Sri Lanka is setting the stage for rapid and inclusive tourism growth, shifting the focus from mere arrivals to maximizing visitor spending and experiences.

The government has allocated Rs. 500 million for tourism promotion and city branding in key destinations with the aim of increasing the revenue potential of the sector.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, while delivering the 2025 Budget speech in Parliament yesterday, emphasized that developing and promoting new tourist destinations to expand tourism mobility is a key priority of the government.

“Steps will be taken to develop local destinations to optimize value generation from each destination with destination local branding to reflect the unique cultural value proposition of that destination with the necessary infrastructure.

Once identified, the critical infrastructure development work required will be carried out on a priority basis during the two-year period 2025-2026,” he said.

In parallel, the government plans to introduce a digital ticketing system to address congestion issues and improve the capacity of the sector.

Mr. Dissanayake also noted that the second terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport will be expanded with the support of Japanese investments.

He stressed that the government will leverage technology to strengthen tourism security.

“The government will improve tourism security and facilities through a combination of technology-based solutions, connecting tourism police, government agencies and civil society organizations to provide information on tourist attractions, receive security alerts, receive feedback on tourist experiences and monitor complaints to law enforcement authorities,” he said.

In addition, the government plans to launch programs aimed at training youth in communication and other essential skills for the tourism sector.

Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourist arrivals and US$5 billion in tourism revenue by 2025.