Sri Lanka, July 14 -- The government is targeting a significant increase in tourist spending by 2030 as part of its strategy to strengthen Sri Lanka's tourism industry, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said.

Speaking on the government's tourism development plans, the Deputy Minister said a recent study was conducted to assess tourist spending patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"On average, a tourist visiting Sri Lanka spends US$148. Back in 2018-2019, that figure was US$171. Our goal is to increase this average tourist spending by 2030. By raising the amount each visitor spends, we can make a greater contribution to the country's economy, the Deputy Minister said.

He said that increasing tourist spending is essential...