With over a million arrivals by April 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is bouncing back, led by South Asian and European travelers
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is experiencing a robust resurgence in 2025, signaling a decisive rebound from the disruptions of recent years. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed over 1.05 million international tourists by April, a promising milestone in its economic recovery. This upswing is largely driven by visitors from India, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
India remains the largest contributor, with 210,074 arrivals, reflecting strong cultural ties, geographic proximity, and travel affordability. Russia followed with 110,818 visitors, while the UK brought in 98,158 tourists, confirming Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal across diverse markets.
The positive momentum continued into May, with 132,919 arrivals, representing an 18.5% year-on-year increase compared to May 2024. Early June numbers further highlight this growth, with 21,293 tourists entering the country in just the first five days. Notably, India accounted for 6,014 of these visitors—28.2% of the total—cementing its role as Sri Lanka’s most reliable tourism partner.
In June, arrivals also included 1,884 travelers from the UK, 1,277 from China, and 1,173 from Bangladesh, reflecting the island’s expanding global draw.
Several factors contribute to this tourism surge. For Indian travelers, Sri Lanka offers an enticing mix of cultural familiarity, cost-effective travel, and culinary alignment, along with short flight times and abundant holiday options. These advantages, combined with the country’s natural beauty and improved infrastructure, position Sri Lanka as a top destination for both short-term vacations and longer cultural explorations.
The strong performance of the tourism sector offers vital economic relief for Sri Lanka, supporting job creation and contributing to foreign exchange earnings. Officials remain optimistic that continued growth across key markets will solidify tourism as a pillar of national recovery in 2025.