One of the options being looked at is visa free entry for certain nationalities, including China, and European and West Asian countries.
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a task force to study ways to increase the number of international tourists visiting the island.
One of the options being looked at is visa free entry for certain nationalities, including China, and European and West Asian countries.
Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said the proposal was aimed at encouraging more people to visit Sri Lanka and avoid the “chaos” at immigration.
The minister said the government was also in discussion with airlines, tour operators and hotels to provide low cost packages during off peak months.
Tourist arrivals recorded a growth of 15.3% during the first half of 2018 compared with the same period in 2017, however recent political turmoil in the country has had an impact on tourist arrival numbers.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka has been named the best country in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet. Better transport links, new hotels and a growing number of activities were cited as the reason the island was chosen for the top spot.
“Already notable to intrepid travellers for its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene and its people who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived,” said Lonely Planet author Ethan Gelber in the Best in Travel 2019 book.