbound tourism in SL.
It may be noted that due to unavoidable circumstances, the total number of international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in May plunged by almost 52 per cent, in comparison to April and 72 per cent in comparison to March.
Allianance air’s first flight to Jaffna international airport on 17th October 2019
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB) has chalked out a massive plan to attract Indian tourists to visit SL. In this regard SLTPB has invited leading media contingent from all over India to showcase their heritage and other places of tourist interest. The media coverage from Indian media would help SL to attract more tourists and would certainly be able to achieve more than targeted tourists for sure.
One of the leading hoteliers in Sri Lanka on the condition of anonymity speaking to Mumbai Messenger Newspaper said “Now in SL things are normal and most of the hotels are operational. Room occupancy is growing up slowly and gradually. The government is keen on attracting more tourists so the economy can revive and more job opportunities are made available. It’s a safe nation and has so many prominent tourist destinations that can offer glimpses of SL heritage from Ramayana period to Buddhist period. So, without a doubt tourists should visit SL”.
It may be noted that Sri Lanka is an Island Nation, surrounded on all sides by the Indian Ocean. It boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches along its spectacular coastline. The shores in SL have a unique charm to them and offer up some incredible swimming, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, sunbathing, and whale watching. It is also famous for its rich biodiversity, large cinnamon and tea exportation, and stunning natural wonders! It’s also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and has diverse cultural and religious elements across the nation.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
