India has topped the list of source markets for tourism into Sri Lanka in 2023. The island has welcomed 1.487 Million tourists during the last year with India contributing over 20% arrivals.
In all over 3 lakh Indian tourists reached Sri Lanka in 2023 followed by Russia which contributed 1.97 lakh. Tourism holds a pivotal position in Sri Lanka’s economy as a top foreign revenue source. Tourism contributed 2.1 billion USD from 1.1 billion USD achieved in the previous year.
The connectivity between the two countries has improved over the last year as air travel resumed between Jaffna and Chennai in December 2022. In addition, Connectivity between Colombo and Mumbai has also been improved with daily flights operating on the sector. Apart from this, starting of Ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai has also boosted connectivity between the two countries.