Sri Lanka’s tourism sector experienced a solid rebound in March 2025, with tourist arrivals increasing by 9.1% year-on-year to reach 229,298 visitors, according to data released by the state tourism development office. The surge in arrivals was primarily driven by strong demand from India and Russia, two of the island’s top source markets.
India remained the leading source of visitors, contributing 39,212 tourists or 17.1% of the total arrivals. Russia followed closely, with 29,177 tourists, making up 12.7% of the monthly total. The United Kingdom also contributed significantly, with 22,447 visitors (9.8%), while Germany (7.8%), France (6.7%), and China (4.8%) rounded out the top six countries.
The total number of visitors to Sri Lanka for the first quarter of 2025 (January to March) stood at 722,276, signaling a promising start to the year for the island’s vital tourism industry.
Tourism Recovery Momentum Continues
The growth in international arrivals marks a positive shift for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which had faced challenges in recent years. The influx of tourists, particularly from India and Russia, highlights the country’s growing appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Industry experts remain optimistic about further growth, with expectations for continued demand from these key markets in the coming months, as well as potential expansion into emerging markets.