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{{Short description|Overview of tourism in Sri Lanka}} |
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{{cleanup|reason=It reads more like an advertisement or a tourist brochure than an encyclopaedic article.|date=September 2013}} |
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[[File:Hikkaduwa beach beauty.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Hikkaduwa beach]] |
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{{more footnotes|date=September 2013}} |
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[[File:Tourists in Ravana Falls.jpg|thumb|Tourists visiting [[Ravana Falls]]]] |
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{{refimprove|date=September 2013}} |
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'''Tourism in Sri Lanka''' faces many challenges, including the [[Sri Lankan economic crisis (2019–present)|ongoing economic and political crisis]]. In 2018, tourist arrivals peaked at 2.5 million, who spent a total of US$5.6 billion in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused tourist numbers to decrease by 92% in 2020. As of 2022, tourist numbers have not rebounded from the pre-crisis high. The government is attempting to attract foreign investment in the country's tourism industry, which began in earnest after the end of the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=Sri Lanka – Travel and Tourism |url=https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/sri-lanka-travel-and-tourism |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=International Trade Administration |language=en}}</ref> |
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[[File:Stilts fishermen Sri Lanka 02.jpg|250px|thumb|Stilt fishing is one of the traditional fishing methods in Sri Lanka. It cannot be found in any part of the world]] |
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'''Tourism industry in Sri Lanka''' is growing rapidly. For centuries, [[Sri Lanka]] has been a popular place of attraction for foreign travelers. The famous Chinese traveler [[Faxian|Fa-Hien]] arrived in Sri Lanka in the late 4th century. In the twelfth century, Italian explorer [[Marco Polo]] claimed that ''Sri Lanka to be the best island of its size in the world''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ceylonadventuretravels.com/sri_lanka.html|title=Sri Lanka - Facts|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/yourworld/article3580760.ece|title=Sri Lanka: an island paradise|date=27 October 2012|publisher=[[The Times]]|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> In view of its fascinating scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka has been held among the foreign travelers continues up to the present as a one of best tourist destinations in the world. |
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== Tourism == |
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In 2012, post office worldwide holiday costs barometer named Sri Lanka as the best valued destination for holidays<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.postoffice.co.uk/sites/default/files/Holiday_Costs_Barometer_2012.pdf|title=Holiday Costs Barometer 2012}}</ref> and also in 2013 the popular travel guide book [[Lonely Planet]] named Sri Lanka as the best travel destination for 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 countries|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/top-10-countries/|website=[[Lonely Planet]]|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> According to the ''[[Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]] 2015'' Sri Lanka is at 63 out of 141 countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015 - Sri Lanka|url=http://reports.weforum.org/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-report-2015/economies/#economy=LKA|website=weforum.org|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Colombo Skyline Jan 2022.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Colombo skyline]] |
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==Tourism Planning & Development== |
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[[File:Colombo City, Sri Lanka.jpg|250px|thumb|Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo was the World's Fastest growing tourist city in 2015<ref>{{cite web|title=10 most popular cities for travelers in 2015|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/03/travel/mastercard-top-10-destination-cities-2015/|publisher=[[CNN]]|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref>]] |
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[[File:Gal Viharaya 02.jpg|250px|thumb|The Samadhi statue at [[Polonnaruwa]] [[Gal Vihara]]]] |
[[File:Gal Viharaya 02.jpg|250px|thumb|The Samadhi statue at [[Polonnaruwa]] [[Gal Vihara]]]] |
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The [[Government of Sri Lanka|government]] initiatives in the development of tourism date back to 1937 when the Ceylon Tourist Bureau was established.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://www.sltda.lk/node/200|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|accessdate=9 November 2016}}</ref> But it was closed down in September 1939 as the impact of [[World War II]]. After the [[Sri Lankan independence movement|Independence]] the promotion of tourism was again considered by re-establishing the Ceylon Tourist Board which took over the function of the Tourist Bureau. More formal recognition for country's tourism sector was given with the enactment of Act No.10 of 1966.<ref>{{cite web|title=History at SLTDA|url=http://www.sltda.lk/about_us|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> Which provided the legislation for the establishment of Ceylon Tourist Board. Since then the Ceylon Tourist Board functioned as the state agency, responsible for development and promotion of the tourism sector in Sri Lanka. |
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The [[Government of Sri Lanka|government]] initiatives in the development of tourism date back to 1937 when the Ceylon Tourist Bureau was established.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://www.sltda.lk/node/200|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=10 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110110137/http://www.sltda.lk/node/200|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it was closed down in September 1939 due to [[World War II]]. After Sri Lanka's [[Sri Lankan independence movement|independence]] the promotion of tourism was again considered by re-establishing the Ceylon Tourist Board which took over the function of the Tourist Bureau. |
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In October 2007 according to the Section 2 of the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (Act No 10 of 1966) was replaced by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|url=http://www.sltda.lk/home|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|accessdate=5 November 2016}}</ref> |
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In 1965, [[J. R. Jayewardene]] as [[Minister of State (Ceylon)|Minister of State]] initiated the first major development of the tourism industry with the Ceylon Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966 and the [[Ceylon Hotels Corporation]] Act No 14 of 1966, which formed the Ceylon Tourist Board and the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Since then the Ceylon Tourist Board has functioned as the state agency, responsible for the development and promotion of the tourism sector in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Hotels Corporation paved the way for government investments to build hotels needed to attract tourists.<ref>{{cite web|title=History at SLTDA|url=http://www.sltda.lk/about_us|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|access-date=5 November 2016|archive-date=6 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106062111/http://www.sltda.lk/about_us|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Currently Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has classified Sri Lanka into several resort regions suitable for Tourism Development.<ref>{{cite web|title=Key Development Projects|url=http://www.sltda.gov.lk/key_development_projects|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|accessdate=6 November 2016}}</ref> |
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*'''''Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region''''' - The Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region spreads along the [[Mount Lavinia]] in south to [[Negambo]] in the north. [[Colombo]] city is the main part of the zone and it is the center for business activities, conferences and sport events in the country. Colombo also serve as both a gateway and stopover point for international tourist. |
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In October 2007 according to Section 2 of the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (Act No 10 of 1966) was replaced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|url=http://www.sltda.lk/home|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|access-date=5 November 2016|archive-date=28 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028023138/http://www.sltda.lk/home|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*'''''South Coast Resort Region''''' - The south coast zone extends from [[Wadduwa]] to [[Tissamaharama]]. The zone has been divided in to two main region. The first region extends from Wadduwa to [[Galle]]. Coastal areas like [[Kalutara]], [[Beruwala]], [[Bentota]], Dedduwa, [[Madu Ganga]], [[Balapitiya]], [[Ahungalla]], and [[Hikkaduwa]] are included for this region. The second region, extending from Galle to Tissamaharama includes [[Unawatuna]], [[Koggala]], [[Weligama]], [[Mirissa]], [[Matara]], [[Tangalle]] and [[Hambantota]] areas as sub points of the zone. |
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*'''''East Coast Resort Region''''' - The East Coast Resort Region extends from [[Kuchchaveli]] in the north to [[Pottuvil]] in the south. The main tourism zones in this region are [[Arugam Bay]], [[Pasikudah]], [[Trincomalee]] and [[Nilaveli]]. |
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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has classified Sri Lanka into several resort regions suitable for tourism development:<ref>{{cite web|title=Key Development Projects|url=http://www.sltda.gov.lk/key_development_projects|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|access-date=6 November 2016|archive-date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107154926/http://www.sltda.gov.lk/key_development_projects|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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*'''''West Coast Resort Region''''' - The West Coast Resort Region extends along [[Kalpitiya]], [[Marawila]] and Waikkala areas. |
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*'''''High Country Resort Region''''' - [[Nuwara Eliya]], [[Bandarawela]] and [[Maskeliya]] are included for High Country Resort Region. |
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* '''Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region''': The Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region spreads along the [[Mount Lavinia]] in the south to [[Negombo]] in the north. [[Colombo]] city is the main part of the zone and is the centre for business activities, conferences and sports events in the country. Colombo serves as both a gateway and a stopover point for international tourists. |
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*'''''Ancient Cities Resort Region''''' - This region has five world heritage sites, namely [[Anuradhapura]], [[Dambulla]], [[Kandy]], [[Polonnaruwa]] and [[Sigiriya]]. Other regions include [[Habarana]], [[Giritale]], [[Matale]] and Victoria. |
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* '''South Coast Resort Region''': The south coast zone extends from [[Wadduwa]] to [[Tissamaharama]]. The zone has been divided into two main regions. The first region extends from Wadduwa to [[Galle]]. Coastal areas like [[Kalutara]], [[Beruwala]], [[Bentota]], Dedduwa, [[Madu Ganga]], [[Balapitiya]], [[Ahungalla]], and [[Hikkaduwa]] are included in this region. The second region, extending from Galle to Tissamaharama, includes [[Unawatuna]], [[Koggala]], [[Weligama]], [[Mirissa]], [[Matara, Sri Lanka|Matara]], [[Tangalle]] and [[Hambantota]] areas as sub-points of the zone. |
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* '''East Coast Resort Region''': The East Coast Resort Region extends from [[Kuchchaveli]] in the north to [[Pottuvil]] in the south. The main tourism zones in this region are [[Arugam Bay]], [[Pasikudah]], [[Trincomalee]] and [[Nilaveli]]. |
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* '''West Coast Resort Region''': The West Coast Resort Region extends along [[Kalpitiya]], [[Marawila]] and Waikkala areas. |
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* '''High Country Resort Region''': [[Nuwara Eliya]], [[Bandarawela]] and [[Maskeliya]] are included for the High Country Resort Region. |
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* '''Ancient Cities Resort Region''': This region has five world heritage sites, namely [[Anuradhapura]], [[Dambulla]], [[Kandy]], [[Polonnaruwa]] and [[Sigiriya]]. Other regions include [[Habarana]], [[Giritale]], [[Matale]] and Victoria. |
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* '''Other Resort Regions''': This includes [[Yala National Park|Yala]], [[Udawalawa]], [[Wasgamuwa]], [[Pinnawala]], and [[Ratnapura]], [[Knuckles Range]] area. |
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=== Shared Tourism with India === |
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In the past, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka for tourists have been introduced and suspended repeatedly because of their low usage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/sri-lanka/|title=How to get to Sri Lanka|website=World Travel Guide|access-date=2020-02-21|archive-date=2020-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803121104/https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/asia/sri-lanka/|url-status=live}}</ref> The low usage of the old ferry services could be due to the high cost of the former services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://srilanka.travel-culture.com/india_srilanka_ferry.shtml|title=Sri Lanka India Ferry Service Schedule and online booking for passenger ship from Colombo to Tuticorin, Book your ferry from Colombo Tuticorin – An excellent entertaining way to travel from Sri Lanka to India or India to Sri Lanka.|website=srilanka.travel-culture.com|access-date=2020-02-21|archive-date=2020-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103104116/https://srilanka.travel-culture.com/india_srilanka_ferry.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> As of now, the only way for tourists to access India from Sri Lanka is by air. In 2019 negotiations about ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and between Talaimannar and Rameshwaram began. There is also a proposal to operate a cruise/ferry service between Colombo and Kochi in Kerala. The Indian and Sri Lankan governments are working closely together to connect the two neighbouring countries better.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hcicolombo.gov.in/speech?id=eyJpdiI6Ik5kWU92YkJJZjhzRlM4TjBweTRtclE9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiNGlDUVVld1pjc0l0QktSSHowU1djdz09IiwibWFjIjoiNTkxYjgzNWFlOTY2YTYyNGJhZjk5ZDYyZjNjYTIxZWJkZjQzNjllZTFiODE4ZjZmN2FmNTZmMmU3YWRlNDUxOCJ9|title=Welcome to High Commission of India, Colombo, Sri Lanka|website=hcicolombo.gov.in|access-date=2020-02-21|archive-date=2023-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909064149/https://hcicolombo.gov.in/speech?id=eyJpdiI6Ik5kWU92YkJJZjhzRlM4TjBweTRtclE9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiNGlDUVVld1pjc0l0QktSSHowU1djdz09IiwibWFjIjoiNTkxYjgzNWFlOTY2YTYyNGJhZjk5ZDYyZjNjYTIxZWJkZjQzNjllZTFiODE4ZjZmN2FmNTZmMmU3YWRlNDUxOCJ9|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sri Lankan minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga indicated that ferry service will help tourists from both sides to travel at a very low cost.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/sri-lanka-pushes-for-resuming-ferry-service-with-india/article29094374.ece|title=Sri Lanka pushes for resuming ferry service with India|website=@businessline|date=14 August 2019|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913210739/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/sri-lanka-pushes-for-resuming-ferry-service-with-india/article29094374.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== History == |
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{{Image frame |
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<div style="margin: 10px 10px -10px -10px; border: 0px red solid; font-size:0.99em;"> |
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{{ #invoke:Chart |
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| bar-chart |
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| width = 790 |
