Sri Lankan hotel owner Softlogic Holdings and international operator Accor are bringing two distinct stays under the Pullman brand. Pullman Colombo City Centre serves the capital’s business and leisure market, while Pullman Bentota Resort & Spa gives the brand a coastal property. Together, they show how a local owner and a global hotel operator can
Sri Lanka welcomed 10,951 Australian tourists in September 2026, a 20.3% increase compared with the same month last year. Australia ranked as the island’s third-largest visitor source market, highlighting its importance for tourism businesses and international air connectivity. The increase coincided with the first full month of Jetstar’s Melbourne–Colombo service, adding another option for journeys
Beijing Capital Airlines plans to double its Beijing–Colombo flights during early 2027, adding direct capacity between China and Sri Lanka. The expanded schedule will operate twice weekly from 16 January until 27 March, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Services will connect Beijing Daxing International Airport with Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport on Thursdays and Saturdays. The planned
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is bringing guests closer to Sri Lanka’s celebrated tea culture through the remarkable family journey of its tea specialist, Velaudham Jeevanandhan, widely known as Jeeva. For Jeeva, Ceylon tea is not simply a beverage served to resort guests. It represents family, childhood and knowledge transferred across generations. Before the resort
Sri Lanka has introduced a tourist visa fee waiver for travelers from 40 countries, aiming to boost international arrivals and strengthen its tourism sector. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s appeal as a cost-effective travel destination while supporting economic growth, job creation, and long-term tourism development.
Sri Lanka free ETA access has officially begun for nationals of 40 countries, giving eligible tourists a fee-free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization and positioning the island as a more affordable and competitive destination in South Asia. The new policy took effect on 25 May 2026 and removes the standard ETA processing fee for selected countries
Sri Lanka has taken a major step to modernize its visitor economy through a new partnership between LankaPay, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, and Alipay+. The collaboration aims to make travel spending easier for international visitors by expanding seamless digital payments across the island through LankaQR. The move strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a
Sri Lanka is gaining global attention as a leading destination wedding hub. Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is driving this transformation with luxury multi-day celebrations. This shift is boosting high-value tourism and redefining travel trends across the island. The destination wedding market is expanding rapidly. International couples are seeking unique locations that combine culture,
Sri Lanka rebuilds after Cyclone Ditwah with powerful volunteer action, military support, and revived tourism hopes as communities restore safety and stability.
Sri Lanka’s tourism revival gains momentum as over 2,000 passengers from a luxury cruise arrive in Colombo, boosting confidence in the country’s safe travel outlook.
SriLankan Airlines expands self-check-in kiosks to speed up winter travel, reduce queues, and enhance convenience for tourists during the peak holiday season.
Sri Lanka reinstates its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for tourists from October 2025, streamlining entry and boosting tourism growth.
