In a bid to attract one of the biggest source markets of outbound travellers in the world, Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal from the Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry to include China in its free visa policy. This will be launched from 1 August. The information was revealed by John Amaratunga, minister of tourism development and wildlife of Sri Lanka.
Amaratunga said China was the second largest market for Sri Lanka tourism and the free visa policy for the Chinese market would boost Chinese tourist arrivals. “China is one of our main markets. Despite the setback from the Easter Sunday attacks, I am sure this year we will be able to achieve our targets. From 1 August, Chinese tourists can come to Sri Lanka without a visa fee and we see this as a landmark decision for the tourism industry.”
Some of the other countries entitled for the free visa policy are India, the Netherlands and certain European countries.