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| height = 400 |
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| tooltip = |
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| group 1 = 393170 : 500640 : 566200 : 549310 : 559603 : 494008 : 438475 : 447890 : 654476 : 855975 : 1005605 : 1274593 : 1527153 : 1798380 : 2050832 : 2116407 : 2333796 : 1913702 : 507704 : 194495 : 719978 |
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| colors = #66CCFF |
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| group names = year |
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| units suffix = Visitors |
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| x legends = 2002 : 2003 : 2004 : 2005 : 2006 : 2007 : 2008 : 2009 : 2010 : 2011 : 2012 : 2013 : 2014 : 2015 : 2016 : 2017 : 2018 : 2019 : 2020 : 2021 : 2022 |
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| y scale = log |
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}} |
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</div> |
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| caption =<big><big>'''''Overseas visitors to Sri Lanka 2002–2022'''''</big></big><br />{{small|Data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)}}) |
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}} |
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When the government decided to develop the tourism sector as a separate sector of the country's economy by establishing the Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1966, there were 18,969 foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. There was an upward trend of tourist arrivals until 1982, with the exception of 1971. Between 1976 and 1982, tourist arrivals had increased by 24% per year. The tourist traffic in 1982 showed that there was a remarkable growth in the number of tourists, with 407,230 arrivals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview of Tourism Industry In Sri Lanka|url=http://www.sltda.lk/overview_of_tourism_in_sri_lanka|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=10 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110110029/http://www.sltda.lk/overview_of_tourism_in_sri_lanka|url-status=live}}</ref> However, with the beginning of the [[Sri Lankan Civil War|civil war]] in 1983, the growth of tourist arrivals declined and stagnated to around 300,000 – 500,000 arrivals annually. |
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The civil war that had lasted over 25 years ended in 2009 as [[LTTE]] separatists were defeated by government forces. In 2009 the tourist arrivals numbered 448,000, and in 2015, 1,798,380, showing over 300% growth in six years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/postcivil-war-sri-lankas-tourism-industry-having-one-great-run/article8541224.ece|title=Post-civil war, Sri Lanka's tourism industry having one great run|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 April 2016|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520080208/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/postcivil-war-sri-lankas-tourism-industry-having-one-great-run/article8541224.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Tourist arrivals== |
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When the government decided to develop the tourism sector as a separate sector of country's economy by establishing the Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1966, there were 18,969 foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. Since then there was a upward trend of tourist arrivals until 1982, with a exception of 1971. Between 1976 and 1982, the tourist arrivals had increased 24% per year. The tourist traffic in 1982 showed that there was a remarkable growth in number of tourists with 407,230 arrivals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview of Tourism Industry In Sri Lanka|url=http://www.sltda.lk/overview_of_tourism_in_sri_lanka|publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority|accessdate=9 November 2016}}</ref> However with the beginning of the [[Sri Lankan Civil War|civil war]] in 1983, the growth of the tourist arrival was declined and stagnated to around 300,000 - 500,000 arrivals annually. |
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There is a significant domestic tourist segment, most commonly for family holidays, pilgrimages, and general sightseeing.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} In 2014 six million Sri Lankans travelled within the country as domestic tourists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141214/business-times/six-million-tourists-travel-within-sri-lanka-132002.html|title=Six million tourists travel within Sri Lanka|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)|The Sunday Times]]|date=14 December 2014|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109005921/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141214/business-times/six-million-tourists-travel-within-sri-lanka-132002.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The main destinations of domestic tourists are [[Anuradhapura]], [[Kataragama]], [[Nuwara Eliya]], [[Kandy]], [[Sri Pada]], [[Polonnaruwa]], [[Sigiriya]] and [[Dambulla]]. Domestic tourism is noticeable during school vacations and on weekends. |
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The Civil War that had longed over 25 years was ended in 2009 as [[LTTE]] separatist were defeated by the government forces. In 2009 the tourist arrivals accounted for 448,000 and in 2015, it was 1,798,380, showing over 300 percent growth in six years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/postcivil-war-sri-lankas-tourism-industry-having-one-great-run/article8541224.ece|title=Post-civil war, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry having one great run|publisher=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 April 2016|accessdate=9 November 2016}}</ref> |
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{{static row numbers}} |
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{| class="wikitable floatright" |
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{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-text" |
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|+ Most visitors arriving to Sri Lanka on short term basis in 2015 were from the following countries:<ref>[http://www.sltda.gov.lk/sites/default/files/Page2Dec15.pdf TOURIST ARRIVALS BY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE 2015]</ref> |
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!Presences compared between 2018 and 2019.<ref name="ebsl">{{Cite web |url = https://www.sltda.gov.lk/ |website = www.sltda.gov.lk |publisher = Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority |title = tourism post-Easter attacks |access-date = October 29, 2019 |archive-date = April 4, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200404082632/https://sltda.gov.lk/ |url-status = live }}</ref> |
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|- style="color:white;" |
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!2018 |
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! style="width:5px; background:#00966E;"|Rank |
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!2019 |
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! style="width:130px; background:#00966E;"| Country |
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! style="width:50px; background:#00966E;"| Number |
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|- |
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|1||{{flagcountry|India}}|| 316,247 |
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|- |
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|January |
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|2||{{flagcountry|China}} || 214,783 |
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|238,924 |
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|244,239 |
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|- |
|- |
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|February |
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|3||{{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}|| 161,845 |
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|235,618 |
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|252,033 |
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|- |
|- |
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|March |
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|4||{{flagcountry|Germany}}|| 115,868 |
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|233,382 |
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|244,328 |
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|- |
|- |
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|April |
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|5||{{flagcountry|Maldives}} || 90,617 |
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|180,429 |
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|166,975 |
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|- |
|- |
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|May |
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|6||{{flagcountry|France}}|| 86,126 |
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|129,466 |
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|37,802 |
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|- |
|- |
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|June |
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|7||{{flagcountry|Australia}} || 63,554 |
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|146,828 |
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|63,072 |
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|- |
|- |
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|July |
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|8||{{flagcountry|Russia}} || 61,846 |
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|217,829 |
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|115,701 |
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|- |
|- |
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|August |
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|9||{{flagcountry|United States}} || 47,211 |
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|200,359 |
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|143,587 |
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|- |
|- |
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|September |
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|10||{{flagcountry|Japan}} || 39,358 |
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|149,087 |
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|108,575 |
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|- |
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|October |
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|153,123 |
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|118,743 |
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|- |
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|November |
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|195,582 |
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|176,984 |
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|- |
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|December |
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|253,169 |
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|241,663 |
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|- |
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!Total |
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!2,333,796 |
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!1,913,702 |
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|- |
|- |
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|||Total foreign || 1,798,380 |
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|} |
|} |
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<timeline> |
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id:barra value:rgb(0.6,0.7,0.8) |
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Sri Lanka reopened for tourism in January 2021 under a health protocol involving pre-flight and post-arrival tests for Coronavirus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka expects tourists from Germany, Dubai as airports re-open |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-expects-tourists-from-germany-dubai-as-airports-re-open-78081/ |access-date=5 March 2021 |publisher=EconomyNext.com |date=21 January 2021 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224200035/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-expects-tourists-from-germany-dubai-as-airports-re-open-78081/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tourists could visit a series of designated locations under 'bio bubble' concept avoiding contact with locals and stay at a number of certified hotels.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka's bio bubble explained |url=https://www.cntraveller.in/story/sri-lanka-bio-bubble-explained-rules/ |access-date=5 March 2021 |publisher=[[CN Traveller]] |date=22 January 2021 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301160815/https://www.cntraveller.in/story/sri-lanka-bio-bubble-explained-rules/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An updated list was made available at the Sri Lanka Tourism promotion authority website section 'Hello Again'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hello Again |url=https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/ |website=srilanka.travel |publisher=Sri Lanka Tourism |access-date=5 March 2021 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228223825/https://srilanka.travel/helloagain/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to the official opening, a controversy erupted over tourists brought from Ukraine by a former Ambassador to Russia, where health protocols were breached. It was later described as a pilot project.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tourism pilot project: SLTDA admits protocol breached |url=https://www.themorning.lk/tourism-pilot-project-sltda-admits-protocol-breached/ |access-date=5 March 2021 |publisher=TheMorning.lk |date=4 January 2021 |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023055327/https://www.themorning.lk/tourism-pilot-project-sltda-admits-protocol-breached/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The first tourists after the COVID-19 closure arrived in Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines at Mattala Airport on December 28 as part of the so-called pilot project.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka welcomes first tourists ending 9-month Covid-19 hiatus |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-welcomes-first-tourists-ending-9-month-covid-19-hiatus-77325/ |access-date=5 March 2021 |publisher=[[EconomyNext]] |date=28 December 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120175035/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-welcomes-first-tourists-ending-9-month-covid-19-hiatus-77325/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January and February 2021 Sri Lanka welcomed 5,048 tourists, down from 435,941 in 2020, before airports closed in March.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka welcomes 3,366 tourists Feb 2021, led by Kazakhstan |url=https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-welcomes-3366-tourists-feb-2021-led-by-kazakhstan-79307/ |access-date=5 March 2021 |publisher=[[EconomyNext]] |date=3 March 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303172541/https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-welcomes-3366-tourists-feb-2021-led-by-kazakhstan-79307/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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ImageSize = width:650 height:405 |
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PlotArea = left:50 bottom:50 top:30 right:30 |
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DateFormat = x.y |
|||
Period = from:0 till:2500000 |
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TimeAxis = orientation:vertical |
|||
AlignBars = justify |
|||
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:darkgrey increment:500000 start:0 |
|||
ScaleMinor = gridcolor:lightgrey increment:50000 start:0 |
|||
BackgroundColors = canvas:sfondo |
|||
=== Visitor statistics === |
|||
BarData= |
|||
Most visitors arriving in Sri Lanka on a short-term basis were from the following countries:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sltda.gov.lk/sites/default/files/Page3Dec16.pdf |title=TOURIST ARRIVALS BY COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE 2016 |access-date=2017-01-05 |archive-date=2019-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712154550/http://www.sltda.gov.lk/sites/default/files/Page3Dec16.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sltda.lk/sites/default/files/Page3Dec17.pdf |title=Tourist Arrivals by Region – December 2016 & December October 2018 |access-date=2018-02-03 |archive-date=2018-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123185259/http://www.sltda.lk/sites/default/files/Page3Dec17.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
