– Several international carriers have recently commenced operations in Sri Lanka, including Batik Air (previously known as Malindo Air) and Air Seychelles, expanding connectivity and trade opportunities.
– Air Seychelles’ new service will significantly reduce travel time for passengers visiting Sri Lanka and beyond, providing enhanced convenience.
– Qatar Airways has added a fifth daily service to Sri Lanka, further increasing connectivity.
– Thai AirAsia is set to start a four-times-a-week service between Bangkok and Colombo in July, while Turkish Airlines plans to fly directly between Istanbul and Colombo in August.
– Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has seen a rise in passenger movements at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), with a 20% increase in passenger movements and a 7% growth in flight movements compared to previous periods.
– Sri Lanka aims to welcome 1.5 million visitors and generate 2.7 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($8.4 million) in tourism revenue this year, contributing to the country’s economic recovery.
– Major source markets for tourism in Sri Lanka include India, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China.
– The increased airline activity and tourism arrivals indicate positive progress for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector after facing challenges such as the Easter attacks in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Sri Lanka’s tourism industry expects continued growth, supported by partnerships with international airlines and efforts to attract visitors from diverse markets.
Source Link: www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/jul/09/sri-lanka-government-plans-tourism-boost-with-reduced-airline-charges
#SriLankaTourism #AirConnectivity #TouristArrivals #TravelRevival #EconomicRecovery
