Here are the latest developments regarding Booking.com in Sri Lanka:
- Sri Lanka has discussed introducing local travel-booking platforms to challenge Booking.com's dominance. Government officials have argued that Booking.com pays little to no taxes and charges high commissions, prompting a push for local competition.[1][2][3]
- In early 2025, Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath indicated that several local platforms were being developed to register with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and expand beyond accommodation to include transport, guides, and other tourism services. The aim was to reduce reliance on Booking.com and improve market fairness; taxation discussions were ongoing but not presented as the immediate priority.[2][1]
- There has been some industry concern about the impact on SMEs if Booking.com is suddenly displaced without robust local alternatives, highlighting the need for multiple platforms and a measured rollout to protect small hoteliers and agents.[2]
Notes and context:
- Coverage comes mainly from Sri Lankan news outlets and industry discussions in 2025, tying regulatory pressure to calls for fair taxation and competitive practices in travel tech.[3][1][2]
- A related discussion in Sri Lanka’s media suggests a broader push to support homegrown platforms that can integrate hotels, transportation, and other tourism services into a single ecosystem, potentially reducing dependence on international OTAs like Booking.com.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent articles or summarize perspectives from hotel associations and tourism regulators to give you a clearer view of the regulatory timeline and what platforms are currently in development.
Sources
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka announced Wednesday it will give a one-month free visa on arrival to visitors from nearly 50 countries in its latest effort to revive the island nation's lucrative tourism industry that was badly hit by the Easter bomb attacks that killed 263 people. Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said tourists or those visiting for business purposes could get their free visa on arrival or applying online. The measure will be effective for six months, starting from Thursday.
komonews.comSri Lanka’s $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand of the Indian Ocean island after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people two weeks ago. Suspected suicide bombers from little-known Islamic groups in Sri Lanka attacked c
thefinancialexpress.com.bdSeveral prestigious airlines including Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Oman Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, as well as charter flight loads of tourists, now operate into our international airports, enhancing good January 2021After a period of ten months, Sri Lankan borders finally reopened for international tourism on the 21st January 2021! And we
www.bookingsrilanka.comBook a hotel in Sri Lanka online. Hotels from budget to luxury. Good rates. No reservation costs. Read hotel reviews from real guests.
www.booking.comSri Lanka’s tourism industry, which showed promising signs of recovery in 2025, now faces a self-inflicted setback as the government moves to challenge international online travel agents (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia. Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has accused these global platforms of tax evasion and monopolistic practices, vowing to create a government-backed centralised […]
lankanewsweb.netEasily book your next adventure in Sri Lanka with our secure online booking system. Choose from a variety of tours and packages tailored to your needs.
www.travelingsrilanka.comSpeaking to the Sunday Times*, the Minister noted that the technical elements and complete packages of the services being provided were ready. “Booking.com was the platform we used when there were no other options, so this allowed it to capture an excess market share with no competitors,” the Minister noted. The Minister addressing Parliament on March 18, announced the government’s intentions to break the monopoly created by the brand as the platform currently pays no taxes in Sri Lanka while...
www.sundaytimes.lkSri Lanka plans to introduce local alternatives to Booking.com by April, aiming to boost competition and support local tourism.
mawratanews.lk