bar:2000 text:2000 |
|||
{{static row numbers}} |
|||
bar:2001 text:2001 |
|||
{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-text" |
|||
bar:2002 text:2002 |
|||
|+Foreign visitors to Sri Lanka |
|||
bar:2003 text:2003 |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2004 text:2004 |
|||
! Country |
|||
bar:2005 text:2005 |
|||
! 4/2024 |
|||
bar:2006 text:2006 |
|||
! 2023 |
|||
bar:2007 text:2007 |
|||
! 2022 |
|||
bar:2008 text:2008 |
|||
! 2021 |
|||
bar:2009 text:2009 |
|||
!2020 |
|||
bar:2010 text:2010 |
|||
!2019 |
|||
bar:2011 text:2011 |
|||
!2018 |
|||
bar:2012 text:2012 |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2013 text:2013 |
|||
|{{flagcountry|India}} |
|||
bar:2014 text:2014 |
|||
|123,583|| 302,844 |
|||
bar:2015 text:2015 |
|||
|123,004|| 56,268 |
|||
|89,357 |
|||
PlotData= |
|||
|355,002 |
|||
color:barra width:20 align:left |
|||
|424,887 |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2000 from: 0 till:400410 |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Russia}} |
|||
bar:2001 from: 0 till:336800 |
|||
|106,308|| 197,498 |
|||
bar:2002 from: 0 till:393170 |
|||
|91,272|| 16,984 |
|||
bar:2003 from: 0 till:500640 |
|||
|49,397 |
|||
bar:2004 from: 0 till:566200 |
|||
|86,549 |
|||
bar:2005 from: 0 till:549310 |
|||
|64,497 |
|||
bar:2006 from: 0 till:559603 |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2007 from: 0 till:494008 |
|||
|{{flagcountry|United Kingdom}} |
|||
bar:2008 from: 0 till:438475 |
|||
|71,992|| 130,088 |
|||
bar:2009 from: 0 till:447890 color:blue |
|||
|85,187|| 16,646 |
|||
bar:2010 from: 0 till:654476 |
|||
|55,455 |
|||
bar:2011 from: 0 till:855975 |
|||
|198,776 |
|||
bar:2012 from: 0 till:1005605 |
|||
|254,176 |
|||
bar:2013 from: 0 till:1274593 |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2014 from: 0 till:1527153 |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Germany}} |
|||
bar:2015 from: 0 till:1798380 |
|||
|58,019|| 102,539 |
|||
|55,542|| 12,442 |
|||
PlotData= |
|||
|34,507 |
|||
|134,899 |
|||
bar:2000 at:400410 fontsize:XS text: 400410 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|156,888 |
|||
bar:2001 at:336800 fontsize:XS text: 336800 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2002 at:393170 fontsize:XS text: 393170 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|{{flagcountry|China}}<ref>Including Hong Kong and Macau.</ref> |
|||
bar:2003 at:500640 fontsize:XS text: 500640 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|47,730|| 68,789 |
|||
bar:2004 at:566200 fontsize:XS text: 566200 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|4,715|| 2,417 |
|||
bar:2005 at:549310 fontsize:XS text: 549310 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|26,147 |
|||
bar:2006 at:559603 fontsize:XS text: 559603 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|167,863 |
|||
bar:2007 at:494008 fontsize:XS text: 494008 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|265,965 |
|||
bar:2008 at:438475 fontsize:XS text: 438475 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|- |
|||
bar:2009 at:447890 fontsize:XS text: 447890 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|{{flagcountry|France}} |
|||
bar:2010 at:654476 fontsize:XS text: 654476 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|42,174|| 56,251 |
|||
bar:2011 at:855975 fontsize:XS text: 855975 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|35,482|| 6,549 |
|||
bar:2012 at:1005605 fontsize:XS text: 1005605 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|24,838 |
|||
bar:2013 at:1274593 fontsize:XS text: 1274593 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|87,623 |
|||
bar:2014 at:1527153 fontsize:XS text: 1527153 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|106,449 |
|||
bar:2015 at:1798380 fontsize:XS text: 1798380 shift:(-8,5) |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Australia}} |
|||
TextData= |
|||
|28,964|| 67,436 |
|||
fontsize:S pos:(20,10) text:Data from The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) |
|||
|30,924|| 4,421 |
|||
|20,283 |
|||
</timeline> |
|||
|92,674 |
|||
|110,928 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|United States}} |
|||
|24,612|| 46,344 |
|||
|22,230|| 6,124 |
|||
|16,842 |
|||
|68,832 |
|||
|75,308 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Poland}} |
|||
|21,847 |
|||
|17,946 |
|||
|15,195 |
|||
|2,110 |
|||
|11,908 |
|||
|20,896 |
|||
|20,378 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Netherlands}} |
|||
|15,686|| 29,056 |
|||
|11,987|| 2,422 |
|||
|8,656 |
|||
|38,993 |
|||
|57,160 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Canada}} |
|||
|15,666 |
|||
|43,944 |
|||
|26,845 |
|||
|5,079 |
|||
|12,346 |
|||
|48,729 |
|||
|52,681 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}} |
|||
|11,603 |
|||
|12,056 |
|||
|7,350 |
|||
|1,864 |
|||
|7,599 |
|||
|19,204 |
|||
|17,600 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Italy}} |
|||
|11,426 |
|||
|22,242 |
|||
|7,449 |
|||
|1,309 |
|||
|8,603 |
|||
|36,147 |
|||
|38,379 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Switzerland}} |
|||
|10,918 |
|||
|23,556 |
|||
|13,260 |
|||
|2,974 |
|||
|6,389 |
|||
|29,981 |
|||
|33,965 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Maldives}} |
|||
|10,654|| 37,298 |
|||
|18,880|| 6,272 |
|||
|9,407 |
|||
|60,278 |
|||
|76,108 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Japan}} |
|||
|9,183 |
|||
|19,583 |
|||
|3,087 |
|||
|392 |
|||
|6,644 |
|||
|30,079 |
|||
|49,450 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Spain}} |
|||
|8,912 |
|||
|23,905 |
|||
|12,895 |
|||
|2,015 |
|||
|3,385 |
|||
|24,489 |
|||
|29,208 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Kazakhstan}} |
|||
|8,450 |
|||
|5,130 |
|||
|8,068 |
|||
|5,754 |
|||
|2,333 |
|||
|2,399 |
|||
|2,721 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Israel}} |
|||
|8,142 |
|||
|19,517 |
|||
|9,326 |
|||
|1,724 |
|||
|3,556 |
|||
|14,770 |
|||
|13,833 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Austria}} |
|||
|7,523 |
|||
|10,594 |
|||
|5,541 |
|||
|1,502 |
|||
|4,300 |
|||
|14,713 |
|||
|19,320 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Denmark}} |
|||
|7,021 |
|||
|10,346 |
|||
|7,278 |
|||
|1,302 |
|||
|4,905 |
|||
|16,869 |
|||
|19,223 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Belarus}} |
|||
|6,643 |
|||
|10,969 |
|||
|3,621 |
|||
|646 |
|||
|2,638 |
|||
|4,796 |
|||
|4,621 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Malaysia}} |
|||
|6,344 |
|||
|10,940 |
|||
|2,779 |
|||
|323 |
|||
|3,494 |
|||
|16,861 |
|||
|22,808 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Sweden}} |
|||
|5,692 |
|||
|8,643 |
|||
|5,097 |
|||
|1,601 |
|||
|7,061 |
|||
|22,464 |
|||
|28,267 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Iran}} |
|||
|5,622 |
|||
|10,322 |
|||
|4,301 |
|||
|397 |
|||
|648 |
|||
|3,249 |
|||
|5,720 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Belgium}} |
|||
|5,369 |
|||
|10,667 |
|||
|6,164 |
|||
|1,283 |
|||
|3,371 |
|||
|14,948 |
|||
|17,519 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Lithuania}} |
|||
|4,236 |
|||
|2,722 |
|||
|2,115 |
|||
|383 |
|||
|1,054 |
|||
|2,793 |
|||
|3,386 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Norway}} |
|||
|4,136 |
|||
|8,747 |
|||
|5,983 |
|||
|1,141 |
|||
|3,019 |
|||
|13,446 |
|||
|17,217 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{flagcountry|Ukraine}} |
|||
|4,022 |
|||
|5,082 |
|||
|14,917 |
|||
|7,037 |
|||
|17,169 |
|||
|35,051 |
|||
|36,515 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|South Korea}} |
|||
|4,005 |
|||
|7,298 |
|||
|1,843 |
|||
|389 |
|||
|2,499 |
|||
|12,195 |
|||
|15,748 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Pakistan}} |
|||
|3,993 |
|||
|10,744 |
|||
|6,260 |
|||
|7,520 |
|||
|3,065 |
|||
|14,655 |
|||
|19,116 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Taiwan}} |
|||
|3,882 |
|||
|4,999 |
|||
|363 |
|||
|42 |
|||
|1,985 |
|||
|7,127 |
|||
|8,187 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Singapore}} |
|||
|3,690 |
|||
|9,551 |
|||
|3,770 |
|||
|557 |
|||
|2,545 |
|||
|13,871 |
|||
|19,861 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Hungary}} |
|||
|3,677 |
|||
|3,786 |
|||
|2,324 |
|||
|445 |
|||
|1,588 |
|||
|4,091 |
|||
|4,514 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Slovakia}} |
|||
|3,649 |
|||
|4,464 |
|||
|2,432 |
|||
|664 |
|||
|1,513 |
|||
|4,944 |
|||
|5,289 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Ireland}} |
|||
|3,525 |
|||
|5,136 |
|||
|3,056 |
|||
|559 |
|||
|2,294 |
|||
|8,254 |
|||
|10,830 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|New Zealand}} |
|||
|3,447 |
|||
|7,913 |
|||
|2,866 |
|||
|325 |
|||
|2,324 |
|||
|12,463 |
|||
|13,825 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Romania}} |
|||
|3,086 |
|||
|4,092 |
|||
|3,313 |
|||
|820 |
|||
|1,724 |
|||
|5,463 |
|||
|5,931 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Thailand}} |
|||
|2,983 |
|||
|4,922 |
|||
|1,725 |
|||
|247 |
|||
|1,880 |
|||
|9,861 |
|||
|9,178 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Turkey}} |
|||
|2,763 |
|||
|3,739 |
|||
|1,514 |
|||
|309 |
|||
|2,121 |
|||
|4,972 |
|||
|4,262 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Estonia}} |
|||
|2,734 |
|||
|1,808 |
|||
|978 |
|||
|376 |
|||
|1,185 |
|||
|2,516 |
|||
|2,744 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Portugal}} |
|||
|2,341 |
|||
|3,943 |
|||
|1,906 |
|||
|372 |
|||
|1,602 |
|||
|5,193 |
|||
|5,933 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Finland}} |
|||
|2,105 |
|||
|2,287 |
|||
|1,500 |
|||
|341 |
|||
|2,298 |
|||
|7,028 |
|||
|8,888 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Nepal}} |
|||
|1,726 |
|||
|4,750 |
|||
|1,065 |
|||
|325 |
|||
|1,384 |
|||
|5,414 |
|||
|5,302 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Philippines}} |
|||
|1,675 |
|||
|4,164 |
|||
|1,961 |
|||
|529 |
|||
|4,249 |
|||
|14,590 |
|||
|19,303 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}} |
|||
|1,511 |
|||
|6,797 |
|||
|5,952 |
|||
|1,596 |
|||
|4,755 |
|||
|15,707 |
|||
|34,703 |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{Flag|Egypt}} |
|||
|1,429 |
|||
|3,091 |
|||
|2,340 |
|||
|400 |
|||
|956 |
|||
|3,708 |
|||
|3,854 |
|||
|- |
|||
! Total |
|||
!784,651 |
|||
!1,487,303 |
|||
!719,978 |
|||
!194,495 |
|||
!507,704 |
|||
!1,913,702 |
|||
!2,333,796 |
|||
|} |
|||
== Attractions == |
|||
==Domestic tourism== |
|||
Tourist attractions are classifiable as natural or anthropogenic. Natural attractions include nature spots, flora and fauna, and places with a pleasant climate. [[Geotourism]] sites may also be included in this category. Anthropogenic attractions include [[archaeological]] and [[cultural]] attractions, [[historical]] and religion sites, performing arts and [[folklore]], [[handicraft]]s and artifacts. |
|||
There is a significant domestic tourist segment and excursions in Sri Lanka. In 2014 six million Sri Lankans had traveled within the country as domestic tourists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141214/business-times/six-million-tourists-travel-within-sri-lanka-132002.html|title=Six million tourists travel within Sri Lanka|publisher=[[The Sunday Times]]|date=14 December 2014|accessdate=9 November 2016}}</ref> The main purposes of travel by the domestic tourists are pilgrimage, family holiday, study works, and sight seeing. The main destinations of domestic tourists are [[Anuradhapura]], [[Kataragama]], [[Nuwara Eliya]], [[Kandy]], [[Sri Pada]], [[Polonnaruwa]], [[Sigiriya]] and [[Dambulla]]. Domestic tourism is noticeable during school vacations and on weekends. |
|||
==Attractions== |
|||
The tourism attractions are classifiable into natural and anthropogenic. Natural attractions include places of nature spots, flora and fauna, and places with a pleasant climate. [[Geotourism]] sites may also be included for this category. Anthropogenic attractions include [[archaeological]] and [[cultural]] attractions, [[historical]] and religion sites, performing arts and [[folklore]], [[handicraft]]s and artefacts. |
|||
=== Wildlife === |
=== Wildlife === |
||
Line 147: | Line 554: | ||
| footer = |
| footer = |
||
| align = |
| align = |
||
| caption_align = center |
|||
| image1 = Leopards Yala.jpg |
| image1 = Leopards Yala.jpg |
||
| width1 = |
| width1 = |
||
| alt1 = |
| alt1 = |
||
| caption1 = |
| caption1 = [[Yala National Park]] has the world's highest concentration of [[Sri Lankan leopard|leopards]] per square kilometer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yala's giant leopards|url=http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141013-encounters-with-the-giant-leopards-of-yala|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=13 October 2014|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113043537/http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141013-encounters-with-the-giant-leopards-of-yala|url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
| link1 = |
| link1 = |
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| caption2 = The world's largest gathering of wild Asian elephants at [[Minneriya National Park|Minneriya]] park is commonly known as ''The Gathering''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minneriya National Park|url=https://www.yamu.lk/place/minneriya-national-park/review-25185|publisher=www.yamu.lk|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113041026/https://www.yamu.lk/place/minneriya-national-park/review-25185|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Gathering: Sri Lanka's great elephant migration|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/12/travel/sri-lanka-elephant-migration/|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=3 October 2014|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113040321/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/12/travel/sri-lanka-elephant-migration/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Spectacular' coverage for The Gathering|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110717/News/nws_13.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=17 July 2011|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717012758/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110717/News/nws_13.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Despite its small size, Sri Lanka |
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka possesses a high level of biodiversity and [[Wildlife of Sri Lanka|wildlife resources]] and is rated among the 34 [[biodiversity hotspot]]s in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.ft.lk/2012/09/12/wildlife-tourism-in-sri-lanka/|publisher=www.ft.lk|date=12 September 2012|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113040633/http://www.ft.lk/2012/09/12/wildlife-tourism-in-sri-lanka/|archive-date=13 November 2016}}</ref> Many species of flora and fauna are indigenous to Sri Lanka. This has made the island a country with the highest rates of biological endemism in the world. |
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[[Forbes]] ranked Sri Lanka as one of top wildlife safaris outside of Africa,<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Wildlife Safaris Outside Of Africa |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2023/02/21/bucket-list-travelbest-wildlife-safaris-beyond-africa/?sh=11f4c04b629f/ |work=forbes.com |access-date=2023-02-27 |archive-date=2023-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227021723/https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2023/02/21/bucket-list-travelbest-wildlife-safaris-beyond-africa/?sh=11f4c04b629f/ |url-status=live }}</ref> due to the actual presence of five [[charismatic megafauna]] [[Big Five game|(The Big Five)]] and the relative ease of seeing them during a single tour itinerary.<ref>{{cite news |title=7 Places Where You Can See Big Game Outside Of Africa |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-safaris-outside-africa-2013-8 |access-date=6 March 2021 |publisher=The Business Insider |date=27 September 2013 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719170508/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-safaris-outside-africa-2013-8 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Leopard, the Asian elephant and [[Sloth Bear]] are found in several national parks. The [[Yala National Park]] has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. Wildlife photographer and author Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne has shown that Sri Lanka is the best place in the world to spot [[Blue Whales|Blue whales]]. A narrow continental shelf off [[Mirissa]], Sri Lanka allows Blue and Sperm whales to swim close to the shore.<ref>{{cite news |title=An Englishwoman in Blue Whale country |url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/111016/Plus/plus_16.html |access-date=6 March 2021 |publisher=The Sunday Times – Sri Lanka |date=11 October 2016 |archive-date=22 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922165334/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/111016/Plus/plus_16.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Seasonally, the largest gathering of Asian elephants numbering 200-300 or higher takes place at the [[Minneriya National Park]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The Gathering: Sri Lanka's great elephant migration |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sri-lanka-elephant-migration/index.html |access-date=6 March 2021 |publisher=CNN |date=3 October 2014 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227155627/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sri-lanka-elephant-migration/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In Sri Lanka 13% of its land surface has been designated as Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs) which at present exceeds a total area of 8500 km2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://www.dwc.gov.lk/index.php/en/aboutdwc/overview|publisher=[[Department of Wildlife Conservation]]|date=|accessdate=12 November 2016}}</ref> Approximately 7% of the area are comprised with National Parks, the areas allowed for the public to see and study wildlife. Hence that Sri Lanka's National Parks have been become popular tourist destinations in the country. |
