Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector Exceeds Expectations with Huge Number of Arrivals, Here’s All You Need to Know

In 2025, it can be noted that tourism in Sri Lanka remains on a remarkable recovery path, exceeding 2.2 million foreign tourists, based on data from the tourism development authority in this country, which is referred to as the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). As of December 15, a cumulative total of 2,208,000 tourists had been recorded in this island nation, which is a sign that the tourism sector in this country is on a positive path.

Sustained Growth Despite Challenges

Tourism officials have expressed optimism regarding the sector’s performance, especially considering the challenges faced throughout the year. Weather-related disruptions in recent weeks, such as heavy rains and flooding in some regions, impacted certain areas of the country. However, the tourism sector has shown resilience, with sustained arrivals during the final quarter of the year helping to offset these setbacks.

“The steady increase in tourist arrivals in the latter part of the year has played a crucial role in this positive performance,” said an SLTDA spokesperson. Despite challenges like adverse weather conditions, which affected some key regions, the overall tourism figures reflect the strength of Sri Lanka’s appeal as a diverse and attractive destination.

Key Contributors to Growth: Attractions and Cultural Appeal

Sri Lanka’s diverse array of tourist attractions has continued to attract visitors in significant numbers. From its pristine beaches along the southern and western coasts to its rich cultural heritage, lush tea plantations, and iconic historical sites, the island offers a wealth of experiences for travelers of all interests. The island is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, which remain strong draws for history enthusiasts.

Additionally, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a haven for nature lovers, with its national parks and biodiversity hotspots such as Yala National Park and Udawalawe, continues to entice international travelers. The rise in eco-tourism and sustainable travel has further supported the country’s tourism sector, attracting those seeking environmentally responsible travel experiences.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has increasingly become a popular destination for wellness tourism, with its luxury resorts offering yoga retreats, spa experiences, and holistic wellness services. These offerings have further contributed to the sector’s overall recovery.

International Events and Destination Marketing

A key element in driving Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery has been the country’s marketing efforts and the hosting of international events. From sporting events like the Sri Lanka International Rugby Sevens to cultural festivals such as the Kandy Esala Perahera, Sri Lanka has attracted tourists seeking unique experiences. These events not only boost visitor numbers but also enhance the destination’s visibility on the international stage.

In addition, the Sri Lankan government and tourism authorities have focused on strengthening international marketing campaigns, partnering with global travel agencies and airlines to attract tourists from key source markets such as India, China, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The SLTDA has also ramped up efforts to improve the island’s tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the visitor experience is seamless from arrival to departure.

Economic Impact and Local Communities

Tourism has long been a vital contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy, and this continued growth in arrivals has a significant positive impact on local communities. The increased influx of international visitors drives demand for local goods and services, including hospitality, transport, and retail, thereby boosting the income of small businesses and communities that rely on tourism.

In addition, the rise in foreign visitors is creating jobs in the tourism sector, from hotel staff and tour guides to restaurant workers and local artisans. The tourism sector’s recovery is particularly important for regions like Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and the Cultural Triangle, where tourism is a major economic driver.

Tourism-related revenue is also contributing to government revenue through taxes, which can then be reinvested into infrastructure projects, healthcare, and education, benefiting both residents and tourists. As the tourism industry grows, Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly competitive in the global tourism market, with enhanced offerings and world-class facilities attracting an even broader range of international travelers.

Future Prospects for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector remains optimistic about further growth in 2026 and beyond. The country has positioned itself as a prime destination for both leisure and adventure travelers, with ample opportunities to develop sustainable tourism practices that align with global travel trends. As international airlines increase connectivity to Sri Lanka, and as global tourism recovers further from the pandemic’s impact, it is expected that Sri Lanka will see a rise in both the number of visitors and the length of their stays.

The SLTDA is also focusing on enhancing Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings, with plans to expand eco-tourism, wellness tourism, and cultural tourism programs, while ensuring that the environmental and cultural integrity of the island is preserved for future generations. Partnerships with private sector stakeholders are helping to drive innovation in the tourism sector, from the development of new hotels and resorts to the improvement of local transport networks.

The government is also working on improving the ease of travel by simplifying visa processes and strengthening safety protocols to ensure that Sri Lanka remains a secure and accessible destination for tourists. With these ongoing efforts, Sri Lanka is poised to continue its tourism success story well into the future.

A Resilient and Growing Tourism Industry

With continued infrastructure development, better marketing, and a focus on sustainable tourism, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is likely to further improve over the next few years.

With a plethora of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and now a growing reputation in the international market, Sri Lanka stands as one of the most promising tourism destinations in Asia, which shall offer enriching experiences to travelers while benefiting local communities and contributing to the national economic growth.

