September 14, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to show signs of sustained recovery, with over 52,000 international visitors recorded in the first two weeks of September alone, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The figures indicate that a total of 52,246 tourists entered the country so far this month, contributing to an encouraging trend that has been building throughout the year. India remains the leading source market, with 14,300 Indian nationals visiting during this period—accounting for 27.4 per cent of the overall arrivals for the month.
Other key markets for September include the United Kingdom, with 4,092 travellers, followed by Germany (3,488), China (2,796), and Australia (2,603). These numbers reflect a continued interest in Sri Lanka as a leisure destination, despite a challenging global travel climate marked by fluctuating airfares and regional uncertainties.
With the inclusion of the latest September figures, the cumulative number of international arrivals in 2025 has now reached 1,618,769. Of this total, India has contributed 339,895 visitors, followed by 155,233 from the UK and 119,132 from Russia—underscoring the strategic importance of these markets for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival.
Industry observers note that the increase in arrivals can be attributed to a combination of improved marketing campaigns, greater flight connectivity, and a renewed focus on promoting Sri Lanka as a safe, diverse, and culturally rich destination. The government has also introduced several streamlined visa measures and incentives for tour operators, which are believed to be supporting the uptick in foreign interest.
