Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is experiencing a welcome surge, with March 1-24, 2024, attracting 163,051 arrivals. This marks the fifth consecutive month with over 200,000 visitors, indicating a strong comeback for the sector.
The positive trend began in January with 208,253 arrivals, followed by an even stronger February with 218,350 visitors. Compared to the same period in 2023, these numbers represent a remarkable 100% increase, showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing appeal as a tourist destination.
Looking at tourist origins, India emerged as the top source market with 25,424 arrivals, accounting for 15% of the total. Following closely behind was the Russian Federation with 22,722 visitors. Rounding out the top five source countries were Germany (14,674), the United Kingdom (14,610), and China (10,057).
This continued growth in tourist arrivals is a positive sign for Sri Lanka’s economy. The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP and a source of employment for many Sri Lankans. The diversification of tourist origins, with a strong showing from both established and emerging markets, further strengthens the industry’s resilience.