Sri Lanka has welcomed over 1.3 million international tourists so far this year, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).From Jan 1 to July 27, a total of 1,341,953 tourists visited the country, marking a significant milestone in tourism recovery and growth.
Indian nationals continued to be the largest group of visitors, accounting for 274,919 arrivals, reflecting the strong ties between the two countries and India’s ongoing popularity as a source market for Sri Lanka.
However, visitors from other key markets have also contributed to the robust growth in tourist numbers. Significant arrivals have been recorded from the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, China, France, Australia, and the Netherlands, with these countries continuing to show a steady interest in Sri Lanka as a prime travel destination.
The month of July also saw a surge in visitor numbers, with 173,909 tourists arriving during the first 27 days of the month alone. The highest daily number of arrivals for the month was recorded on July 26, when Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 7,579 visitors, marking a peak in tourism activity.
The SLTDA has expressed optimism about the continued growth of the tourism sector, which plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economy. Authorities attribute the rise in tourist arrivals to various initiatives aimed at boosting the country’s appeal, including marketing campaigns, the easing of travel restrictions, and ongoing improvements to tourism infrastructure.