August 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has emerged as a key contributor to India’s foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) over the last five years, according to official figures recently released by the Indian government. The data highlights Sri Lanka’s continued relevance as a top source market for inbound tourism into India, alongside major nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Bangladesh.
The information was shared in the Indian Parliament by Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who responded in writing to a series of questions regarding the performance of India’s tourism sector since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistics reveal a promising rebound in international tourism, with the number of FTAs reaching approximately 9.95 million in 2024—a strong indicator of recovery and growth following the global travel slump.
The minister provided a detailed breakdown of the top 10 countries that consistently contributed to India’s FTAs from 2020 to 2024. The list includes the United States, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, and Singapore. Notably, Sri Lanka has maintained a steady presence in this group throughout the five-year period.
In the years 2020 and 2023, Bangladesh topped the chart as the largest source of foreign tourists to India. However, in 2021, 2022, and again in 2024, the United States led the rankings. The UK, Australia, and Canada were also ranked prominently, typically occupying positions within the top five.
The data, compiled in line with the UN World Tourism Organization’s classification of International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs)—which includes both foreign visitors and non-resident nationals—shows a dynamic and resilient tourism landscape in India, with regional neighbours like Sri Lanka playing a vital role.
Sri Lanka’s inclusion in this elite group reflects not only the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations but also the growing preference among Sri Lankan travellers for India as a destination for medical treatment, pilgrimage, education, and business.
As India continues to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and enhance bilateral travel agreements, countries like Sri Lanka are expected to remain pivotal to its inbound tourism strategy in the years ahead.
