Sri Lanka Sees Big Tourism Numbers for the Christmas

The Sri Lanka tourism sector is fully up and running, just two weeks after the devastating Ditwah Cyclone, which caused significant damage across parts of the country.

Sri Lanka’s international airport is now fully operational, having received over 50,000 tourists within the first two weeks of December, with a growing number of European visitors arriving for the winter season.

“We initially had several overseas bookings cancelled; however, the numbers are now returning to normal,” said an official from the Grand Hotel, located in the mountainous district of Nuwara Eliya.

Travelers to Nuwara-eliya saw a decline during the Ditwah Cyclone and even a week after, however situation is becoming normal.

“These days, our occupancy rates range between 50 and 60 percent per day at our facility, which has over 140 rooms,” the official from the Grand Hotel added.

‘During the Christmas, we are fully booked and 50-pct of the bookings are overseas ones,” the official from the iconic Grand Hotel added.

On 14 December, Sri Lanka successfully conducted the Colombo Marathon, with the participation of 2,500 runners from over 40 countries, further demonstrating the country’s operational readiness and confidence.

Hotels have started advertising the ‘Gala Dinners’ organized for the Christmas and the New Year.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Alliance, a collective of tourism operators, stated that the industry is back on track and expressed strong confidence in the ongoing season.

Current Update from the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance:

• The international airport is fully operational, with normal international and domestic flight schedules.
• Key tourism regions are open and functioning as usual, including the South Coast, Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, Colombo, and the East Coast.
• Road networks across the island are open, with access restored to all major tourism routes and attractions.
• Rail services across the Central Highlands are currently suspended due to repairs; however, scenic train journeys on certain sections are expected to resume shortly. The South Coast rail network is operating normally.
• Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses are operating normally, with full services available across all main visitor areas.
• Tourism experiences continue uninterrupted, including safaris, whale watching, cultural site visits, beach activities, and wellness retreats.
• Domestic flights and air taxi services are operating normally, ensuring seamless travel between regions.
• Utilities and essential services remain stable, including electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and internet connectivity.
• Tour guides, transport providers, and tourism-related businesses are fully operational and actively supporting visitors.
• Travel within Sri Lanka is safe and unrestricted, with no travel bans or limitations affecting tourists.
• Weather-related impacts were localized, and affected areas have seen rapid restoration of access and services.

Read more: Tanzanian Mother Delivers Baby in Transit at Colombo Airport!