400% increase in Google searches for Sri Lanka as a destination

April 3, 2024

Attractions / Marketing / Tourism /

A pair of recent travel trade events in Melbourne and Sydney have highlighted growing interest in Sri Lanka as a tourism destination.

Following a 400% increase in Google searches for Sri Lanka and a significant 40% jump in travel enquiries for the country, the businesses to business events were successful in strengthening ties between the Australian travel trade and the Indian Ocean nation’s tourism suppliers.

Bouncing back after the pandemic, which saw a range of safety protocols introduced for visitors, the Sri Lanka Government is keen to attract international visitors.

Introducing the event, Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism and Lands and Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Frenando, advised “the reality is Sri Lankan destinations are so unique.

“(Our nation offers) remarkable beaches, mountains, activities and culture (and) this event offered direct interaction with industry leaders plus insights from the … Chairman of the Tourism Board.”

“People are definitely looking for new unique destinations. Sri Lanka has the dynamism tourists are looking for.”

“This event appealed to any Australian business in the tourism sector wanting to expand their offerings into Sri Lanka … including travel agents seeking new exotic destinations for people to travel to.”

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman, Chalaka Gajabahu added “because there is no third party, businesses will get so much out of this event. You get direct access to the travel package providers and travel businesses in Sri Lanka. You get the best priced travel deals and advice on funding support and growth.”

“Sri Lanka is an all in one capsule minus the snow, being a tiny island, all categories are covered … adventure, culture, romance, history, wellness etc. This makes it a very attractive destination for travellers. It is close to India and just a 10 hour flight from Australia.

“Sri Lanka is not currently extensively marketed in Australia. It is time for that to change. It is one of the world’s top destinations to travel to and it is getting increasing popular.”

Images: Sri Lanks's historic Sigiriya/Sinhagiri rocke fortress (top, credit: Shutterstock), and the nation offers adventure tourism experiences (middle) and a network of historic railways (below).

2nd April 2024 - Adventure Travel Trade Association launches sustainability policy and fund

21st March 2024 - Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union annual sea swim event draws more than 700 competitors

8th March 2024 - ATTA launches sustainability resource centre

7th March 2024 - WTTC says sustainability reporting is no longer negotiable for tourism businesses

16th February 2024 - ATTA reveals key trends and issues shaping adventure tourism in 2024

17th May 2023 - Ho Chi Minh City roadshow promotes Vietnamese tourism in Australia

27th April 2023 - WTTC research shows global tourism approaching its 2019 peak

20th March 2023 - ASEAN Tourism Ministers agree to establish professional standards to strengthen MICE

22nd December 2022 - Bilateral MoU signed between Sri Lanka and India event management associations

30th June 2022 - Grandstand collapses at cricket stadium during Sri Lanka v Australia Test

4th February 2021 - Sri Lanka reopens to international tourists with 14-day bio-bubble arrangement

13th January 2021 - Sri Lankan Centara resort to join in initiative to restart international tourism in Asia

27th January 2018 - Sri Lankan women take on gym’s ‘body shaming’ ad

25th October 2017 - Cantaloupe Hotels Group looks to develop Sri Lankan surf tourism

17th February 2015 - ASEAN Tourism Forum endorses USC tourism expertise

27th January 2015 - Tourism Ministers upbeat on ASEAN tourism progress

26th December 2014 - Sri Lanka drowning report launch coincides with 10 year anniversary of Asian Tsunami

14th November 2011 - Sri Lanka to use Commonwealth Games bid as catalyst for life-changing development

2nd October 2011 - Sri Lanka’s Commonwealth Games Bid grows in confidence

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.