Galle Literary Festival: Catalyst for High-Value Tourism
View(s):With Sri Lanka’s tourism industry redefining itself from mass arrivals to high-value, discerning travellers, Galle Literary Festival (GLF) has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful cultural and economic drivers. More than a celebration of literature and art, GLF has become a proven mechanism for attracting high-spending international visitors who seek immersive experiences, stay longer, and contribute significantly to the local economy.
With an estimated Rs. 713 million (US$ 2 million) in direct and indirect economic impact, GLF has reinforced its value well beyond literature. International visitors spent an average of $ 450 per day over 3-4 days, while domestic attendees spent around $ 175 per day – figures well above national tourism averages. The spending extended across hotels, dining, transport, and the creative economy, firmly positioning the Festival as one of Sri Lanka’s most effective cultural-economic drivers, GLF said in a media release.
A panel discussion at the 2025 event.
Galle Lit Fest is not only Sri Lanka’s most internationally recognised literary festival, but also one of the country’s few events with a track record of attracting global visitors at scale. Over 8,000 attendees participated in GLF 2025, including a significant international audience. Media coverage over the years from Condé Nast Traveller, Harper’s Bazaar, BBC, Lonely Planet, TimeOut,Wanderlust and more highlighted its global reputation, placing Sri Lanka alongside world-renowned festivals such as Hay (UK), Jaipur (India), and Edinburgh (Scotland). Condé Nast went further, describing GLF as “a must-visit destination for book lovers, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global literary map.” “GLF is more than a cultural celebration – it is a powerful catalyst for high-value tourism,” said Amreeya Mowlana, Festival Co-Director of GLF. “Our audiences are cosmopolitan and experience-driven. They invest in accommodation, dining, and curated experiences, and they carry the story of Sri Lanka back to global networks. Few events can demonstrate this level of cultural and economic return. That’s what makes GLF so powerful: it delivers cultural impact and economic value, side by side.”
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