More Chinese tourists eyed as Sri Lanka deepens ties

Sri Lanka has high expectations from China's vast outbound tourism market, industry insiders say.

Following Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to China last month, bilateral ties have reached a new high, they added, highlighting Sri Lanka's manifold strengths as an outbound destination.

"President Dissanayake's visit underscores Sri Lanka's commitment to fostering robust ties with China, a partner that has consistently supported Sri Lanka's developmental aspirations," said Ananda Goonatilleke, president of Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association.

Prasad Wijesuriya, the association's general secretary, said the visit has laid a robust foundation for boosting Sri Lanka's tourism sector through improved connectivity, infrastructure development and cultural exchanges. With these factors in place, Sri Lanka is well positioned to attract a growing number of Chinese travelers in 2025 and beyond, he said.

The signing of 15 cooperation documents during Dissanayake's visit reflects a deepened bilateral relationship, he added, which is expected to drive joint tourism promotion efforts, showcasing Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the Chinese market.

"Additionally, they focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port. Integrated development can enhance infrastructure and create new attraction for tours," Wijesuriya said.

Cementing partnership

Priantha Fernando, former chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, said Dissanayake's visit to China could cement a long-lasting partnership, benefiting multiple sectors of Sri Lanka's economy.

"Tourism will be at the forefront, delivering rapid, sustainable benefits," Fernando said. "We are confident that the visit will usher economic affluence to the Sri Lankan economy."

The country is confident the president's visit will help it meet its target of 325,000 Chinese tourist arrivals this year, serving as a stepping stone for even greater inflows by 2030.

Last month, the country recorded 252,761 tourist arrivals — the highest ever for January — according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Alex Lee Chun-ting of Miramar Travel in Hong Kong said travelers from his city and the broader Asia-Pacific region are increasingly drawn to low-carbon tourism, making Sri Lanka a highly popular destination.

Wijesuriya echoed this view, highlighting Sri Lanka's appeal to Chinese visitors. "Sri Lanka is a year-round travel destination that provides warm and pleasant weather throughout the year."