Invest in Sri Lanka

Tourism & Leisure industry

Tourism & Leisure industry is the third largest foreign exchange earner in the Sri Lankan economy. The government of Sri Lanka has positioned tourism as a central pillar of the economy valuing Sri Lanka’s exceptional island-wide natural and cultural endowments.

The government is determined to nurture world-class visitor experiences firmly rooted in the inherent natural, cultural, historic and social capital of Sri Lanka and its people, and to ensure that these experiences generate island-wide economic value. The industry is poised to offer great growth and investment potential. As a result, Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular destination among international travellers.

Potential areas for investment

  • Tourist Accommodation & Services (Hotels / Resorts / Villas/ Higher-end restaurants)
  • Leisure & Recreational (Golf Course, Entertainment Complexes, Theme Parks, Tourist
  • Shopping Complexes, Eco-Lodges, Camping, Whale & Dolphin Watching, water Sports)
  • Adventure & Eco Tourism (Adventure parks)
  • Transportation (Yacht Marina, Coastal Ferry Services, Cruise Lines)
  • Skill Development: Hotel / Hospitality Training Institutes

Why you need to consider investing in this sector

  • Sri Lanka tourism industry has grown more than five folds during 2009 to 2018
  • Sri Lanka is uncrowded unlike many other popular tourist destinations in the region
  • There is a well experienced workforce in the tourism sector. Approximately 2% of the population is directly and indirectly employed in this sector
  • Number of diverse options are available across the country to invest
  • Extensive Government support is available for tourism related investments
  • Income Tax rate applicable for tourism related earnings is half the general Income Tax rate (14%)

Tourism Sector Statistics 2018

Tourism arrivals                                                       2.33 Million

Direct and Indirect employment                           388,487

Foreign Exchange Earnings                                   USD 4.3 Million

Contribution to GDP                                                4.9%

Annual Room Occupancy Rate                              72.77

Average Duration Nights                                        10.8

International Brands in Sri Lanka

Contact the Investor Relations Unit of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority for more information