Tourism expects 20% drop in arrivals By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):Sri Lankan tourism authorities and the industry have made efforts to assist travellers in the country amidst the West Asia crisis as the destination believes going forward there could be an immediate 20 per cent drop in arrivals. The war is expected to immediately witness a 20 per cent drop in arrivals as numbers plunged from around 8500 to 6000 per day, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam told the Sunday Times Business. At the time of the war broke out a majority of tourists were from India, Europe, the Far East and other countries. Travellers arriving without travel insurance have been asked to be in touch with the authorities for necessary assistance, the chairman noted. Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe has asked hotels to help stranded tourists by ensuring that they are provided food and accommodation.

Source: Sunday Times March 08, 2026 07:17 UTC