November 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is projected to emerge as one of the fastest-growing travel destinations globally by 2025, with tourism spending expected to rise by 40%, according to the 2024 WTM Global Travel Report, created in partnership with Tourism Economics.
This places Sri Lanka at the forefront of tourism growth in Asia, surpassing other destinations such as Laos and Cambodia, which are forecasted to see increases of 30% and 29%, respectively.
While the report highlights a slower recovery in Chinese travel, particularly affecting neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, Sri Lanka’s growth trajectory stands out.
Although tourism spending in Asia remains below pre-pandemic levels, the report anticipates positive growth across more than 20 territories in 2025. By 2030, Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism spending is expected to increase by 109%, making it the second-fastest-growing destination in Asia after Thailand, which is predicted to see a 147% rise.
Globally, the number of international overnight arrivals is expected to surpass two billion by the end of the decade, up from 1.5 billion in 2024.
Developed markets will remain the largest sources of outbound travelers, but emerging markets like China and India are increasingly important. Between 2019 and 2030, countries including the United States, Germany, the UK, and Canada are anticipated to contribute significantly to global travel growth.
In response to a more cost-conscious travel environment, over 80% of tourism experts predict that price sensitivity will influence consumer behavior in 2025. Despite this trend, travelers continue to prioritize vacations, seeking more affordable travel options.
The latest Tourism Economics Travel Trends Survey (TTS) indicates that most travelers are opting for longer stays, embracing “slow travel” to explore destinations more thoroughly. Additionally, many travelers are showing greater interest in cultural experiences and interactions with local communities.
At the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London, Sri Lanka made a significant impact, showcasing its potential as a leading global tourism destination.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), supported by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, participated alongside over 100 industry partners.
The Sri Lanka stand was officially opened on November 5, 2024, by Duchess of Rutland Emma Manners and featured prominent figures like Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK and key tourism officials.
During the three-day event, Sri Lanka’s tourism leadership conducted multiple B2B meetings with UK travel companies and media outlets.
The Sri Lanka stand was recognized for its business-friendly layout and was awarded “Best Stand for Doing Business.” Additionally, Sri Lanka received the prestigious “Most Desirable Island” Gold Award at the Wanderlust Travel Magazine Awards.
Tourism in Sri Lanka is recovering strongly, with 1.6 million tourist arrivals recorded in October 2024, generating USD 2.5 billion in revenue. The UK remains one of the top sources of visitors, contributing 146,670 arrivals by the end of October.
Sri Lanka’s strategic participation at WTM 2024 underscores its commitment to becoming a top global travel destination, leveraging new tourism initiatives and international partnerships to shape its future growth.
