Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues its strong rebound, posting a 23% year-on-year increase in arrivals, driven by robust performances from both traditional and emerging markets.
Data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reveals that as of 20 April 2025, approximately 846,221 tourists had visited the island nation. Of that total, 123,945 international visitors arrived during the first 20 days of April alone, highlighting sustained momentum in the sector’s revival.
India held its position as the leading source market, contributing 24,776 arrivals in April. The United Kingdom followed with 14,060 visitors, while Russia and Germany recorded 10,873 and 9,387 arrivals respectively.
Emerging markets are also making notable gains. Arrivals from China grew by 18%, while Australia posted a 12% increase compared to early 2024, underlining the growing diversity of Sri Lanka’s tourist base.
Tourism earnings surged to $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 35% jump from the previous year, according to Central Bank figures. Expanded air connectivity, including the addition of new flight routes, and streamlined visa policies—such as the extension of the 30-day free visa scheme for travellers from India, China, and 46 other countries—have been instrumental in fueling the sector’s growth.
With arrivals steadily climbing, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on track to reclaim, and potentially surpass, its 2018 peak of 2.5 million visitors, reinforcing its critical role in the nation’s economic recovery.