Sri Lanka eyes 100,000 Bangladeshi tourists, highlights new travel opportunities
Dhaka: Around 60,000 Bangladeshi tourists visited Sri Lanka last year, while 10,000 have already travelled in the early months of this year, said Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), expressing optimism that the number could reach 100,000 by year-end.
He noted that Bangladesh was the 10th largest source market for Sri Lanka in 2025 and has the potential to rise to fifth or sixth position. To achieve this growth, he emphasized the need for Bangladeshi travelers to explore a wider range of tourism products beyond traditional leisure trips.
“Sri Lanka offers diverse experiences including hillside retreats, adventure tourism, underwater activities, hiking, and nature-based travel,” Hewawasam said, adding that the island is also gaining popularity as a destination for solo travelers, weddings, and medical tourism.
He made the remarks at a ‘Media Networking Session’ held in Dhaka on April 5, organized by SLTPB at Le Méridien Dhaka.
Presiding over the event, Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, highlighted the strong potential for tourism cooperation between the two countries. “Such initiatives will serve as milestones in strengthening the tourism industries of both nations,” he said.
Sri Lankan HC Dharmapala Weerakkody delivering his speech — Photo: Monitor
The event also featured a destination presentation showcasing Sri Lanka’s luxury travel options, family-friendly packages, improved accommodation facilities, and enhanced air connectivity with Bangladesh.
Hewawasam further claimed that Sri Lanka is currently regarded as one of the safest and most attractive tourist destinations globally, noting that the country won 15 international tourism awards last year. He assured Bangladeshi travelers of affordable packages, halal food availability, and a wide range of services tailored to their needs.
On connectivity, Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) of SriLankan Airlines, said, direct flights operate regularly between Dhaka and Colombo. SriLankan Airlines runs daily flights, while FitsAir operates four weekly services.
SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager Fawzan Fareid addressing the session — Photo: Monitor
He noted that Sri Lanka remains ready to accommodate more Bangladeshi tourists, offering halal meals, extensive passenger support, and capacity for large group travel, including weddings and corporate events.
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Rafeeuzzaman, President of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, welcomed the initiative and stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between stakeholders. However, he urged airlines to reduce airfares, noting that ticket prices — ranging from BDT 55,000 to BDT 75,000 — remain a key barrier for Bangladeshi travelers. He also suggested reconsidering visa-on-arrival facilities instead of the current ETA system which costs USD 20, whereas the former did not cost anything earlier.
The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session where media representatives discussed tourism prospects, connectivity, and traveler services.
An exclusive B2B roadshow and networking evening for tourism trade partners was held on April 6 at the same venue, bringing together industry leaders, media professionals, and a high-level Sri Lankan delegation.
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