Almost 130 thousand Russian tourists have visited Sri Lanka since the beginning of the year

Sri Lanka is becoming an increasingly popular destination among Russian tourists: in January-August, almost 130 thousand Russian citizens visited the country, said Sasika Jayavira, deputy director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau in Moscow.

"Russia is one of the key tourism markets for Sri Lanka from 2018 to the current period. Approximately 450 thousand Russian tourists visited Sri Lanka. And from January to August 2023 there are already approximately 130 thousand people. This is the second source market for Sri Lanka behind India this year," she stressed.

According to the Bureau, last year the tourist flow from Russia for 8 months amounted to 49,7 thousand.

Jayavira noted that Russians are primarily attracted by beach holidays in Sri Lanka. From November to April is the high season for the southern coast; from May to October tourists visit the eastern part of Sri Lanka. Thus, they can relax in the country all year round.

Nowadays, Aeroflot, Azur Air, and Red Wings fly directly from Russia to Colombo, which plans to increase the number of flights in the new season.

Thus, from September 9, the frequency of Aeroflot flights increased from two to three.