Sri Lanka Tourism Open for Business After Cyclone Dilwah’s Impact, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 3, 2025

Sri Lanka is currently undertaking efforts to recover from Cyclone Dilwah which hit the country last week. First and foremost to address the economic ramifications of the storm is the tourism industry, the most economically important sector. The tourism industry is focused on diffusing the potential concerns travelers may have regarding safety and the destination’s readiness to receive visitors. Given that the storm passed over some of the country’s most important tourism attractions, the officials have asked holiday-makers to refrain from cancelling trips to the island that is still beautiful and remains open for visits.

Urgent Recovery Efforts in the Tourism Sector

The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has always been one of its economic lifeboats. It is projected to attract between 2.3 million and 2.5 million international visitors this year. However, the recent cyclone has disrupted tourism activities, and there are concerns that the number of arrivals will fall short of expectations.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is actively working on a public relations campaign to inform the world that the country is in recovery mode. This initiative aims to instill confidence in tourists who may be hesitant to travel. As the country heads into peak months—November and December—officials are especially keen on making sure that the recovery process does not impact the influx of international travelers.

Resilience of the Tourism Industry

Despite the damage caused by Cyclone Dilwah, the Sri Lankan tourism industry is bouncing back. According to Asoka Hettigoda, president of the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, over 75% of the country’s hotels were unaffected by the storm. In addition, national parks remain open, and most major tourist activities are operational again. Activities such as dolphin- and whale-watching along the south and western coastlines have resumed, allowing visitors to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural beauty without interruptions.

The hotel sector has faced setbacks, with some properties requiring refurbishing. As part of its recovery strategy, the tourism industry is calling on the Sri Lankan government for assistance in securing loans to refurbish damaged hotels and delay loan repayments. This financial relief is vital in ensuring that hotels can continue operating and offering accommodation to travelers during this critical period.

Infrastructure and Accessibility Improving

The infrastructure of Sri Lanka’s tourism hubs has also seen improvements since the cyclone. Roads leading to popular tourist destinations, including hill stations like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, are being cleared to ensure easy access for tourists. These areas, known for their scenic landscapes and cool climate, are major attractions for both local and international travelers. Nishad Wijetunga, the managing director of Wayfarers and former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Operators, assured the public that these tourist routes would be fully operational soon.

Tourism authorities have also engaged with tourists currently in the country. They have collected testimonials from travelers about their experiences during the cyclone, and these will be used in promotional materials to reassure future visitors that the country is both safe and welcoming.

Positive Developments for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Recovery

In a positive turn, Sri Lanka recently welcomed the Mein Schiff 06, a luxury cruise liner operated by TUI Cruises, which docked at Colombo Port on December 2. The ship carried 2,300 passengers, signaling that Sri Lanka remains a highly attractive destination for luxury and cruise tourism. This marks a significant recovery milestone, as the country moves forward with restoring normalcy and offering an unforgettable experience to visitors.

A Call for Continued Support from Tourists

With support and encouraging reviews from travelers, Sri Lanka can once more fulfil its potential as a top travel destination. The Sri Lankan tourism sector has long benefited from the trickle-down effect, where local economies thrive through tourism-related activities. As the the islands clear of cloud cover and the the land recovers, it is once more ready to showcase its spectacular and varied culture, mesmerizing kindness, and breath-taking topography. It is ready to entertain guests from every corner of the globe.