TEHRAN - Sri Lanka has announced a new initiative to boost its tourism sector by offering free 30-day tourist visas to visitors from over 30 countries, including Iran.

The decision, which will be implemented as part of a six-month pilot program starting on October 1, was revealed by Sri Lankan Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana during a cabinet briefing on Thursday.

The program aims to attract more international tourists by temporarily waiving the $50 visa fee typically required for entry. Among the countries included in the program are the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, India, Australia, Japan, and several European and Middle Eastern nations.

Gunawardana emphasized that the initiative is designed to make Sri Lanka a more accessible destination for global travelers, drawing inspiration from other popular tourist destinations in Asia such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, which have similar visa policies. The program is set to coincide with Sri Lanka's peak travel season, which runs from December to mid-April, a period known for its favorable weather conditions.

This move is part of Sri Lanka's broader strategy to revitalize its economy, which has been struggling in recent years. By encouraging a surge in tourism, the government hopes to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing industry and position the country as a more attractive destination for international visitors.

Data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reports that tourism from the first half of 2024 generated over $1.5 billion in revenue for the country, around $625 million more than what the industry generated over the same period last year.

AM