News Today: Sri Lanka Tourism Breaks Records Again in 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism has set a new benchmark in January 2025, attracting 212,838 visitors in just 26 days, surpassing last year’s record.

Sri Lanka’s booming tourism industry continues to make headlines as the country welcomed 212,838 visitors within the first 26 days of January 2025. This number has already exceeded the total arrivals of January 2024, which stood at 208,253.

The strong influx of travelers resulted in daily arrivals averaging around 7,500, surpassing the monthly arrival figures recorded in February to June, September, and October 2024.

India Leads as the Top Tourism Source Market

India emerged as Sri Lanka’s top tourism source market, contributing 37,383 arrivals, which accounts for 17.6% of the total visitors. Industry experts attribute this surge to free visa-on-arrival facilities and the short flying duration between India and Sri Lanka.

Following India, the Russian Federation recorded 29,266 arrivals (13.8%), while the United Kingdom contributed 18,036 (8.5%). Germany welcomed 12,663 visitors (5.9%), and China ranked fifth with 2,496 (5.9%).

From January 1st to 14th, 2025, India led the arrivals with 19,353 visitors (17.2%), followed by Russia (17,225 arrivals, 15.3%), the United Kingdom (9,178 arrivals, 8.2%), and Germany (7,455 arrivals, 6.6%).

Sri Lanka Sets an Ambitious Target for 2025

The Sri Lankan government has set an ambitious goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists in 2025, aiming to surpass the all-time record of 2,333,796 arrivals achieved in 2018.

Chinese arrivals, which were among the top two source markets before the COVID-19 pandemic, are expected to rise significantly following the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Boost from Presidential Visit & New Airlines from China

Tourism officials also credit the recent visit by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for acting as a free destination marketing boost for Sri Lanka.

Additionally, several new airlines from China are expected to commence operations to Colombo, while existing carriers like SriLankan Airlines plan to expand their capacity and introduce new Chinese destinations throughout the year.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is poised for its best year yet, with global travelers recognizing the island’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality.