Sri Lanka tourism minister expects to hit $5bn revenue target
The country is expected to welcome its one-millionth visitor this week.
Sri Lanka.- Vijitha Herath, the minister of tourism, has said that Sri Lanka should achieve its target of $5bn in revenue from tourism this year amid a rise in visitor arrivals. He was speaking at the Sri Lanka Travel Fair 2025 closing ceremony. The first quarter of 2025 saw $1.2bn in tourism revenue.
Herath said: “Sri Lanka has achieved political stability and is now gradually improving its economy. That is the best message that can be conveyed to the international community. The number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly now. With that, the country’s revenue will also increase.”
He added: “As the tourism industry develops, all those who are involved in the sector will be able to strengthen their economies. Additionally, it will develop the country and the state of living of all people in the country.”
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the country received 91,785 tourists in the first 21 days of May, taking arrivals for the year so far to 988,669. It expect its one millionth visitor this week. The sector should get a further boost with the upcoming launch of Melco’s City of Dreams casino in the third quarter.
