Sri Lanka first in affordable destinations for ‘Digital Nomads’
Nethmi Fernando and Tharusha Fernando

Among the 50 countries offering digital nomad visas, Sri Lanka stands out as the best value for money, boasting an average monthly cost of living at USD 624.0. This represents a 14% savings in disposable income compared to the second most affordable country on the list.

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit that allows remote workers and freelancers to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period while conducting their work online.

The availability of digital nomad visas in numerous countries worldwide, along with the substantial remote workforce,

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including over 5 Mn Brits and 16 Mn Americans, offers an invaluable opportunity for flexible and location-independent work.

The USA is one of the most expensive countries for day-to-day living, with costs exceeding USD 2,000 per month. Their healthcare system is notably the most expensive, with citizens spending over 40% more per person compared to other countries.

The UK is ranked 16th among the most expensive countries to live in, with an average cost of living exceeding USD 1,800.

In 2022, households in the UK experienced significant increases in fuel and energy bills, along with soaring prices in grocery stores.

During a webinar hosted by First Capital Research, experts Tharusha Ashokgar and Nethmi Fernando who shared their insights into the resurgence of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry said that Investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is on the rise, with 95 projects involving 5,424 rooms currently under construction and expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Rising global trends in tourism helped Sri Lankans to surpass monthly targets and welcome 1 million tourists within a year.

Factors contributing to this recovery include increased air connectivity, the lifting of travel restrictions by key source markets, favourable weather conditions, and multiple tourism promotion campaigns targeting markets in India, Europe, and China.

Sri Lanka’s earnings from tourism have seen substantial growth, reaching USD 1 billion by July 2023, representing a 43% year-on-year increase compared to the previous year.

The country is now considered one of the world’s fastest-recovering destinations, with 2022 arrival figures almost reaching pre-pandemic levels.

Year-to-date figures for 2023 already stand at approximately 1.3 million arrivals, indicating a strong likelihood of further growth in the coming months.

India and China stand out as key source markets, with India currently being the largest contributor to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Factors such as proximity, affordability, and a growing middle-income population drive India’s influence. (TP)

Would like a nice beach front mid range hotel. We are in Hikkadewa and have been since Sept 20 not a great beach scene. Waters are pretty rough but it could be the monsoon season. Very heavy undertow on Hikkadewa We are 60 and 58 not out much at night but we did hang at a beach front mid price hotel just meters away from turtle Beach called hikka sandy beach no frills but good price and an ok hang. We are here in Hikkadewa till end of Feb then we move to Mirissa where you can see the migration of the blue whales, sperm whales and brydes whales to the end of March.

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Hikkaduwa is a great choice for a beautiful sandy beach with a lively but not overly party-oriented atmosphere. It offers a relaxed beach scene with some beachfront bars, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's known for its snorkeling and coral reefs, and you can find mid-range beachfront hotels there. When selecting your beach destination, consider your overall itinerary and proximity to other attractions you plan to visit during your 8-day tour. Whichever location you choose, you're likely to find beautiful sandy beaches and a lively but not overly hectic evening vibe for your enjoyable stay in Sri Lanka.

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