Tourism arrival numbers – when less is more 4.3 -4.5 m the Magical number ?

In Sri Lanka, with tourism currently booming, almost every day we hear of grandiose future tourist arrival targets being talked about in the press.

It is sad to note that we continue to focus on tourism numbers only, without giving thought about the impact the large influx of tourists will have on the environment and our culture. We need to focus on quality rather than quantity, and design and offer greater value experiences, and re-position the destination to attract more higher spending tourists.

Recently Dewni Aluthwatte and I presented an analytical ?study which indicated that Sri Lanka cannot accommodate more than 4.3 – 4.5 million ?tourists annually, if we are going to preserve our environment. ?https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/srilal_overtourism-masstourism-carryingcapacity-activity-33668608-4h6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAGMGxgBQ0iST2chJ7Yt9fGJIPBPsaiyU1E

Already we are seeing the effects of over tourism in Sri Lanka in several attractions such as Sigiriya Rock, Nine Arch bride and Yala National Park, to name a few.

It is vital therefor that the ?authorities and stakeholders realise the gravity of this, and take immediate corrective action.