Over three lakh Indian tourists have travelled to Sri Lanka this year, making India the biggest source market for tourism in the island. As per data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, over 15 lakh tourists have visited the island nation this year up to mid-October. The United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany occupied the next three places in the list of top source markets after India, while China figured at a distant fifth place.
Akashvani Colombo correspondent reports that connectivity has been an important facet of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka during the recent years. With regular flights on one hand and resumption of ferry services on the other, travel between the two countries has become easier and more comfortable.
Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s top foreign revenue generators. Sri Lankan tourism authorities had said last month that they expect three million foreign tourists in 2025, which could take the tourism industry to pre-Covid levels.