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Thirteen percent of Sri Lanka's land surface has been designated as Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs), which at present exceed a total area of {{convert|8500|km2|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://www.dwc.gov.lk/index.php/en/aboutdwc/overview|publisher=[[Department of Wildlife Conservation]]|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024212318/http://www.dwc.gov.lk/index.php/en/aboutdwc/overview|archive-date=24 October 2016}}</ref> Approximately 7% of the area is national parks, the areas allowed for the public to see and study wildlife. Sri Lanka's national parks have become popular tourist destinations. |
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'''[[List of national parks of Sri Lanka|National |
'''[[List of national parks of Sri Lanka|National parks]]''' <br /> |
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<small>[[Adam's Bridge Marine National Park| |
<small>[[Adam's Bridge Marine National Park|Adam's Bridge]]{{·}} [[Angammedilla National Park|Angammedilla]]{{·}} [[Bundala National Park|Bundala]]{{·}}[[Chundikkulam National Park|Chundikkulam]]{{·}}[[Delft National Park|Delft]]{{·}}[[Flood Plains National Park|Flood Plains]]{{·}}[[Gal Oya National Park|Gal Oya]]{{·}}[[Galway's Land National Park|Galway's Land]]{{·}}[[Hikkaduwa National Park|Hikkaduwa]]{{·}}[[Horagolla National Park|Horagolla]]{{·}}{{·}}[[Horton Plains National Park|Horton Plains]]{{·}}[[Kaudulla National Park|Kaudulla]]{{·}}[[Kumana National Park|Kumana]]{{·}}[[Lahugala Kitulana National Park|Lahugala Kitulana]]{{·}}[[Lunugamvehera National Park|Lunugamvehera]]{{·}}[[Madhu Road National Park|Madhu Road]]{{·}}[[Maduru Oya National Park|Maduru Oya]]{{·}}[[Minneriya National Park|Minneriya]]{{·}}[[Pigeon Island National Park|Pigeon Island]]{{·}}[[Somawathiya National Park|Somawathiya]]{{·}}[[Udawalawe National Park|Udawalawe]]{{·}}[[Ussangoda National Park|Ussangoda]]{{·}}[[Wasgamuwa National Park|Wasgamuwa]]{{·}}[[Wilpattu National Park|Wilpattu]]{{·}}[[Yala National Park|Yala]] </small> |
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===Beaches=== |
=== Beaches === |
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[[File:UnawatunaBeachAtDawn.jpg|250px|thumb|The [[Unawatuna]] beach at southern coast of the island |
[[File:UnawatunaBeachAtDawn.jpg|250px|thumb|The [[Unawatuna]] beach at the southern coast of the island was named as the World's Best Beach for 2004 by [[Discovery Channel]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Could Unawatuna enter the record books as the World's Best Beach once again?|url=http://www.news.lk/fetures/item/8399-could-unawatuna-enter-the-record-books-as-the-world-s-best-beach-once-again|publisher=www.news.lk|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112205944/http://www.news.lk/fetures/item/8399-could-unawatuna-enter-the-record-books-as-the-world-s-best-beach-once-again|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013 it was ranked in among the world's 100 best beaches list by [[CNN]].<ref>{{cite web|title=World's 100 best beaches#Unawatuna, Sri Lanka|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/28/travel/100-best-beaches/|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=28 May 2013|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120113209/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/28/travel/100-best-beaches|url-status=live}}</ref>]] |
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{{Main |
{{Main|List of beaches in Sri Lanka}} |
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Sri Lanka |
Sri Lanka possesses nearly {{convert|1600|km|0|abbr=on}} coastlines with tropical beaches which are popular among both local and foreign tourists.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pristine|url=http://www.srilanka.travel/pristine_beach_holidays|publisher=www.srilanka.travel|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102051050/http://www.srilanka.travel/pristine_beach_holidays|archive-date=2 November 2016}}</ref> Most of the coastlines of the country are studded with varying coastal features such as [[bay]]s, [[lagoon]]s, [[sandbank]]s, and rocky headlands. Marine recreation activities, such as sea bathing and [[Human swimming|swimming]], [[surfing]], [[boating]], snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, underwater photography, and [[scuba diving]], can be seen at most of these beaches and related resort areas. Beaches at [[Tangalle]], [[Beruwala]], [[Mirissa]], [[Bentota]], [[Unawatuna]], [[Arugam Bay]], [[Pasikudah]], [[Hikkaduwa]], [[Uppuveli]] and [[Negombo]] are considered as famous tourist beaches in the country.[[Coconut Tree Hill]] is a popular tourist attraction in Mirissa Beach and one of the most Instagrammed locations in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wijesinghe |first1=Dimithri |title=10 tourist hotspots you didn't know were privately owned |url=https://www.themorning.lk/10-tourist-hotspots-you-didnt-know-were-privately-owned/ |access-date=21 May 2022 |work=The Morning |date=17 January 2021 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014094913/https://www.themorning.lk/10-tourist-hotspots-you-didnt-know-were-privately-owned/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
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<small>[[Hummanaya]]{{·}} |
<small>[[Hummanaya]]{{·}} Stilt fishing </small> |
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===Natural |
=== Natural scenic beauty === |
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Sri Lanka has numerous tourist attractions with areas of natural scenic beauty, primarily including |
Sri Lanka has numerous tourist attractions with areas of natural scenic beauty, primarily including mountainous terrains, agricultural landscapes, [[waterfall]]s, places with diverse climatic conditions, [[reservoir]]s (wewas), and [[river]]s. |
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'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
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<small>[[List of waterfalls |
<small>[[List of waterfalls of Sri Lanka|Waterfalls of Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[List of mountains of Sri Lanka|Mountains of Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[List of rivers of Sri Lanka|Rivers of Sri Lanka]] </small> |
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===Botanical/ |
=== Botanical/zoological gardens === |
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[[File:Pinnawala 01.jpg|250px|thumb|Herd of elephants at [[Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage]]]] |
[[File:Pinnawala 01.jpg|250px|thumb|Herd of elephants at [[Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage]]]] |
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The country has six [[botanical garden]]s and four [[Zoological garden]]s. The botanical gardens are maintained by the Department of National Botanical Gardens |
The country has six [[botanical garden]]s and four [[Zoological garden]]s. The botanical gardens are maintained by the Department of National Botanical Gardens,<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of National Botanical Gardens|url=http://msdw.gov.lk/departments/department-of-national-botanical-gardens/|publisher=Ministry of sustainable development and wildlife|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111121417/http://msdw.gov.lk/departments/department-of-national-botanical-gardens/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the zoological gardens are maintained by the Department of National Zoological Gardens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of National Zoological Gardens|url=http://www.gic.gov.lk/gic/index.php?option=com_org&Itemid=4&id=23&task=org&lang=en|publisher=Government Information Center|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009100817/http://www.gic.gov.lk/gic/index.php?option=com_org&Itemid=4&id=23&task=org&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The gardens have become attractive places among local and foreign visitors. |
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'''Botanical Gardens'''<br /> |
'''Botanical Gardens'''<br /> |
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<small>[[Royal Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka|Royal Botanical Gardens]]{{·}} [[Hakgala Botanical Garden]]{{·}} [[Henarathgoda Botanical Garden]]{{·}} [[Mirijjawila Botanical Garden]]{{·}}[[Seetawaka Botanical Garden]]{{·}} |
<small>[[Royal Botanical Gardens, Sri Lanka|Royal Botanical Gardens]]{{·}} [[Hakgala Botanical Garden]]{{·}} [[Henarathgoda Botanical Garden]]{{·}} [[Mirijjawila Botanical Garden]]{{·}}[[Seetawaka Botanical Garden]]{{·}}Ganewatta Forest Medicinal Herbal Botanical Garden</small> |
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=== Bird Watching === |
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Sri Lanka is home to 26 endemic-bird species and seven proposed endemic species. The total number of bird species recorded in the island is 492 of which 219 are breeding residents. [[Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka]], commonly abbreviated '''FOGSL''', is the [[Sri Lanka]]n affiliate of [[BirdLife International]]. It was founded in 1976 to promote the [[Bird conservation|conservation of birds]] and preservation of the [[Conservation biology|environment]]. FOGSL headquarters are situated in the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Identifying and proposing [[Important Bird Area]]s (IBAs) in Sri Lanka is one of the main activities of the group.<ref name="birdlife.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/national/sri_lanka/index.html|title=Sri Lanka|publisher=[[BirdLife International]]|work=birdlife.org|access-date=2009-10-21|archive-date=2009-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716022009/http://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/national/sri_lanka/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2008, Field Ornithology Group conducts a [[Avian ecology field methods|bird count]] in December in the lines of [[Christmas Bird Count]] by the [[National Audubon Society]] of the [[United States]].<ref name="Wijesena 2008">{{cite news|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2008/11/30/plus02.asp|title=Count not to kill, but to preserve|last=Wijesena|first=Uditha|date=30 November 2008|work=Sunday Observer|access-date=2009-10-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207162733/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/11/30/plus02.asp|archive-date=7 December 2008}}</ref> Sri Lanka's location at the tip of the [[Indian subcontinent]] has made the island a termination point in the north–south bird migratory route.<ref name="The Nation">{{cite news|url=http://www.nation.lk/2008/12/14/eyefea5.htm|title=Spreading the wings of protection on birds|date=2008-12-14|work=The Nation|access-date=2009-10-21|archive-date=2009-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103050126/http://www.nation.lk/2008/12/14/eyefea5.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Sigiriya.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Sigiriya]] the ancient stone fortress considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eighth wonder of the world ? |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990117/plus12.html|publisher=www.news.lk|date=17 January 1999|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> ]] |
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Heritage tourism involves visiting historical sites. Sri Lanka is very rich in [[Prehistory|pre-historic]], [[Protohistory|proto-historic]], and [[Historic site|historic]] monuments, which bespeak its ancient civilization and culture. Mainly [[Buddhism]] has influenced in moulding cultural heritage of the country. The historic period of Sri Lanka proper starts at circa 236 B.C. with the introduction of Buddhism to the country by the missionaries sent by the [[India]]n empire [[Asoka]]. |
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The small grants programme of the [[United Nations Development Programme]] granted the Field Ornithology Group {{USD}}20,308.00 for printing of selected publications and other activities.<ref name="undp">{{cite web|url=http://sgp.undp.org/web/projects/3759/developing_a_sustainability_program_through_publications_and_field_monitoring_centre_by_field_ornith.html|title=Developing a sustainability program through publications and field monitoring centre by Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka|work=sgp.undp.org|publisher=Small grants programme of [[United Nations Development Programme]]|access-date=2009-10-21|archive-date=2011-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723111842/http://sgp.undp.org/web/projects/3759/developing_a_sustainability_program_through_publications_and_field_monitoring_centre_by_field_ornith.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of their educational programmes, Field Ornithology Group has published many books and posters, not only on birds but also mammals and wetlands.<ref name="Kotagama 2006">{{cite book|last=Kotagama|first=Sarath|title=Common, Endemic & Threatened Birds in Sri Lanka|publisher=Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka|date=2006|edition=1st|isbn=955-8576-19-0}}</ref> The FOGSL also publish two [[Periodical publication|periodicals]], ''Kedetta'' in Sinhala and ''Malkoha'' in English. |
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The [[UNESCO]] has declared six [[archaeological]] and two [[ecological]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cultural Heritage|url=http://www.srilanka.travel/cultural_heritage|publisher=www.srilanka.travel|date=|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> Beside the world heritage sites the [[government of Sri Lanka]] has declared number of archaeological protected sites and monuments with in the country. |
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=== Heritage === |
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[[File:Sigiriya.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Sigiriya]] the ancient stone fortress considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eighth wonder of the world ?|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990117/plus12.html|publisher=www.news.lk|date=17 January 1999|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=8 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408172724/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/990117/plus12.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ]] |
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Heritage tourism involves visiting historical sites. Sri Lanka is very rich in [[Prehistory|pre-historic]], [[Protohistory|proto-historic]], and [[Historic site|historic]] monuments, which bespeak its ancient civilization and culture. Mainly [[Buddhism]] has influenced in the moulding of the cultural heritage of the country. The historic period of Sri Lanka proper starts circa 236 B.C. with the introduction of Buddhism to the country by the missionaries sent by the [[India]]n empire [[Asoka]]. |
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The [[UNESCO]] has declared six [[archaeological]] and two [[ecological]] [[World Heritage Site]]s in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cultural Heritage|url=http://www.srilanka.travel/cultural_heritage|publisher=www.srilanka.travel|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113175552/http://www.srilanka.travel/cultural_heritage|url-status=live}}</ref> Beside the world heritage sites the [[government of Sri Lanka]] has declared a number of archaeological protected sites and monuments within the country. |
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'''[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka|Archaeological Protected Monuments]]'''<br /> |
'''[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka|Archaeological Protected Monuments]]'''<br /> |
