SL Sees Strong Tourism Growth with Over 700,000 Arrivals in 1st Quarter of 2025

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has kicked off 2025 with impressive numbers, welcoming over 700,000 international tourists in the first quarter of the year.

According to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the island nation recorded a total of 722,276 arrivals from January to March, representing a 13.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 635,766 visitors arrived

In January, Sri Lanka saw 252,761 international visitors, followed by 240,217 in February, and 229,298 in March, maintaining a steady flow of tourists each month. These figures signal a promising recovery and growth for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is an essential pillar of the country's economy.

Tourism officials attribute the growth to various factors, including Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and effective marketing strategies that have highlighted the country as a top travel destination. The increase in arrivals is also seen as a result of improved global confidence in travel to the region.

The tourism sector’s strong performance in the first quarter is expected to fuel further investment and development in hospitality, transportation, and other related industries, contributing to the nation’s economic recovery and growth in 2025 and beyond.