Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is off to a strong start in 2025, with earnings reaching $400.7 million in January, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This marks a 17.2% increase compared to $341.8 million earned in January 2024, reflecting the continued recovery and expansion of the sector.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported that between February 1 and 27, the country welcomed 232,341 tourists, bringing the total number of visitor arrivals for 2025 up to February 27 to 485,102. This follows a successful December 2024, when the industry recorded $362.1 million in earnings.
Looking at the broader picture, Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings in 2024 totaled $3.17 billion, a significant 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023. The surge highlights the growing appeal of Sri Lanka as a travel destination, supported by improved infrastructure, strategic marketing campaigns, and the expansion of international flight connectivity.
Industry experts attribute this upward trend to higher tourist spending, an increase in long-haul visitors, and promotional efforts targeting key markets such as India, China, Russia, and Europe. With strong arrival numbers in early 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is expected to play a crucial role in boosting the country’s economy and foreign exchange reserves throughout the year.
