Sri Lanka tourist arrivals have crossed the 2.1 million mark in the first 11 months of 2025, reflecting a steady recovery in the tourism sector. November contributed the highest monthly arrivals since March 2025, strengthening confidence in the Sri Lanka tourist arrivals growth. The Sri Lanka tourist arrivals data underscores the increasing appeal of the country as a leading international destination.
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals surge with November boosting YTD figures
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals reached over 2.1 million for the year-to-date, with November recording 212,906 visitors, a 16% year-on-year increase and the highest November arrivals in five years. This surge represents a 29% growth compared to October’s 165,193 arrivals, while January remains the strongest month of 2025 with 252,761 tourists.
Despite the strong November performance, Sri Lanka tourist arrivals fell short of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority’s (SLTDA) monthly target of 260,229 by 47,323 visitors, continuing a trend of missed projections throughout the year. However, the November figures still exceeded the 195,582 arrivals registered in November 2018 by 17,324 visitors, highlighting steady recovery momentum.
As Sri Lanka tourist arrivals cross 2.1 million YTD, the country edges closer to its revised 2025 target of 2.4 million visitors, requiring an additional 296,407 arrivals in December to meet the goal. Despite this progress, YTD figures remain 11% lower than the benchmark year of 2018, signaling room for further growth.
Daily tourist arrivals averaged 7,093 in November, up from 6,139 during the same period last year, and significantly higher than October’s average of 5,329. India continued to dominate as the largest source market, contributing 51,391 visitors (24.1% of total arrivals), followed by Russia with 24,953 visitors, and the UK with 16,915 arrivals. Germany and Australia completed the top five with 14,518 and 9,384 tourists respectively, while China, France, Poland, the US, and Spain also contributed significantly.
Year-to-date, India accounted for 474,796 arrivals (23%), the UK followed with 191,742 (9%), and Russia with 158,593 (8%). Industry analysts suggest that achieving the revised annual target will depend heavily on December’s performance, which is typically boosted by the high winter travel season. The continued growth in Sri Lanka tourist arrivals highlights the country’s resurgence as a popular international destination and underscores the tourism sector’s role in economic recovery.