Sri Lankan diplomatic officials have unveiled an ambitious strategy to significantly increase tourist arrivals from the United Arab Emirates, targeting up to 100,000 visitors annually within the coming years. This initiative, spearheaded by Consul General Alexi Gunasekera in Dubai, represents a substantial escalation from the current baseline of approximately 20,000 UAE visitors recorded in recent periods.
The comprehensive tourism development framework extends beyond conventional visitor attraction programs, emphasizing what officials term ‘developmental tourism’ – an approach designed to generate inclusive economic growth and sustainable infrastructure advancement. The strategy actively courts UAE investment across multiple sectors including tourism infrastructure, construction, logistics, and agricultural development.
Sri Lanka’s proposition to potential investors includes enhanced governance structures, tax incentive packages, and streamlined service delivery mechanisms. The nation is concurrently implementing recovery measures following the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused billions in damages to tourism infrastructure and related sectors last year.
Speaking at the recent ‘Invest Sri Lanka Investor Forum’ in Dubai, Gunasekera emphasized the nation’s reopening for both tourism and economic cooperation. Geographic advantages position Sri Lanka favorably, with approximately four hours flight time from the UAE and a diverse expatriate population representing substantial potential market segments.
The economic rationale behind this tourism push is substantial. With a national GDP of $85 billion, Sri Lanka anticipates tourism to contribute approximately $5 billion annually, complementing the $7 billion in remittances from overseas workers. The tourism sector functions as an economic catalyst, generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities while supporting livelihoods across the island nation.
Industry experts including Naveen Gunawardane of Lynear Wealth Management identify significant investment opportunities in resort development, particularly outside Colombo in coastal regions and cultural hotspots. Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions encompass ancient cultural sites, high-altitude tea plantations, wildlife experiences, and natural beaches, all within a compact island nation boasting over 2,500 years of recorded history.