Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is reeling from the impact of conflict in the Middle East.
Local sources estimate that a one-week closure of Middle East airspace will deny Sri Lanka US$15 million in tourism revenue.
Around one third of the country’s arrivals take place through the Middle East, an official said.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai and Etihad bring a significant number of tourists to Sri Lanka.
As of 4 March, there are around 10,000 tourists stranded in Sri Lanka, unable to return to their home countries because of the conflict.
“A lot of European tourists arrive here through transit at airports in the Middle East,” he said.
The Sri Lanka government has authorised a free 14-day extension of visa validity for all tourists currently in the country.
The impact of the Middle East conflict comes as Sri Lanka recorded 2.36 million foreign tourists last year, the highest figure recorded in a single year.