Indian tourists emerge among Sri Lanka’s highest daily spenders, says tourism chief
Sri Lanka should leverage its unique attractions—including its wildlife, beaches, hill country and cultural heritage—to attract higher-spending travellers — Former Sri Lankan minister Patali Champika Ranawaka
Indian travellers are contributing more to Sri Lanka’s tourism economy than previously believed, with their average daily spending now exceeding that of the overall international visitor average, according to the country’s top tourism official.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said Indian tourists currently spend an average of US$154 per day, compared to the national average of US $148 per foreign visitor. The figures challenge the long-held perception that Indian tourists are relatively low spenders.
Addressing a media briefing, Hewawasam said the Indian market has evolved significantly, with visitors increasingly opting for premium travel experiences. He noted that Indian tourists now outspend travellers from several European countries on a daily basis. To build on this trend, Sri Lanka has expanded its promotional campaigns across India, moving beyond its traditional focus on southern states. Tourism authorities are now targeting emerging markets in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Rajkot, while maintaining outreach in Mumbai, New Delhi and southern India. The island nation is also strengthening its appeal among affluent Indian travellers by promoting luxury holidays, destination weddings and other high-value tourism segments. Officials believe these initiatives will help increase tourism revenue while diversifying the visitor base.
The renewed focus on India comes as Sri Lanka seeks to position itself as a premium tourism destination in the Indian Ocean, capitalising on its cultural links, scenic diversity and proximity to the Indian market. Adding to the discussion on the country’s tourism strategy, former Sri Lankan minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has advocated a shift from mass tourism to a high-value model that prioritises quality over visitor numbers.
He argued that Sri Lanka should leverage its unique attractions—including its wildlife, beaches, hill country and cultural heritage—to attract higher-spending travellers while ensuring sustainable growth.
Ranawaka also stressed the need for greater transparency in the tourism sector through digital payment systems to reduce the informal economy and improve revenue collection. He further highlighted the potential for increased investment by Indian private companies in infrastructure and tourism-related projects, saying stronger regulatory frameworks would help unlock long-term economic opportunities.
Sri Lanka views India as one of its most important tourism source markets and expects premium offerings and expanded regional outreach to further strengthen arrivals and visitor spending in the coming years.
