Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has made a remarkable start to 2025, welcoming 153,761 international visitors in just the first 19 days of January. This achievement reflects the island’s ongoing appeal as a global travel hotspot. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reported these figures, which highlight the consistent influx of travelers despite global challenges.
India emerged as the leading source market, contributing 27,166 tourists, accounting for 17.7% of the total arrivals. The Russian Federation followed with 22,023 visitors (14.3%), demonstrating its strong interest in Sri Lanka as a favored destination. The United Kingdom, with 12,917 arrivals (8.4%), rounded out the top three contributors. Germany added 9,713 tourists (6.3%), while 7,619 visitors from China highlighted the re-emergence of Asian travelers.
Daily tourist arrivals showcased a robust and steady pattern, peaking on January 2 with 9,392 visitors. The first week recorded 54,853 visitors, and the second week surged to 57,561. From January 15 to 19, an additional 41,347 arrivals underscored the sustained momentum.
This influx reflects Sri Lanka’s success in maintaining its position as a preferred destination, known for its stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, and unique wildlife. The outlook for the rest of the year remains positive, with the tourism sector poised to build on this impressive start to achieve further milestones in 2025.
