Date Posted: 2024-08-26 15:03:50
Summary
Sri Lanka is set to launch a six-month pilot program on October 1, offering free 30-day tourist visas on arrival to citizens from 35 countries. The initiative, which temporarily waives the typical $50 visa fee, aligns with the island nation’s peak travel season. Sri Lanka aims to welcome 2.5 million tourists and attract revenue worth $4 billion by the end of this year. Sri Lanka plans to roll out its global tourism marketing campaign urging tourists “You’ll Come Back For More,” marking the first such campaign since 2007. Earnings from tourism in the first half of 2024 soared to over $1.5 billion, a 78% increase year on year. Visa-free program could serve as a catalyst for further growth, particularly from markets like Russia. Industry experts suggest that reducing the financial burden on travelers could be key to attracting more Russian tourists. Proposed measures include exempting embarkation fees and landing and parking costs for flights. Skift Pro is a subscription-based travel company. Skift Pro offers a range of subscription plans, including quarterly, annual, and two-year plans. Visit Skift.com for more information on how to subscribe to Skift pro.
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