Supporting Accelerated Investment in Sri Lanka (SAIL) Project Investor Presentation

The project was developed for the Investor Relations Unit of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to showcase tourism investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and highlight the services and benefits available to investors. Sri Lanka is a small island nation strategically located between the East and West along the world-famous "silk route." The country boasts 65,610 km2 of authentic tourist experience, rich in natural resources and biodiversity. Sri Lanka's biodiversity per unit is the highest in Asia, and it is home to both the blue whale and the Asian elephant. The country has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years, including the 8th wonder of the world. Sri Lanka has made significant strides in the tourism sector, with achievements including being the 3rd highest foreign exchange earner, 2.3 million tourist arrivals, and USD $4.3 billion in tourism revenue (targeting USD $7 billion). The country has also increased its accommodation capacity to 24,757 and generated 388,487 tourist industry jobs (targeting 600,000). In terms of rankings and international brands, Sri Lanka has seen improvements in tourist arrivals, earning from tourism, average spending per day, and employment generated. Tourism statistics for Sri Lanka show a steady increase in tourist arrivals, earning from tourism, and employment generated. In 2016, the country had 2.0 million tourist arrivals, earning USD $3.5 billion from tourism, and generating 335,659 employment opportunities. By 2018, these numbers had increased to 2.3 million tourist arrivals, earning USD $4.3 billion from tourism, and generating 388,487 employment opportunities. The target for 2020 is 4 million tourist arrivals, earning USD $7.0 billion from tourism, and generating 600,000 employment opportunities.