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<small>[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Nuwara Eliya District|Nuwara Eliya District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Matale District|Matale District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kandy District|Kandy District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Ampara District|Ampara District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Trincomalee District|Trincomalee District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka#Batticaloa District|Batticaloa District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Anuradhapura District|Anuradhapura District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka#Polonnaruwa District|Polonnaruwa District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kurunegala District|Kurunegala District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Puttalam District|Puttalam District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kilinochchi District|Kilinochchi District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Mannar District|Mannar District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Mullaitivu District|Mullaitivu District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Jaffna District|Jaffna District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Vavuniya District|Vavuniya District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kegalle District|Kegalle District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Ratnapura District|Ratnapura District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Galle District|Galle District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Matara District|Matara District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Hambantota District|Hambantota District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Badulla District|Badulla District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Monaragala District|Monaragala District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Colombo District|Colombo District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kalutara District|Kalutara District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Gampaha District|Gampaha District]] |
<small>[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Nuwara Eliya District|Nuwara Eliya District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Matale District|Matale District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kandy District|Kandy District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Ampara District|Ampara District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Trincomalee District|Trincomalee District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka#Batticaloa District|Batticaloa District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Anuradhapura District|Anuradhapura District]]{{·}} [[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Sri Lanka#Polonnaruwa District|Polonnaruwa District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kurunegala District|Kurunegala District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Puttalam District|Puttalam District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kilinochchi District|Kilinochchi District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Mannar District|Mannar District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Mullaitivu District|Mullaitivu District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Jaffna District|Jaffna District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Vavuniya District|Vavuniya District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kegalle District|Kegalle District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Ratnapura District|Ratnapura District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Galle District|Galle District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Matara District|Matara District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Hambantota District|Hambantota District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Badulla District|Badulla District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Monaragala District|Monaragala District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Colombo District|Colombo District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Kalutara District|Kalutara District]]{{·}}[[List of Archaeological Protected Monuments in Gampaha District|Gampaha District]]</small> |
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===Pilgrimage=== |
=== Pilgrimage === |
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[[File:Sri Pada.JPG|250px|thumb|The mountain of [[Sri Pada]] is one of places where people of four major religions worship together. |
[[File:Sri Pada.JPG|250px|thumb|The mountain of [[Adam's Peak|Adams Peak (Sri Pada)]] is one of the places where people of four major religions worship together.]] |
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Sri Lanka is well known for its rich Buddhist culture as well as other religions. Being a religious country, Sri Lanka has many places with religious and historic significance, which |
Sri Lanka is well known for its rich Buddhist culture as well as other religions. Being a religious country, Sri Lanka has many places with religious and historic significance, which attract tourists from all over the world. [[Anuradhapura]], [[Temple of the Tooth]], [[Adam's Peak]], [[Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu]] and [[Kataragama]], are a few famous religious sites on the island that attract a large number of tourists. |
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The foot |
The foot pilgrimage called ''Pada Yatra'', which is one of Sri Lanka's oldest traditions, has been practised for centuries, where the local people from [[Jaffna]] come along the East Coast to [[Kataragama]] shrine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pilgrimage|url=http://www.srilanka.travel/pilgrimage|publisher=www.srilanka.travel|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102054911/http://www.srilanka.travel/pilgrimage|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
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<small>[[List of Buddhist temples |
<small>[[List of Buddhist temples#Sri Lanka|Buddhist Vihara in Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[List of Hindu temples in Sri Lanka|Hindu temples in Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[Atamasthana]]{{·}}[[Solosmasthana]] </small> |
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===Sports and |
=== Sports and adventure === |
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Sports tourism is defined as either people |
Sports tourism is defined as either people being involved in, observing or participating in a particular sporting event for leisure.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sports Tourism is worth $600 billion and Sri Lanka enters with Golf and Surfing|url=http://www.news.lk/news/sports-travel/item/9231-sports-tourism-is-worth-600-billion-and-sri-lanka-enters-with-golf-and-surfing|publisher=www.news.lk|date=18 August 2015|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=14 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114003635/http://www.news.lk/news/sports-travel/item/9231-sports-tourism-is-worth-600-billion-and-sri-lanka-enters-with-golf-and-surfing|url-status=live}}</ref> Sri Lanka is also a destination for sports such as [[cricket]], [[rugby football|rugby]], [[golf]] and [[surfing]]. Except for cricket, the contribution to the tourism sector from other sports is still at a very low level. Apart from mainstream sports events, adventure sports are also included in sports tourism. [[Trekking]], [[hiking]], [[Underwater diving|diving]], [[rock climbing]], [[deep sea fishing]], [[whale watching]], [[kitesurfing]] and [[hot air ballooning]] are some of the adventure sports those can be found in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|title=Adventure Sports|url=http://www.srilanka.travel/adventure-sports|publisher=www.srilanka.travel|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-date=8 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108124129/http://www.srilanka.travel/adventure-sports|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wtravelmagazine.com/chasing-the-wind-in-coastal-sri-lanka/ |title=Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka |date=2020-04-09 |publisher=World Travel Magazine |access-date=2020-10-23 |archive-date=2020-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027004137/https://www.wtravelmagazine.com/chasing-the-wind-in-coastal-sri-lanka/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
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<small> [[ |
<small> [[Whale watching in Sri Lanka]] </small> |
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===Culture and other=== |
=== Culture and other === |
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[[File: |
[[File:SL Colombo asv2020-01 img10 National Museum.jpg|250px|thumb|[[National Museum of Colombo]], established in 1877]] |
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[[File:Tea plantations in Sri Lanka.jpg|250px|thumb|Tea tourism is a relatively new concept, which is already practiced in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|title=Promoting tea tourism|url= |
[[File:Tea plantations in Sri Lanka.jpg|250px|thumb|Tea tourism is a relatively new concept, which is already practiced in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|title=Promoting tea tourism|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2010/09/26/fin60.asp|publisher=[[Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)]]|date=26 September 2010|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=15 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115132023/http://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2010/09/26/fin60.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>]] |
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Cultural |
Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as [[museum]]s and [[theatre]]s. |
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'''Museums and |
'''Museums and theatres''' – Currently four national museums<ref>{{cite web|title=Department of National Museums|url=http://www.museum.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en|publisher=Department of National Museums|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129195319/http://www.museum.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> and 26 archaeological museums<ref>{{cite web|title=Museums|url=http://www.archaeology.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=86&lang=en|publisher=Department of Archaeology|access-date=14 November 2016|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927131841/http://archaeology.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=86&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> have been established in Sri Lanka. National museums are maintained by the [[Department of National Museum (Sri Lanka)|Department of National Museums]] and archaeological museums by the [[Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka)|Department of Archaeology]]. Besides the museums, a large number of theatres also can be found in Sri Lanka. |
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'''Festivals''' |
'''Festivals''' – Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural country with several different festivals celebrated by various communities. The [[Kandy Esala Perahera]], [[Sinhalese New Year|Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations]], [[Vesak]] Festival, [[Christmas]], [[Ramadan]] festival, [[Thai Pongal]], and the [[Galle Literary Festival]] are a few of the major festivals. |
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'''Performing arts''' |
'''Performing arts''' – There are three main [[Dances of Sri Lanka|traditional dance]] forms in Sri Lanka: [[Kandyan dance|Kandyan dancing]], low country dancing, and Sabaragamuwa dancing. Though not unique to Sri Lanka, '[[Bharatanatyam]]', which originated from India is also popular in Sri Lanka, particularly among the Tamil community. |
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'''Food''' |
'''Food''' – The cuisine of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many historical, cultural, and other factors. [[Rice]] is the main staple diet of the country. Other staples include [[Hopper (food)|hoppers]], [[string hopper]]s, and [[pittu]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.strong.lk/2016/02/18/good-food-habits-for-sri-lankans/ |title=Good Food Habits for Sri Lankans – Strong.lk |access-date=2017-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031213836/http://www.strong.lk/2016/02/18/good-food-habits-for-sri-lankans/ |archive-date=2017-10-31 }}</ref> |
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Being one of the largest producers of [[tea]] in the world Sri Lanka is best known for the production of unorthodox tea. Tea was introduced to the country by the British who called the country |
Being one of the largest producers of [[tea]] in the world Sri Lanka is best known for the production of unorthodox tea. Tea was introduced to the country by the British who called the country "Ceylon". Pure [[Tea production in Sri Lanka|Ceylon tea]] is considered some of the finest tea produced anywhere in the world. |
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'''Handicrafts''' |
'''Handicrafts''' – Handicrafts available in Sri Lanka include [[wood carving]], silverware, brass castings, ceramic ware, bamboo products, pottery, [[batik]]s, lace works, cane works, costume jewellery, [[lacquerware]], wooden masks, coir goods, handlooms, and ivory products. |
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'''Related attractions'''<br /> |
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<small>[[List of museums in Sri Lanka|Museums in Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[Theatre of Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Festivals in Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Esala Perahera]]{{·}}[[Dances of Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Sri Lankan cuisine]]{{·}}[[List of Sri Lankan sweets and desserts|Sri Lankan sweets and desserts]]</small> |
<small>[[List of museums in Sri Lanka|Museums in Sri Lanka]]{{·}} [[Theatre of Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Festivals in Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Esala Perahera]]{{·}}[[Dances of Sri Lanka]]{{·}}[[Sri Lankan cuisine]]{{·}}[[List of Sri Lankan sweets and desserts|Sri Lankan sweets and desserts]]</small> |
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== Accommodations == |
== Accommodations == |
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[[File:SL Demodara near Ella asv2020-01 img02.jpg|thumb|Sri Lanka railway train Passing through Demodara bridge in Ella]] |
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[[File:Colombo City Tour Routemaster bus RM731, RL3 (60-6640, ex-60-6639, ex-WLT 731), Sri Lanka, 12 June 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Routemaster]] used as a tour bus in Colombo]] |
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[[File:CinnamonAir.jpg|thumb|[[Cinnamon Air]] seaplane in Colombo]] |
[[File:CinnamonAir.jpg|thumb|[[Cinnamon Air]] seaplane in Colombo]] |
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Tourist |
Tourist accommodations in Sri Lanka consist of [[Hotel rating|graded hotels]], supplementary establishments, guest houses and limited-scale camping sites. More informal accommodation is available on a paying guest system in private houses and hill-country tea estate bungalows. |
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== Earnings == |
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The tourist industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy by directly contributing to the government budget, foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. It contributes both directly and indirectly, in the provision of goods and services to the tourist sector. |
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{{static row numbers}} |
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{| class="wikitable sortable static-row-numbers static-row-header-text" |
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|- |
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! Year |
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! Total Revenue of Tourism Industry <small>( million. US$)</small> <ref name=KCS>{{cite web |title=How Sri Lanka's tourism income has fallen |date=14 December 2021 |publisher=newswire.lk |url=https://www.newswire.lk/2021/12/14/how-sri-lankas-tourism-income-has-fallen/ |access-date=14 December 2021 |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214101414/https://www.newswire.lk/2021/12/14/how-sri-lankas-tourism-income-has-fallen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/sri-lanka/tourism-revenue |title=Archived copy |access-date=2023-09-22 |archive-date=2023-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309032338/https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/sri-lanka/tourism-revenue |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=96982</ref> |
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|- |
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| 2015 ||{{increase}}$2,980 |
