Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rise modestly in December 2025, even as the island faced widespread disruption following Cyclone Ditwah. Official data highlights steady demand and sector resilience despite weather-related challenges late in the year.
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rise in December as resilience offsets storm disruption
Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rise modestly in December 2025, reflecting resilience in the island’s tourism sector despite the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November. Data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed arrivals increased 4.2 percent year-on-year to 258,928 visitors during the month, signalling continued recovery momentum amid adverse conditions.
The December performance came against the backdrop of significant weather-related disruption across parts of the country. Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 28, causing damage to infrastructure and affecting tourism operations in several regions. According to official figures, approximately 269 tourists were directly impacted by the cyclone, underscoring the challenges faced by the industry during the early part of the peak travel season.
Despite these constraints, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector closed 2025 with total arrivals of 2,362,521, marking a 15.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. While the figure fell short of the government’s ambitious target of 3 million visitors, analysts said the outcome reflected a solid recovery trajectory given lingering global economic pressures and climate-related risks.
December’s arrival numbers were also notable in a longer-term context. Visitor inflows exceeded the 253,169 arrivals recorded in December 2018 by approximately 2.3 percent. That period marked the final full year of uninterrupted tourism growth before the industry was hit by a series of shocks, including the 2019 Easter attacks, the global pandemic, and domestic political unrest. Market observers said surpassing pre-crisis benchmarks, even marginally, indicates renewed confidence among international travellers.
India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market during December, accounting for 22 percent of total arrivals. A total of 56,715 visitors arrived from India, supported by short-haul connectivity, cultural links, and competitive travel costs. Tourism operators noted that Indian travellers continued to favour beach destinations, heritage sites, and wellness tourism, helping sustain occupancy levels during the month.
The Russian Federation ranked as the second-largest source market, contributing 27,987 visitors, or roughly 11 percent of total arrivals. Russian tourists have played a critical role in sustaining Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in recent years, particularly during periods when arrivals from Western markets softened due to economic uncertainty and travel disruptions.
European markets also delivered stable inflows. The United Kingdom accounted for 20,535 arrivals in December, while Germany contributed 16,707 visitors. Industry stakeholders said demand from these markets remained resilient, driven by winter holiday travel and growing interest in experiential tourism offerings such as wildlife, nature-based travel, and cultural circuits.
Australia and China rounded out the top source markets for the month. Sri Lanka welcomed 14,820 visitors from Australia, reflecting steady long-haul travel demand, while arrivals from China stood at 10,364. Although Chinese arrivals remain below pre-pandemic levels, tourism officials said gradual recovery is evident, supported by improved air connectivity and targeted promotional campaigns.
The ability of the sector to maintain growth following Cyclone Ditwah was seen as a positive signal for investor and stakeholder confidence. Hotels and tour operators implemented contingency measures to minimise disruption, while authorities worked to restore affected infrastructure swiftly. Analysts said the limited number of tourists impacted by the cyclone helped prevent more significant reputational damage to the destination.
Looking ahead, tourism industry participants expect momentum to carry into early 2026, supported by expanded airline capacity, diversified source markets, and ongoing promotional efforts. However, they cautioned that external risks, including extreme weather events and global economic volatility, could influence arrival patterns in the coming months.
As Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rise despite climatic challenges, the sector’s performance in December highlights its growing adaptability and resilience. While the annual target was not fully achieved, the steady upward trend suggests that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry remains firmly on a recovery path, with scope for stronger growth as stability and connectivity continue to improve.