June 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded a steady rise in international arrivals, with over 120,000 visitors entering the country in May alone, according to the latest statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
This brings the total number of tourist arrivals for the year up to just over one million, signalling a continued recovery in the island’s vital tourism industry.
India remains the dominant source of inbound travellers, contributing more than 42,000 visitors in May, which accounts for nearly 36 per cent of that month’s total arrivals.
The United Kingdom, China, Germany, and Bangladesh followed as significant contributors, with each country sending thousands of holidaymakers during the month.
The UK provided over 8,300 visitors, while China sent nearly 8,000. Germany and Bangladesh trailed closely, with approximately 6,500 arrivals each.
Cumulatively, the first five months of 2025 have seen 1,017,004 tourists arrive in Sri Lanka, a figure that reflects both growing confidence among global travellers and renewed marketing efforts by the tourism authorities.
Indian tourists alone accounted for nearly 200,000 of this total, followed by significant numbers from Russia and the UK, which contributed more than 110,000 and 95,000 travellers respectively.
Industry analysts see this continued influx as a promising sign for the country’s economic prospects. Tourism, which was once a primary revenue earner for Sri Lanka, suffered severely during the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis.
However, the gradual restoration of political stability, improvements in infrastructure, and targeted promotions in key markets have helped to reignite global interest in Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
Efforts by the SLTDA and other government agencies to streamline visa processes, enhance safety for tourists, and invest in sustainable tourism practices are said to be bearing fruit.
Hoteliers, travel operators, and local businesses in popular regions such as the southern coast, the central highlands, and the cultural triangle have reported encouraging signs of recovery and forward bookings.
In parallel, Sri Lanka’s ongoing attempts to attract more diverse visitor segments — including wellness tourists, digital nomads, and eco-conscious travellers — have been supported by newer travel campaigns and strategic alliances with foreign travel agencies.
Moreover, the resumption of direct flight routes from cities like Mumbai, London, Shanghai, and Berlin has improved accessibility.
Despite global economic uncertainties and fluctuating airfares, the country’s affordability compared to other destinations in the region has made it particularly attractive to budget-conscious tourists.
Local authorities have expressed cautious optimism that the country could surpass 2.5 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025 if the current momentum holds.
