More than 90 thousand Russians visited Sri Lanka in 2022

Despite all the economic difficulties and political instability, Sri Lanka ended 2022 with almost 720 thousand tourist arrivals, which is 207% more than in 2021. However, 2022 figures were 69% down from the record of 2,3 million in 2018.

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka reached nearly 92 000 in December 2022, the highest number since April.

According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the success of the first half of the 2022-2023 winter season is largely due to the “influx of Russian tourists”, the return of international airlines and the launch of new charter flights.

So, in December, Russia was the leader in terms of the number of arrivals (19 963) with a share of 22% of the total inbound flow, and ahead of such large markets as India (over 17 thousand arrivals), Great Britain (almost 8 thousand), as well as Australia and Germany.

At the end of 2022, India remained the main source of foreign tourism for Sri Lanka with a figure of 123 000 arrivals. However, Russia showed the best dynamics of tourist arrivals, and eventually is on the second line (91 272 visits), pushing the UK to the third place (85 187). The TOP -10 also includes Germany, France, Australia, Canada, USA, Maldives and Poland.

Aeroflot and Azur air fly to Colombo today. At the end of December, Red Wings launched flights from Moscow to Mattala (south of the island).

In the second half of February 2023, package tours to Sri Lanka (8 nights) departing from Moscow will cost from $ 1 978 for two persons. A week-long tour at the end of March costs from $ 2 124 for two.