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Experience Luxurious Travel with Emirates Premium Economy Class

In a significant upgrade to its long-haul fleet, Emirates has launched its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft with a newly introduced Premium Economy class. The airline has begun operating these revamped jets on two major routes: Beirut and Beijing. This move marks a strategic expansion of Emirates’ premium offerings, reflecting the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience for travellers to these key destinations.

Emirates’ Premium Economy service has already garnered widespread attention for its blend of comfort, affordability, and exclusivity, providing an elevated flying experience that falls between Economy and Business Class. The retrofitted Boeing 777s come equipped with cutting-edge features, ensuring passengers enjoy top-notch service from takeoff to landing.

A New Era in Air Travel: Premium Economy

Premium Economy has been one of the most anticipated developments in air travel, and Emirates’ new offering is set to raise the bar. The retrofitted Boeing 777s introduce a class that offers more than just extra legroom. Passengers will experience wider seats, more recline, and a larger seat pitch, offering an entirely new level of comfort compared to traditional economy seating.

Emirates has strategically introduced this service on routes to Beirut and Beijing to cater to business and leisure travellers who desire more comfort without the premium price tag of Business Class. Premium Economy passengers will enjoy exclusive amenities, including a dedicated check-in counter, priority boarding, and extra luggage allowances, providing added convenience to these high-demand routes.

What Passengers Can Expect Onboard

The retrofitted Boeing 777s boast an impressive range of features designed to improve the overall passenger experience. Premium Economy seating has been crafted to offer maximum comfort, featuring adjustable headrests and footrests, with ample space for relaxation during the flight.

In addition to the comfort of the seats, Emirates has ensured that the entertainment and dining options onboard are equally exceptional. Passengers in Premium Economy will enjoy a wider selection of gourmet meals, served in elegant tableware, as well as a generous range of beverages.

The ambient lighting within the cabin has also been optimized to reduce jet lag, with the use of mood lighting throughout the flight that changes to match different phases of the journey.

Beirut and Beijing: Key Destinations for Emirates’ New Offering

Emirates’ decision to introduce Premium Economy on its Boeing 777 flights to Beirut and Beijing highlights the importance of these cities in the airline’s network. The city’s popularity as a tourist destination, combined with its importance in business travel, makes it an ideal candidate for this new offering. As Emirates continues to strengthen its presence in the Chinese market, the introduction of Premium Economy on this route is expected to enhance the appeal of the airline’s services to travellers seeking more comfort and convenience during long-haul flights.

The Benefits of Flying Premium Economy with Emirates

Emirates has always been synonymous with luxury, and its Premium Economy product takes this reputation a step further. By introducing a more affordable yet still luxurious cabin, Emirates is able to capture a wider audience who may have previously found Business Class too expensive but still wanted more than what Economy Class has to offer.

The retrofitted Boeing 777s are not only a symbol of Emirates’ commitment to customer satisfaction but also a sign of the airline’s forward-thinking approach to the aviation industry. With competitive pricing, this new class allows passengers to enjoy a higher standard of comfort at a fraction of the cost of Business Class.

Enhanced Travel Experience with Premium Service

The introduction of Premium Economy to these two significant routes is not just about offering more comfort; it’s about enhancing the entire travel experience. Emirates has always prided itself on providing exceptional customer service, and the retrofitted Boeing 777s are a perfect example of this philosophy. Every aspect of the flight, from check-in to arrival, is designed to provide a seamless and stress-free journey.

Premium Economy passengers will also benefit from greater flexibility in managing their flight experience, with increased choices for seat selection, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, the extra luggage allowance and priority check-in ensure that the travel experience is hassle-free from the moment passengers arrive at the airport.

Conclusion: The Future of Air Travel with Emirates’ Retrofits

Emirates’ introduction of Premium Economy on its retrofitted Boeing 777s to Beirut and Beijing marks a significant milestone in the airline’s strategy to provide passengers with the highest levels of comfort, convenience, and value. This new offering redefines the flying experience, blending the luxury of Business Class with the affordability of Economy, catering to a broader range of travellers who demand more for their money.

Image Credit:- Emirates

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The Washington State Cougars take the field against the Oregon State Beavers at Martin Stadium on Oct. 17, 2015 in Pullman. Washington State defeated Oregon State during that day's game, 52-31. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)

The Washington State University football coach is one of the highest-paid public employees in the state. Yet WSU is bringing aboard its fourth head coach since 2020.

The Pullman school announced Friday that it was hiring Kirby Moore away from Missouri to replace Jimmy Rogers, who lasted less than a year.

