Laos Tourism Relations

Tourist arrivals from Laos to Sri Lanka have remained relatively low over the years. Arrivals declined from 158 visitors in 2018 to 129 in 2019 and fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, recording only 19 arrivals in 2020 and no arrivals in 2021. With the recovery of international travel, arrivals increased to 29 in 2022 and further to 82 during January–September 2023, indicating a gradual revival.

Although the Lao market currently represents a small share of Sri Lanka's tourism arrivals, there is potential for growth. The strong cultural and religious links between the two predominantly Buddhist nations provide opportunities to promote Buddhist pilgrimage tourism. In addition, Sri Lanka's beaches, wildlife, Ayurveda and wellness tourism, cultural heritage sites, and nature-based experiences could appeal to Lao travellers.

Strengthening tourism promotion, enhancing cooperation between tourism authorities and travel operators, and improving regional air connectivity through ASEAN hubs could contribute to increasing tourist arrivals from Laos in the coming years.