August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has seen a notable rise in foreign visitors, with more than 200,000 tourists setting foot on the island in July 2025 alone, according to figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The recorded total for the month stood at 200,244, marking a 6.6 per cent increase compared to July of the previous year.
The steady growth in tourism is being seen as a positive sign for the country’s recovering travel and hospitality industries, which have been gradually rebounding amid global economic shifts and renewed interest in South Asian destinations.
India remained the leading source of tourist traffic, contributing 37,128 visitors in July — around 18.5 per cent of the total monthly figure. The United Kingdom followed with 23,475 arrivals, while significant numbers also came from the Netherlands (15,556), China (12,982), and France (11,059), highlighting Sri Lanka’s broadening appeal across both traditional and emerging markets.
From January through July 2025, overall arrivals reached 1,368,288, reflecting growing confidence in Sri Lanka as a safe and attractive destination for international travellers. Of this number, Indian nationals accounted for the largest share with 279,122 visitors, followed by 131,377 tourists from Russia and 115,470 from the United Kingdom.
Tourism officials view these figures as a strong indication of sustained momentum in the sector, bolstered by targeted promotional campaigns, expanded flight connectivity, and the island’s diverse offering of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
