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Sri Lanka considers financial incentives to boost tourism sector promotion

The Sri Lankan government is exploring cash and dollar-based incentive schemes to encourage tourism promoters and boost the island's tourism industry recovery. The initiative aims to strengthen promotional efforts in key markets.

LSN Sri Lanka · 14 October 2026

Sri Lanka is considering the introduction of financial incentives, including cash and foreign currency rewards, to motivate tourism promoters operating in the country's hospitality sector. The proposal reflects the government's commitment to revitalizing the tourism industry, which remains critical to Sri Lanka's economic recovery following recent economic challenges.

The cash and dollar incentive scheme would be designed to encourage tourism promoters to intensify their marketing efforts and attract international visitors to the island. Officials believe that targeted financial rewards could enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lanka's tourism offerings in key source markets and help accelerate visitor arrivals.

The government is currently in the evaluation stage of the proposed incentive structure, assessing various mechanisms through which such rewards could be effectively distributed and monitored. Details regarding the scope, eligibility criteria, and implementation timeline for the scheme are expected to be finalized in coming weeks.

Tourism has historically been a significant foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka, and restoring the sector's performance remains a priority for policymakers seeking to stabilize the country's balance of payments position and generate employment opportunities across the hospitality and services sectors.