In the first half of 2025, Indian tourists topped arrivals in Sri Lanka, with 2,10,074 visitors. Overall, the total number of tourists reached 10,51,096. May saw a significant increase of 1,32,919 foreign arrivals, up 18.5 percent from the previous year. Early June figures indicated continued growth, with India accounting for 28.2 percent of arrivals in the first five days.
According to the latest figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Indian tourists accounted for the largest group of visitors to Sri Lanka in the first half of this year. By June 11, a total of 2,10,074 Indian nationals had visited the country, marking a significant presence compared to visitors from other nations. In total, the number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka since January has reached 10,51,096, which includes significant numbers from Russia and the UK as well.
The SLTDA shared data showing that 1,10,818 tourists came from Russia and 98,158 from the United Kingdom in the same timeframe. Meanwhile, news portal Adaderana reported that the month of May alone saw an impressive influx of 1,32,919 foreign tourists, reflecting an 18.5 percent increase compared to May 2024. Clearly, tourism in Sri Lanka continues to rebound after the recent challenges faced by the industry.
In early June, specifically the first five days, Sri Lanka welcomed 21,293 tourists. Notably again, India led the arrivals with 6,014 visitors, making up 28.2 percent of the total. The data suggests that travelers from the UK, China, and Bangladesh have also shown increasing interest in visiting the island. In June, 1,884 tourists were from the UK, while 1,277 came from China, and 1,173 were from Bangladesh.
The numbers tell a positive story for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector as it eyes a resurgence in visitor arrivals from neighboring countries and beyond. With the figures trending upwards, it seems that the beautiful island nation is becoming a favored destination once again, thanks in no small part to its proximity to India and evolving tourism landscape.
Overall, with Indian tourists leading the way, it appears that Sri Lanka is on track for a successful year in tourism, with concerted efforts to attract a diverse group of global travelers.
In conclusion, Indian tourists have taken the lead in arrivals to Sri Lanka during the first half of this year, underscoring their importance to the tourism industry there. The overall rise in visitor numbers, marked by robust figures from other countries as well, suggests a promising trend for Sri Lanka’s recovery in tourism after recent challenges. This upward trajectory highlights the country’s appeal as a vibrant destination for travelers from all over the globe.
Original Source: www.dailyexcelsior.com