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|- |
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| 2016 ||{{increase}}$3,518 |
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|- |
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| 2017 ||{{increase}}$3,924 |
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|- |
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| 2018 ||{{increase}}$4,380 |
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|- |
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| 2019 ||{{decrease}}$3,606 |
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|- |
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| 2020 ||{{decrease}}$682 |
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|- |
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| 2021 ||{{decrease}}$506 |
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|- |
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| 2022 ||{{increase}}$1,256 |
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|- |
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| 2023 ||{{increase}}$2,068 |
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|- |
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== Social and environmental impacts == |
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Tourism in Sri Lanka, despite its generate Income to the economy, It had received some critics. The high biodiversity of Sri Lanka seems to be threatened by the development of mass tourism which has already affected several natural reserves. Some endangered animal species seem to be seriously threatened by the rise of tourism in some areas; that is the case with the Keerthisinghe's Rock Frog, which is endemic in Sri Lanka.<ref name=SL>{{cite news|title=Tourism Threatening Endangered Species|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2011/10/16/tourism-threatening-endangered-species/|newspaper=The Sunday Leader|author=Gazala Anver|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219020618/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2011/10/16/tourism-threatening-endangered-species|archive-date=2011-12-19}}</ref> |
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An alternative kind of tourism, called [[ecotourism]], [[sustainable tourism]] or responsible tourism, enables travellers to participate in tourism throughout Sri Lanka while contributing to the well-being of the local communities and making sure their environmental impact is limited.<ref>{{cite journal |author=J. Thumira Gunasena|title=Tourism in Sri Lanka and its Impact on Social Political and Natural Environment |journal=Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics |type=Abstract |url=http://www.slageconr.net/slsnet/11thicsls/abstracts/abs045.pdf|access-date=2013-05-16|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025559/http://www.slageconr.net/slsnet/11thicsls/abstracts/abs045.pdf}}</ref> The [[Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation]] is the national organization that created an official ecotourism network through the island, allowing to develop sustainable tourism with wide options of travel. In 2010, the foundation won the presidential award for "Outstanding Contribution to Tourism in Sri Lanka".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ecotourismsrilanka.net/|title=SRI LANKA ECOTOURISM FOUNDATION|access-date=2013-05-16|archive-date=2013-06-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601233047/http://ecotourismsrilanka.net/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Elephants in tourism == |
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{{Importance section|date=September 2023}} |
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[[Elephant]] trekking, or elephant riding is a significant attraction for tourists coming to visit Sri Lanka. It is traditionally seen as a way of getting closer to nature, often taking place in [[Nature reserve|sanctuaries]] and orphanages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Responsible tourism in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/sri-lanka/travel-guide/responsible-tourism-in-sri-lanka |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.responsibletravel.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/sri-lanka/travel-guide/responsible-tourism-in-sri-lanka |url-status=live }}</ref> The largest orphanage in Sri Lanka is [[Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage|Pinnawala]], which, as of 2023, houses more than 90 elephants. |
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Since their wild instincts remain, elephants must be broken and controlled to be able to work, be around humans, and give rides.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Last Chance for Animals – Wild vs Captive |url=https://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/elephants/wild-vs-captive |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.lcanimal.org |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/elephants/wild-vs-captive |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the traditional methods used by the [[tourism]] industry is the '[[Elephant crushing|phajaan]]', also known as [[elephant crushing]] or 'breaking the elephant's spirit'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop phajaan awareness campaign |url=https://stopphajaan.com/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=Stop Phajaan |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105916/https://stopphajaan.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A report by [[Born Free Foundation|Born Free]] in 2007 into Pinnawala, revealed questionable [[animal welfare]] standards including: chaining male elephants during '[[musth]]' causing wounds to the legs and training elephants with the threat of pain from an '[[Elephant goad|ankus]]'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why we dont support Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage |url=https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/elephant-conservation/travel-guide/why-we-dont-support-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.responsibletravel.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/elephant-conservation/travel-guide/why-we-dont-support-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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During elephant trekking experiences, other concerns include the use of [[howdah]]s, which combined with the weight of a tourist, can cause agonising and permanent [[Vertebral column|spinal]] damage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Priya |date=2019-11-26 |title=Elephant Dies in Sri Lanka After Being Forced to Give Tourist Rides |url=https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/elephant-dies/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=PETA UK |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/elephant-dies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, high tourist demand for elephant trekking means that elephants may also be forced to work long hours in hot and humid conditions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Priya |date=2019-11-26 |title=Elephant Dies in Sri Lanka After Being Forced to Give Tourist Rides |url=https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/elephant-dies/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=PETA UK |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/elephant-dies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Laws and Regulations === |
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==Earnings== |
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In September 2021, the Sri Lankan government introduced new animal protection laws. These measures included strict regulation around working with elephants, mandated daily two-and-a-half-hour bath for each animal, required all animals to have new photo identity cards, and to have a medical check-up every six months, among other provisions. Those who fail to comply could be charged with three years in [[prison]], with their elephants taken into state care.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-23 |title=Sri Lanka bans drunk driving of elephants as part of new protection laws |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-23/sri-lanka-bans-drunk-driving-of-elephants/100398526 |access-date=2023-07-25 |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105912/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-23/sri-lanka-bans-drunk-driving-of-elephants/100398526 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The tourist industry is making a significant contribution to the national economy by directly contributing to the government budget, foreign-exchange earnings and employment generation. It generates both direct and indirect, in the provision of goods and services to the tourist sector. |
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However, pundits argued that the law had loopholes which could still be exploited.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Supun Lahiru Prakash |first1=T. G. |last2=Upul Indrajith |first2=W. A. A. D. |last3=Aththanayaka |first3=A. M. C. P. |last4=Suranjan Karunarathna |first4=D. M. S. |last5=Botejue |first5=Madhava |last6=Nijman |first6=Vincent |last7=Henkanaththegedara |first7=Sujan |date=November 2020 |title=Illegal capture and internal trade of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345256447 |access-date=25 July 2023 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref> According to the former president of the [[Wildlife and Nature Protection Society]], Rukshan Jayawardena, the law ''[legitimised] the ownership of 30 to 40 elephant that were kidnapped from the wild, mostly between 2010 and 2015''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kevany |first=Sophie |date=2021-08-28 |title=New Sri Lankan elephant law might not help all elephants, critics say |url=https://www.theanimalreader.com/2021/08/28/new-sri-lankan-elephant-law-might-not-help-all-elephants-critics-say/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=The Animal Reader |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725105914/https://www.theanimalreader.com/2021/08/28/new-sri-lankan-elephant-law-might-not-help-all-elephants-critics-say/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Social and environmental impacts== |
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Tourism in Sri Lanka, despite its benefits for the local economy (it is one of the main foreign income sources of the country), is undergoing several critics. Thus, some studies indicate that a quick modern tourism development would not cater to the specific needs of the local people.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Evan Due|year=1980|title=Tourism and Development: Examining the Case of Sri Lanka|url=http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6442&context=opendissertations|journal=Open Access Dissertations and Theses}}</ref> |
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Also, the high biodiversity of Sri Lanka seems to be threatened by the development of mass tourism which has already affected several natural reserves. Some endangered animal species seem to be seriously threatened by the rise of tourism in some areas: that is the case of the Keerthisinghe’s Rock Frog, which is endemic in Sri Lanka.<ref name=SL>{{cite news|title=Tourism Threatening Endangered Species|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2011/10/16/tourism-threatening-endangered-species/|newspaper=The Sunday Leader|author=Gazala Anver}}</ref> |
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Whilst there has been sufficient local legislation to stop the illegal capture and trade of [[Asian elephant|Asian Elephants]] in Sri Lanka, research has found that effort to stop these illicit activities have been hampered due to [[corruption]] among wildlife officers, politicians, clergymen and military personnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Supun Lahiru Prakash |first1=T. G. |last2=Upul Indrajith |first2=W. A. A. D. |last3=Aththanayaka |first3=A. M. C. P. |last4=Suranjan Karunarathna |first4=D. M. S. |last5=Botejue |first5=Madhava |last6=Nijman |first6=Vincent |last7=Henkanaththegedara |first7=Sujan |date=November 2020 |title=Illegal capture and internal trade of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Sri Lanka |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345256447 |access-date=25 July 2023 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref> |
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An alternative kind of tourism - called [[Ecotourism]], sustainable tourism or responsible tourism - enables travelers to do tourism throughout Sri Lanka while contributing on the well-being of the local communities and making sure the environmental impact is limited.<ref>{{cite journal|author=J. Thumira Gunasena|title=Tourism in Sri Lanka and its Impact on Social Political and Natural Environment|url=http://www.slageconr.net/slsnet/11thicsls/abstracts/abs045.pdf}}</ref> The [[Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation]] is the national organization that created an official ecotourism network through the island, allowing to develop sustainable tourism with wide options of travel. In 2010, the foundation won the presidential awards for "Outstanding Contribution for Tourism in Sri Lanka".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecotourismsrilanka.net/|title=SRI LANKA ECOTOURISM FOUNDATION}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
== See also == |
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<!-- *[[Eco & Adventure Tourism Sri Lanka]] --> |
<!-- * [[Eco & Adventure Tourism Sri Lanka]] --> |
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*[[Economy of Sri Lanka]] |
* [[Economy of Sri Lanka]] |
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* [[Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]] |
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*[[Historical archive on tourism]] |
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* [[Visa policy of Sri Lanka]] |
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*[[Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report]] |
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*[[ |
<!-- * [[World-Point Academy of Tourism]] --> |
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* [[World Tourism Organization]] |
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*[[World |
* [[World Travel Monitor]] |
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* '''''<small>{{portal-inline|Sri Lanka}}</small>''''' |
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*[[World Travel Monitor]] |
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==References== |
== References == |
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{{reflist| |
{{reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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{{Wikivoyage|Sri Lanka}} |
{{Wikivoyage|Sri Lanka}} |
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* [http://www.sltda.gov.lk/index.html Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority] |
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{{commons category}} |
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* [http://www.srilankatourism.org/ Sri Lanka Tourism] — Official government tourism website. |
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* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Sri_Lanka/Travel_and_Tourism}} |
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* [http://mysltours.com/ Sri Lanka Tours] ''': Tourism in Sri Lanka''' |
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{{Commons category}} |
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{{Asia topic|Tourism in}} |
{{Asia topic|Tourism in}} |
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{{Economy of Sri Lanka}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tourism In Sri Lanka}} |
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[[Category:Hotels in Sri Lanka]] |
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[[Category:Tourism in Sri Lanka| ]] |
[[Category:Tourism in Sri Lanka| ]] |
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[[Category:Tourism in Asia by country|Sri Lanka]] |
Revision as of 11:17, 21 May 2024
Tourism in Sri Lanka faces many challenges, including the ongoing economic and political crisis. In 2018, tourist arrivals peaked at 2.5 million, who spent a total of US$5.6 billion in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused tourist numbers to decrease by 92% in 2020. As of 2022, tourist numbers have not rebounded from the pre-crisis high. The government is attempting to attract foreign investment in the country's tourism industry, which began in earnest after the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009.[1]
Tourism
The government initiatives in the development of tourism date back to 1937 when the Ceylon Tourist Bureau was established.[2] However, it was closed down in September 1939 due to World War II. After Sri Lanka's independence the promotion of tourism was again considered by re-establishing the Ceylon Tourist Board which took over the function of the Tourist Bureau.
