By In 2023, Sri Lanka recorded more than 1.3 million tourist arrivals by the second week of December, according to official data. It is the first time arrivals have crossed the 1 million mark in four years. More than 150,000 tourists visited in November, the highest monthly tally since March 2020.
Russian tourists have been attracted to Sri Lanka because they don’t feel comfortable in Western countries that oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia is the second-highest source of tourists to Sri Lanka.
“There were limitations on countries Russians could visit. They could visit Sri Lanka. We had that advantage,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando told Al Jazeera.
Indian digital media promotions:
The Sri Lanka Tourism Authority has been able to promote a number of digital marketing campaigns to attract Indian tourists.
The #WanderlustWithMe Campaign was an Instagram campaign partnered with Indian influencers to document their Sri Lankan adventures, showcasing diverse experiences like surfing, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersions.
“Unforgettable Sri Lanka” was a Facebook Ad campaign that targeted Indian audiences based on travel interests, featuring captivating visuals and short videos of Sri Lanka’s beaches, mountains, and historical sites, which became popular among the Indian clientele.
Sri Lanka Tourism partnered with streaming platforms like Zee5 and Eros Now for content placements, featuring Sri Lankan destinations within popular Indian shows and movies.
