Sri Lanka aims to significantly increase average tourist spending by 2030 as part of efforts to boost the tourism sector's contribution to the economy, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe stated.
Speaking at a meeting at the Kalutara District Secretariat on strengthening the district's tourism industry, Deputy Minister Ranasinghe said the government was developing plans to raise the amount spent by visitors during their stay in the country.
He said the average tourist currently spends around US$148, down from US$171 recorded in 2018 and 2019.
Deputy Minister Ranasinghe said the government had conducted a study after taking office, focusing on changes in tourist behavior and spending patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said improving the overall visitor experience would be key to increasing tourist spending, adding that achieving the target would require a planned and systematic approach.