In 1965, J. R. Jayewardene as Minister of State initiated the first major development of the tourism industry with the Ceylon Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966 and the Ceylon Hotels Corporation Act No 14 of 1966, which formed the Ceylon Tourist Board and the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Since then the Ceylon Tourist Board has functioned as the state agency, responsible for the development and promotion of the tourism sector in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Hotels Corporation paved the way for government investments to build hotels needed to attract tourists.[3]
In October 2007 according to Section 2 of the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (Act No 10 of 1966) was replaced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).[4]
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has classified Sri Lanka into several resort regions suitable for tourism development:[5]
- Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region: The Colombo and Greater Colombo Resort Region spreads along the Mount Lavinia in the south to Negombo in the north. Colombo city is the main part of the zone and is the centre for business activities, conferences and sports events in the country. Colombo serves as both a gateway and a stopover point for international tourists.
- South Coast Resort Region: The south coast zone extends from Wadduwa to Tissamaharama. The zone has been divided into two main regions. The first region extends from Wadduwa to Galle. Coastal areas like Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Dedduwa, Madu Ganga, Balapitiya, Ahungalla, and Hikkaduwa are included in this region. The second region, extending from Galle to Tissamaharama, includes Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Tangalle and Hambantota areas as sub-points of the zone.
- East Coast Resort Region: The East Coast Resort Region extends from Kuchchaveli in the north to Pottuvil in the south. The main tourism zones in this region are Arugam Bay, Pasikudah, Trincomalee and Nilaveli.
- West Coast Resort Region: The West Coast Resort Region extends along Kalpitiya, Marawila and Waikkala areas.
- High Country Resort Region: Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela and Maskeliya are included for the High Country Resort Region.
- Ancient Cities Resort Region: This region has five world heritage sites, namely Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Other regions include Habarana, Giritale, Matale and Victoria.
- Other Resort Regions: This includes Yala, Udawalawa, Wasgamuwa, Pinnawala, and Ratnapura, Knuckles Range area.
In the past, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka for tourists have been introduced and suspended repeatedly because of their low usage.[6] The low usage of the old ferry services could be due to the high cost of the former services.[7] As of now, the only way for tourists to access India from Sri Lanka is by air. In 2019 negotiations about ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and between Talaimannar and Rameshwaram began. There is also a proposal to operate a cruise/ferry service between Colombo and Kochi in Kerala. The Indian and Sri Lankan governments are working closely together to connect the two neighbouring countries better.[8] The Sri Lankan minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga indicated that ferry service will help tourists from both sides to travel at a very low cost.[9]
History
When the government decided to develop the tourism sector as a separate sector of the country's economy by establishing the Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1966, there were 18,969 foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. There was an upward trend of tourist arrivals until 1982, with the exception of 1971. Between 1976 and 1982, tourist arrivals had increased by 24% per year. The tourist traffic in 1982 showed that there was a remarkable growth in the number of tourists, with 407,230 arrivals.[10] However, with the beginning of the civil war in 1983, the growth of tourist arrivals declined and stagnated to around 300,000 – 500,000 arrivals annually.
The civil war that had lasted over 25 years ended in 2009 as LTTE separatists were defeated by government forces. In 2009 the tourist arrivals numbered 448,000, and in 2015, 1,798,380, showing over 300% growth in six years.[11]
There is a significant domestic tourist segment, most commonly for family holidays, pilgrimages, and general sightseeing.[citation needed] In 2014 six million Sri Lankans travelled within the country as domestic tourists.[12] The main destinations of domestic tourists are Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Sri Pada, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. Domestic tourism is noticeable during school vacations and on weekends.
Presences compared between 2018 and 2019.[13] | 2018 | 2019 |
---|---|---|
January | 238,924 | 244,239 |
February | 235,618 | 252,033 |
March | 233,382 | 244,328 |
April | 180,429 | 166,975 |
May | 129,466 | 37,802 |
June | 146,828 | 63,072 |
July | 217,829 | 115,701 |
August | 200,359 | 143,587 |
September | 149,087 | 108,575 |
October | 153,123 | 118,743 |
November | 195,582 | 176,984 |
December | 253,169 | 241,663 |
Total | 2,333,796 | 1,913,702 |
Sri Lanka reopened for tourism in January 2021 under a health protocol involving pre-flight and post-arrival tests for Coronavirus.[14] Tourists could visit a series of designated locations under 'bio bubble' concept avoiding contact with locals and stay at a number of certified hotels.[15] An updated list was made available at the Sri Lanka Tourism promotion authority website section 'Hello Again'.[16] Prior to the official opening, a controversy erupted over tourists brought from Ukraine by a former Ambassador to Russia, where health protocols were breached. It was later described as a pilot project.[17] The first tourists after the COVID-19 closure arrived in Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines at Mattala Airport on December 28 as part of the so-called pilot project.[18] In January and February 2021 Sri Lanka welcomed 5,048 tourists, down from 435,941 in 2020, before airports closed in March.[19]
Visitor statistics
Most visitors arriving in Sri Lanka on a short-term basis were from the following countries:[20][21]
Country | 4/2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
India | 123,583 | 302,844 | 123,004 | 56,268 | 89,357 | 355,002 | 424,887 |
Russia | 106,308 | 197,498 | 91,272 | 16,984 | 49,397 | 86,549 | 64,497 |
United Kingdom | 71,992 | 130,088 | 85,187 | 16,646 | 55,455 | 198,776 | 254,176 |
Germany | 58,019 | 102,539 | 55,542 | 12,442 | 34,507 | 134,899 | 156,888 |
China[22] | 47,730 | 68,789 | 4,715 | 2,417 | 26,147 | 167,863 | 265,965 |
France | 42,174 | 56,251 | 35,482 | 6,549 | 24,838 | 87,623 | 106,449 |
Australia | 28,964 | 67,436 | 30,924 | 4,421 | 20,283 | 92,674 | 110,928 |
United States | 24,612 | 46,344 | 22,230 | 6,124 | 16,842 | 68,832 | 75,308 |
Poland | 21,847 | 17,946 | 15,195 | 2,110 | 11,908 | 20,896 | 20,378 |
Netherlands | 15,686 | 29,056 | 11,987 | 2,422 | 8,656 | 38,993 | 57,160 |
Canada | 15,666 | 43,944 | 26,845 | 5,079 | 12,346 | 48,729 | 52,681 |
Czech Republic | 11,603 | 12,056 | 7,350 | 1,864 | 7,599 | 19,204 | 17,600 |
Italy | 11,426 | 22,242 | 7,449 | 1,309 | 8,603 | 36,147 | 38,379 |
Switzerland | 10,918 | 23,556 | 13,260 | 2,974 | 6,389 | 29,981 | 33,965 |
Maldives | 10,654 | 37,298 | 18,880 | 6,272 | 9,407 | 60,278 | 76,108 |
Japan | 9,183 | 19,583 | 3,087 | 392 | 6,644 | 30,079 | 49,450 |
Spain | 8,912 | 23,905 | 12,895 | 2,015 | 3,385 | 24,489 | 29,208 |
Kazakhstan | 8,450 | 5,130 | 8,068 | 5,754 | 2,333 | 2,399 | 2,721 |
Israel | 8,142 | 19,517 | 9,326 | 1,724 | 3,556 | 14,770 | 13,833 |
Austria | 7,523 | 10,594 | 5,541 | 1,502 | 4,300 | 14,713 | 19,320 |
Denmark | 7,021 | 10,346 | 7,278 | 1,302 | 4,905 | 16,869 | 19,223 |
Belarus | 6,643 | 10,969 | 3,621 | 646 | 2,638 | 4,796 | 4,621 |
Malaysia | 6,344 | 10,940 | 2,779 | 323 | 3,494 | 16,861 | 22,808 |
Sweden | 5,692 | 8,643 | 5,097 | 1,601 | 7,061 | 22,464 | 28,267 |
Iran | 5,622 | 10,322 | 4,301 | 397 | 648 | 3,249 | 5,720 |
Belgium | 5,369 | 10,667 | 6,164 | 1,283 | 3,371 | 14,948 | 17,519 |
Lithuania | 4,236 | 2,722 | 2,115 | 383 | 1,054 | 2,793 | 3,386 |
Norway | 4,136 | 8,747 | 5,983 | 1,141 | 3,019 | 13,446 | 17,217 |
Ukraine | 4,022 | 5,082 | 14,917 | 7,037 | 17,169 | 35,051 | 36,515 |
South Korea | 4,005 | 7,298 | 1,843 | 389 | 2,499 | 12,195 | 15,748 |
Pakistan | 3,993 | 10,744 | 6,260 | 7,520 | 3,065 | 14,655 | 19,116 |
Taiwan | 3,882 | 4,999 | 363 | 42 | 1,985 | 7,127 | 8,187 |
Singapore | 3,690 | 9,551 | 3,770 | 557 | 2,545 | 13,871 | 19,861 |
Hungary | 3,677 | 3,786 | 2,324 | 445 | 1,588 | 4,091 | 4,514 |
Slovakia | 3,649 | 4,464 | 2,432 | 664 | 1,513 | 4,944 | 5,289 |
Ireland | 3,525 | 5,136 | 3,056 | 559 | 2,294 | 8,254 | 10,830 |
New Zealand | 3,447 | 7,913 | 2,866 | 325 | 2,324 | 12,463 | 13,825 |
Romania | 3,086 | 4,092 | 3,313 | 820 | 1,724 | 5,463 | 5,931 |
Thailand | 2,983 | 4,922 | 1,725 | 247 | 1,880 | 9,861 | 9,178 |
Turkey | 2,763 | 3,739 | 1,514 | 309 | 2,121 | 4,972 | 4,262 |
Estonia | 2,734 | 1,808 | 978 | 376 | 1,185 | 2,516 | 2,744 |
Portugal | 2,341 | 3,943 | 1,906 | 372 | 1,602 | 5,193 | 5,933 |
Finland | 2,105 | 2,287 | 1,500 | 341 | 2,298 | 7,028 | 8,888 |
Nepal | 1,726 | 4,750 | 1,065 | 325 | 1,384 | 5,414 | 5,302 |
Philippines | 1,675 | 4,164 | 1,961 | 529 | 4,249 | 14,590 | 19,303 |
Saudi Arabia | 1,511 | 6,797 | 5,952 | 1,596 | 4,755 | 15,707 | 34,703 |
Egypt | 1,429 | 3,091 | 2,340 | 400 | 956 | 3,708 | 3,854 |
Total | 784,651 | 1,487,303 | 719,978 | 194,495 | 507,704 | 1,913,702 | 2,333,796 |
Attractions
Tourist attractions are classifiable as natural or anthropogenic. Natural attractions include nature spots, flora and fauna, and places with a pleasant climate. Geotourism sites may also be included in this category. Anthropogenic attractions include archaeological and cultural attractions, historical and religion sites, performing arts and folklore, handicrafts and artifacts.