The question now is whether Moore’s tenure will be different and usher in a new era of stability.

Moore, 35, has been the offensive coordinator at Missouri for the past three seasons.  

He grew up in the Yakima Valley town of Prosser, and is the younger brother of New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore.

Kirby Moore was a wide receiver at Boise State from 2009-2013, then started his coaching career at the College of Idaho in 2014. Moore spent the next two seasons at the University of Washington, working as a graduate assistant and offensive assistant.

A press conference introducing Moore will be held next Tuesday. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.

“Coach Moore is the real deal, and exactly who we needed to propel us to the top of the new Pac-12,” WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell said Friday. “Our student-athletes have lucked out.”

Moore said in a statement that, “Becoming a first-time head coach at a special place like Washington State is a dream come true for my family and I.”  

WSU’s football coach is paid well over $1 million a year. Despite that salary, the position has seen recent turnover due to a combination of the pandemic and two ambitious coaches using WSU as a stepping stone.

The coaching turmoil comes as WSU seeks to stanch dropping enrollment while remaining relevant in the turbulent college football landscape. 

Cantwell has said repeatedly that a successful football program is key to reversing an enrollment decline of some 6,000 students at WSU in recent years. That starts with the right coach as Washington State University transitions to the new-look Pac-12 next season.

The highest-paid employees of the state of Washington are almost always the football and men’s basketball coaches at the University of Washington and WSU, each making well over $1 million per year. By contrast, Gov. Bob Ferguson makes about $230,000 annually.

Rogers was hired away from South Dakota State last winter for a salary of $1.57 million per year. He led the Cougars to a 6-6 record, and shortly after announced he was leaving for his dream job as head coach at Iowa State.

Prior to Rogers, Jake Dickert spent just over three years leading the Cougars, making about $2.5 million per year, before jumping ship last year for Wake Forest.

Dickert’s predecessor, Nick Rolovich, was hired in 2020 to replace the legendary Mike Leach. Rolovich coached during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, and was fired early in the 2021 season for refusing the state’s order that he get a COVID vaccination. Rolovich sued the state for $25 million, but lost in federal court.

The last football coach to spend any real time in Pullman was Leach, who was at one time the state’s highest-paid employee at $3 million per year. Leach led the Cougars to six bowl games in eight seasons before leaving after the 2019 season for Mississippi State, part of the powerful SEC. Leach died in 2022.

‘A job that coaches can have success at’

To be sure, the WSU job comes with some disadvantages. Pullman is a town of about 35,000 people located 75 miles south of Spokane in wheat farming country. It is far from the glitz of big cities, and recruiting top athletes there can be a challenge. Now that top players are demanding millions of dollars in “name, image, likeness” money to sign with a team, those difficulties are magnified.

Rogers this week insisted he did not intend to leave Pullman after one season, but could not turn down a job he had wanted for years.

“I didn’t take the Washington State job and move across the country to abandon it in one year. I didn’t,” Rogers said at his introduction Monday at Iowa State. “I took that jump because I believed in that product and what I could produce there.”

Rogers said that he would have liked to coach the Cougars in the Idaho Potato Bowl against Utah State on Dec. 22, but the administration decided an assistant coach would do that instead.

Complicating the problems at Washington State is that Athletic Director Anne McCoy was unceremoniously fired a few weeks ago by Cantwell for not raising enough in donations to the athletic department. 

For all the coaching changes, WSU’s football team has remained pretty good. The Cougars will go to their ninth bowl game in ten years this season, unprecedented success for the program.

“Washington State has proven time and again that it can be a job that coaches can have success at,” broadcaster and former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink said.

Cantwell has said the dramatic changes in the college football world that left Washington State behind require a coach who views name, image, likeness money and the transfer portal as strategic tools, not impediments.

Cantwell has also worked this year to improve the football fan experience in Pullman. That includes funding for a new scoreboard and other upgrades inside 33,000-seat Martin Stadium, in an effort to boost tepid attendance.

“We’ve got alcohol in the stands. We’ve got a whole plethora of things happening right outside the stadium,” Cantwell said. “Keep an eye on us. It’s getting better and better and better every game.”

Until banks and financial service providers fully embrace blockchain-based settlement, the global economy will continue to pay for their laziness

Georgia’s New Tourism Budget is Holding Back Major Growth—Could the World Cup and Celebration Bowl Be the Key to Unlocking Its Potential Across US

As Atlanta gears up for the Cricket Celebration Bowl and anticipates a surge in tourism revenue, state lawmakers are beginning to question whether Georgia is doing enough to promote its tourism sector. With an annual budget of approximately $11 million allocated to tourism marketing, some lawmakers and industry experts believe this amount may not be sufficient to capitalize on the state’s potential. The Cricket Celebration Bowl, an event that draws attention from across the country, has underscored the opportunity to attract even more visitors to Georgia, but some believe the state is missing out on a significant marketing opportunity.

