Category: Tourism
Sri Lanka among top 3 summer getaways according to Emirates search data
Sri Lanka is among the top three summer destinations for travel in July and August, according to the latest booking data of Emirates, the world’s biggest international airline. Emirates reports that Sri Lanka has seen a 32% increase in flight searches as a clear favourite for its rich cultural tapestry, pristine beaches, ‘tea country’ and […]
“The Gathering of Giants” returns for 2025 at Cinnamon Habarana
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails and in valued partnership with Seylan Bank, is honoured to announce the return of The Gathering of Giants—a pioneer conservation initiative set to take place from 25 to 27 July 2025 at Cinnamon Habarana Complex. Rooted in a deep respect for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, […]
Samsung Sri Lanka unveils One UI 8 beta program: Pioneering AI for new Galaxy foldables
Samsung Electronics has officially announced the launch of its One UI 8 Beta Program, marking the dawn of a new generation in mobile software intelligence. Sri Lankan users can look forward to a revolutionary AI experience with the upcoming One UI 8, designed to redefine how Galaxy devices interact with their users. This first-generation upgrade […]
‘s March Tourist Arrivals Climb 9.62-pct Year-on-Year
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry shows robust performance in early 2025, with JanuaryMarch statistics revealing significant growth. The first quarter recorded 722,276 tourist arrivals, representing 35.2% of 2024’s annual total (2,053,465). January led with 252,761 visitors (21.4% year-overyear increase), followed by February with 240,217 (+10.0%) and March with 229,298 (+9.62%). While growth remains positive throughout Q1, […]
SLTDA and British High Commission Launch Counter-Terrorism Awareness eLearning Platform
The British High Commission and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) introduced a Counter-Terrorism Awareness eLearning Platform aimed at enhancing security awareness and resilience within Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Modelled after the UK’s successful Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) initiative, this online course equips tourism professionals with the skills to identify and address potential threats, […]
Sri Lanka Sees 21-pct Increase in Tourist Arrivals in January 2025
Sri Lanka experienced a significant boost in foreign tourist arrivals, with numbers rising by 21.37% year-on-year to 252,761 in January 2025. This follows an 18.18% increase in the previous month, indicating a positive trend for the country’s tourism sector. India led the way as the top tourist source market, contributing 17.2% of the total arrivals. […]
Visa: End-of-Year Tourist Transactions Up by 40% in Sri Lanka This Holiday Season
Surge in card transactions by tourists was driven largely by in-store use of debit cards Domestic debit spends grew by 45% while cross-border debit spends grew by almost 30% Domestic cardholders in Sri Lanka spent 35%+ more than in 2023 Holiday Season, buoyed by increasing penetration of contactless payments Visa (NYSE: V), the global leader […]
Sri Lanka Reports Full-Year Tourist Surge of 38-pct in 2024, December Arrivals up by 18-pct
Foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka increased by 18.18% year-on-year to 248,592 in December 2024, following a 21.6% rise in the previous month, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Among key markets, India (21.3%) remained the top tourist source market, followed by Russia (14.2%), the UK (7.5%), Germany (5.9%), Australia (5.3%), […]
Leaf Lanka Takes on Maldivian Investment, Unfolds USD 6M Retreat in Riverstone
Leaf Lanka International (Pvt) Ltd, a company led by the young entrepreneur Hashan Gunathilaka, is set to redefine luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka. The company has recently acquired a 17-acre property in Matale and has embarked on an ambitious $6 million USD project to develop an eco-luxury chalet retreat. This strategic move, backed by Maldivian […]
New perceptions study: Sri Lanka excels in tourist visa accessibility, boosting global tourism appeal
Sri Lanka comes in 33rd globally for ‘easy to get visa’. Colombo climbs six places to come in 57th for ‘leader in science and technology’. Sri Lanka’s capital ranks 74th for ‘accessible and good quality healthcare’. London, New York, and Paris remain world’s top 3-ranked cities across all metrics, as Tokyo and Dubai rise to […]
Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals YoY Increased by 22-pct in November
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to show strong recovery and growth, as evidenced by a 21.6% year-on-year increase in foreign tourist arrivals for November 2024. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the number of tourists reached 184,158, compared to 151,496 in the same month of the previous year. This significant increase follows an […]
JKH records continued growth momentum in Q2
Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported continued growth momentum across almost all businesses in the second quarter, a statement showed. The Group revenue in 2Q was up by 20 percent to Rs.76.96 billion with increases across almost all businesses. JKH said the 687-key ‘Cinnamon Life’ hotel, restaurants and banquet facilities commenced operations on […]