Wildlife
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka possesses a high level of biodiversity and wildlife resources and is rated among the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world.[27] Many species of flora and fauna are indigenous to Sri Lanka. This has made the island a country with the highest rates of biological endemism in the world.
Forbes ranked Sri Lanka as one of top wildlife safaris outside of Africa,[28] due to the actual presence of five charismatic megafauna (The Big Five) and the relative ease of seeing them during a single tour itinerary.[29] The Leopard, the Asian elephant and Sloth Bear are found in several national parks. The Yala National Park has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. Wildlife photographer and author Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne has shown that Sri Lanka is the best place in the world to spot Blue whales. A narrow continental shelf off Mirissa, Sri Lanka allows Blue and Sperm whales to swim close to the shore.[30] Seasonally, the largest gathering of Asian elephants numbering 200-300 or higher takes place at the Minneriya National Park.[31]
Thirteen percent of Sri Lanka's land surface has been designated as Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs), which at present exceed a total area of 8,500 km2 (3,282 sq mi).[32] Approximately 7% of the area is national parks, the areas allowed for the public to see and study wildlife. Sri Lanka's national parks have become popular tourist destinations.
National parks |
Beaches
Sri Lanka possesses nearly 1,600 km (994 mi) coastlines with tropical beaches which are popular among both local and foreign tourists.[35] Most of the coastlines of the country are studded with varying coastal features such as bays, lagoons, sandbanks, and rocky headlands. Marine recreation activities, such as sea bathing and swimming, surfing, boating, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, underwater photography, and scuba diving, can be seen at most of these beaches and related resort areas. Beaches at Tangalle, Beruwala, Mirissa, Bentota, Unawatuna, Arugam Bay, Pasikudah, Hikkaduwa, Uppuveli and Negombo are considered as famous tourist beaches in the country.Coconut Tree Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Mirissa Beach and one of the most Instagrammed locations in Sri Lanka.[36]
Related attractions |
Natural scenic beauty
Sri Lanka has numerous tourist attractions with areas of natural scenic beauty, primarily including mountainous terrains, agricultural landscapes, waterfalls, places with diverse climatic conditions, reservoirs (wewas), and rivers.
Related attractions |
Botanical/zoological gardens
The country has six botanical gardens and four Zoological gardens. The botanical gardens are maintained by the Department of National Botanical Gardens,[37] and the zoological gardens are maintained by the Department of National Zoological Gardens.[38] The gardens have become attractive places among local and foreign visitors.
Botanical Gardens |
Zoological Gardens |
Bird Watching
Sri Lanka is home to 26 endemic-bird species and seven proposed endemic species. The total number of bird species recorded in the island is 492 of which 219 are breeding residents. Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, commonly abbreviated FOGSL, is the Sri Lankan affiliate of BirdLife International. It was founded in 1976 to promote the conservation of birds and preservation of the environment. FOGSL headquarters are situated in the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Identifying and proposing Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka is one of the main activities of the group.[39] From 2008, Field Ornithology Group conducts a bird count in December in the lines of Christmas Bird Count by the National Audubon Society of the United States.[40] Sri Lanka's location at the tip of the Indian subcontinent has made the island a termination point in the north–south bird migratory route.[41]
The small grants programme of the United Nations Development Programme granted the Field Ornithology Group US$20,308.00 for printing of selected publications and other activities.[42] As part of their educational programmes, Field Ornithology Group has published many books and posters, not only on birds but also mammals and wetlands.[43] The FOGSL also publish two periodicals, Kedetta in Sinhala and Malkoha in English.
Heritage
Heritage tourism involves visiting historical sites. Sri Lanka is very rich in pre-historic, proto-historic, and historic monuments, which bespeak its ancient civilization and culture. Mainly Buddhism has influenced in the moulding of the cultural heritage of the country. The historic period of Sri Lanka proper starts circa 236 B.C. with the introduction of Buddhism to the country by the missionaries sent by the Indian empire Asoka.
The UNESCO has declared six archaeological and two ecological World Heritage Sites in the country.[45] Beside the world heritage sites the government of Sri Lanka has declared a number of archaeological protected sites and monuments within the country.
World Heritage Sites |
Pilgrimage
Sri Lanka is well known for its rich Buddhist culture as well as other religions. Being a religious country, Sri Lanka has many places with religious and historic significance, which attract tourists from all over the world. Anuradhapura, Temple of the Tooth, Adam's Peak, Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu and Kataragama, are a few famous religious sites on the island that attract a large number of tourists.
The foot pilgrimage called Pada Yatra, which is one of Sri Lanka's oldest traditions, has been practised for centuries, where the local people from Jaffna come along the East Coast to Kataragama shrine.[46]
Related attractions |
Sports and adventure
Sports tourism is defined as either people being involved in, observing or participating in a particular sporting event for leisure.[47] Sri Lanka is also a destination for sports such as cricket, rugby, golf and surfing. Except for cricket, the contribution to the tourism sector from other sports is still at a very low level. Apart from mainstream sports events, adventure sports are also included in sports tourism. Trekking, hiking, diving, rock climbing, deep sea fishing, whale watching, kitesurfing and hot air ballooning are some of the adventure sports those can be found in Sri Lanka.[48][49]
Related attractions |
Culture and other
Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres.
Museums and theatres – Currently four national museums[51] and 26 archaeological museums[52] have been established in Sri Lanka. National museums are maintained by the Department of National Museums and archaeological museums by the Department of Archaeology. Besides the museums, a large number of theatres also can be found in Sri Lanka.
Festivals – Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural country with several different festivals celebrated by various communities. The Kandy Esala Perahera, Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, Vesak Festival, Christmas, Ramadan festival, Thai Pongal, and the Galle Literary Festival are a few of the major festivals.
Performing arts – There are three main traditional dance forms in Sri Lanka: Kandyan dancing, low country dancing, and Sabaragamuwa dancing. Though not unique to Sri Lanka, 'Bharatanatyam', which originated from India is also popular in Sri Lanka, particularly among the Tamil community.
Food – The cuisine of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many historical, cultural, and other factors. Rice is the main staple diet of the country. Other staples include hoppers, string hoppers, and pittu.[53]
Being one of the largest producers of tea in the world Sri Lanka is best known for the production of unorthodox tea. Tea was introduced to the country by the British who called the country "Ceylon". Pure Ceylon tea is considered some of the finest tea produced anywhere in the world.
Handicrafts – Handicrafts available in Sri Lanka include wood carving, silverware, brass castings, ceramic ware, bamboo products, pottery, batiks, lace works, cane works, costume jewellery, lacquerware, wooden masks, coir goods, handlooms, and ivory products.
Related attractions |
Accommodations
Tourist accommodations in Sri Lanka consist of graded hotels, supplementary establishments, guest houses and limited-scale camping sites. More informal accommodation is available on a paying guest system in private houses and hill-country tea estate bungalows.
Earnings
The tourist industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy by directly contributing to the government budget, foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. It contributes both directly and indirectly, in the provision of goods and services to the tourist sector.
Year | Total Revenue of Tourism Industry ( million. US$) [54][55][56] |
---|---|
2015 | $2,980 |
2016 | $3,518 |
2017 | $3,924 |
2018 | $4,380 |
2019 | $3,606 |
2020 | $682 |
2021 | $506 |
2022 | $1,256 |
2023 | $2,068 |
Social and environmental impacts
Tourism in Sri Lanka, despite its generate Income to the economy, It had received some critics. The high biodiversity of Sri Lanka seems to be threatened by the development of mass tourism which has already affected several natural reserves. Some endangered animal species seem to be seriously threatened by the rise of tourism in some areas; that is the case with the Keerthisinghe's Rock Frog, which is endemic in Sri Lanka.[57]
An alternative kind of tourism, called ecotourism, sustainable tourism or responsible tourism, enables travellers to participate in tourism throughout Sri Lanka while contributing to the well-being of the local communities and making sure their environmental impact is limited.[58] The Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation is the national organization that created an official ecotourism network through the island, allowing to develop sustainable tourism with wide options of travel. In 2010, the foundation won the presidential award for "Outstanding Contribution to Tourism in Sri Lanka".[59]
Elephants in tourism
Elephant trekking, or elephant riding is a significant attraction for tourists coming to visit Sri Lanka. It is traditionally seen as a way of getting closer to nature, often taking place in sanctuaries and orphanages.[60] The largest orphanage in Sri Lanka is Pinnawala, which, as of 2023, houses more than 90 elephants.
Since their wild instincts remain, elephants must be broken and controlled to be able to work, be around humans, and give rides.[61] One of the traditional methods used by the tourism industry is the 'phajaan', also known as elephant crushing or 'breaking the elephant's spirit'.[62] A report by Born Free in 2007 into Pinnawala, revealed questionable animal welfare standards including: chaining male elephants during 'musth' causing wounds to the legs and training elephants with the threat of pain from an 'ankus'.[63]
During elephant trekking experiences, other concerns include the use of howdahs, which combined with the weight of a tourist, can cause agonising and permanent spinal damage.[64] Additionally, high tourist demand for elephant trekking means that elephants may also be forced to work long hours in hot and humid conditions.[65]
Laws and Regulations
In September 2021, the Sri Lankan government introduced new animal protection laws. These measures included strict regulation around working with elephants, mandated daily two-and-a-half-hour bath for each animal, required all animals to have new photo identity cards, and to have a medical check-up every six months, among other provisions. Those who fail to comply could be charged with three years in prison, with their elephants taken into state care.[66]
However, pundits argued that the law had loopholes which could still be exploited.[67] According to the former president of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, Rukshan Jayawardena, the law [legitimised] the ownership of 30 to 40 elephant that were kidnapped from the wild, mostly between 2010 and 2015.[68]
Whilst there has been sufficient local legislation to stop the illegal capture and trade of Asian Elephants in Sri Lanka, research has found that effort to stop these illicit activities have been hampered due to corruption among wildlife officers, politicians, clergymen and military personnel.[69]
See also
- Economy of Sri Lanka
- Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report
- Visa policy of Sri Lanka
- World Tourism Organization
- World Travel Monitor
- Sri Lanka portal
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