Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has entered October on a high note, welcoming 34,046 arrivals in just the first six days of the month, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). This promising start follows a record-breaking performance in September, signalling sustained growth for the sector.
The country is averaging 5,299 visitors per day, putting it firmly on track to meet the monthly target of 197,693 tourists set for October 2025. This represents a 14% year-on-year increase compared to the 25,965 arrivals recorded during the same period last year, reflecting renewed confidence in Sri Lanka as a prime South Asian travel destination.
India continues to dominate the source markets, contributing 10,738 visitors, or 31.5% of total arrivals in the first week. China follows with 3,684 tourists (10.8%), while the United Kingdom (2,200; 6.5%), Germany (1,988; 5.8%), and Bangladesh (1,577; 4.6%) round out the top five markets.
Year-to-date figures indicate that Sri Lanka has now surpassed 1.75 million arrivals. India leads with 386,030 visitors (22%), followed by the UK with 164,093 (9%) and Russia with 123,414 (7%). Industry analysts note that the strong early October performance builds on momentum from the third quarter, underpinned by improved air connectivity, strategic marketing campaigns, and a renewed government focus on attracting high-value tourists.
Experts attribute part of this success to promotional campaigns launched under previous administrations, which focused on digital marketing, social media outreach, and collaborations with international travel influencers to enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility in key source markets. The current government has capitalised on these initiatives while introducing new strategies, including thematic tourism circuits, luxury travel packages, and targeted promotions aimed at affluent travellers from India, Europe, and China.
The new government’s approach emphasises both quality and sustainability, promoting experiences such as cultural tours, eco-tourism, and wellness retreats that appeal to niche segments. Analysts suggest that these combined efforts are driving not just increased arrivals, but also higher revenue per tourist, supporting the broader economic recovery.
To achieve the revised 2025 target of 2.6 million tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka will need to attract an additional 840,460 visitors during the final quarter. While the initial goal for the year was set at 3 million arrivals, the sector’s continued momentum, strategic government policies, and strong performance in key markets provide optimism for closing the year on a strong note.
