Sri Lanka Surpasses 900,000 Tourist Arrivals in First Four Months of 2025

Sri Lanka has marked a major milestone in its post-pandemic tourism resurgence, recording over 900,000 international tourist arrivals in the first four months of 2025, according to data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). The landmark figure was reached on May 1, underscoring the island nation’s growing appeal as a prime travel destination.

In April alone, 174,608 visitors arrived in the country—a 17.3% increase compared to April 2024. The steady growth in arrivals is seen as a promising sign for the tourism sector, a vital component of Sri Lanka’s economy that faced severe challenges during the pandemic years.

India continues to dominate as Sri Lanka’s top source market, contributing significantly to the surge in tourist numbers. Other key contributors include Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China, reflecting a diverse influx of travelers from both traditional and emerging markets.

Tourism officials attribute the upward trend to targeted international marketing campaigns, improved connectivity, and growing global confidence in Sri Lanka’s safety and hospitality.

With the high season approaching and several cultural festivals on the horizon, industry stakeholders remain optimistic that the country will exceed its annual tourism targets for 2025.