Over 1 m tourists visit Sri Lanka in H1’18

Tourist arrivals in the first half of this year increased by 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2017, statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority stated.

Sri Lanka was able to witness increased arrivals through the first half in all months and some of the key markets that performed significantly were India with the highest influx of 206,337 followed by China with 136,294 and UK arrivals at 124,627. March recorded the highest increase in terms of value with a 24.1 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2017.

However, arrivals continues to be low during the months from April to June with the industry and government trying to introduce promotional campaigns together with airlines and hotels to ensure there would be an increase in numbers throughout the year.www.sundaytimes.lk