Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to show promising signs of recovery and growth, with more than 90,000 international visitors arriving in the country in May alone. According to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 91,785 tourists have entered the island so far this month.
India continues to be the largest source market, contributing 31,635 visitors, which accounts for 34.5% of total arrivals in May. The United Kingdom followed with 6,195 tourists, while China recorded 6,043 arrivals. Germany and Bangladesh also contributed significantly, with 5,526 and 4,693 tourists respectively.
With the inclusion of May’s arrivals, the cumulative number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2025 has climbed to 988,669, moving closer to the 1-million mark within the first half of the year.
In terms of year-to-date figures, India once again leads the way with 188,694 visitors, followed by Russia with 109,840, and the United Kingdom with 93,248.
This consistent uptick in tourist arrivals reflects the growing confidence in Sri Lanka as a safe and attractive travel destination. Industry stakeholders are hopeful that with the continuation of strategic marketing campaigns, improved connectivity, and enhanced visitor experiences, the country will exceed its annual tourism targets.