A National Stage: The Cricket Celebration Bowl

The Cricket Celebration Bowl is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together top teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year, the game will take place on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and it will be broadcasted nationally, offering a prime opportunity to showcase Georgia to a wider audience.

However, as the game approaches, John Grant, the executive director of the Celebration Bowl, has pointed out a missed opportunity for Georgia’s tourism marketing. Despite being an event that draws national attention, the state is not using this platform to promote itself. Grant noted that while other states are taking advantage of the national broadcast to advertise their own tourist destinations, Georgia is not doing the same. He emphasized that this could be an invaluable moment to attract visitors and increase tourism dollars to the state.

Tourism Marketing: Is Georgia Doing Enough?

As it stands, Georgia allocates $11 million annually for tourism marketing, a figure that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and tourism professionals alike. Rep. Matt Gambill, a Cartersville Republican, expressed concern that this amount is insufficient, especially considering the state’s size and its potential as a tourist destination. Gambill pointed out that in comparison, many local construction projects, such as a new fire station or public safety center, could easily cost $11 million or more.

The state’s current level of investment in tourism marketing has been called into question, particularly in light of Georgia’s strong tourist destinations, its annual events, and the millions of people who visit the state for major attractions like Atlanta’s cultural landmarks, its vibrant food scene, and its proximity to the mountains and beaches. According to industry professionals, more money could be channeled into marketing these assets, helping to elevate the state’s profile on the national and international stage.

Missed Opportunities: Competing with Other States

Grant emphasized that other cities and states are making a concerted effort to market their tourism products during high-profile events, such as the Cricket Celebration Bowl. He cited the example of Mississippi, which ran multiple ads during last year’s bowl game, promoting its attractions. This, he pointed out, is a missed opportunity for Georgia.

Despite hosting nationally broadcast events like the Celebration Bowl, Super Bowl, and countless other major sports and cultural events, Georgia has not fully leveraged these platforms to promote itself as a tourist destination. Grant stated that these events are recurring, and they offer significant exposure, but the state’s marketing efforts do not align with the opportunities presented. Instead, he believes Georgia should use such events to showcase its unique culture, historical sites, and natural beauty, potentially attracting more visitors who are interested in exploring the state beyond its well-known attractions.

Preparing for a Future with More Tourism Dollars

As the Celebration Bowl and other high-profile events bring more people to Atlanta and Georgia, local leaders are discussing ways to increase the state’s tourism marketing budget. The idea is that by allocating more resources to marketing, the state can better capitalize on the attention brought by major events and, in turn, increase the economic benefits of tourism.

The Georgia General Assembly is set to receive recommendations on how to improve the state’s approach to tourism marketing by next month. It is likely that the committee, which includes key figures in the tourism and hospitality industries, will recommend increasing funding to better compete with other states and capitalize on the growing interest in Georgia’s attractions. With events like the Cricket Celebration Bowl showcasing the state to a national audience, the time may be right for Georgia to reevaluate its approach and invest more in promoting itself as a top travel destination.

A Positive Economic Impact for Georgia

While the discussions surrounding tourism marketing funding continue, many local businesses and tourism professionals remain optimistic about the economic potential that these events bring. Tyler Keifer, a resident of Warrensburg, highlighted the economic boom that events like the Celebration Bowl can create for Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Despite the challenges of planning for the influx of travelers, Keifer sees the World Cup and other large-scale events as a significant opportunity for the city to grow its economy and expand its tourism industry.

Tourism is not just about attracting visitors for major events. It’s also about creating long-term relationships with those who come for the first time and ensuring they return. By investing in tourism marketing, Georgia can begin to more effectively promote the state’s wide array of experiences, from beaches to mountain retreats, art festivals, and cultural events. The idea is to encourage more visitors to come, stay, and experience all that Georgia has to offer.

The Future of Georgia’s Tourism Industry

The upcoming Celebration Bowl is just one example of how major events can draw attention to Georgia. However, without a robust and strategic tourism marketing campaign, the state risks missing out on the long-term economic benefits of increased tourism. By increasing its marketing budget, Georgia can more effectively leverage national broadcasts, international visitors, and local events to highlight its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving tourism sector.

As Georgia continues to discuss the future of its tourism marketing efforts, it is clear that there is room for growth. The recommendations from the tourism committee will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the state’s tourism strategy, and with more investment in this area, Georgia could position itself as a leading destination for travelers both in the U.S. and around the world.

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