A surge in winter-season flights and a strong comeback of regional travellers has pushed Sri Lanka closer to the 2-million visitor milestone for 2025, signalling rising global confidence in the island’s tourism revival.
Sri Lanka recorded 153,063 tourist arrivals between October 1 and 29, according to the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The figure reflects a steady upward trend driven by regional travel, winter holiday demand, and improved global connectivity.
India remains Sri Lanka’s dominant source market, accounting for 44,741 visitors in the month so far, representing 29.2 percent of total tourist arrivals. The United Kingdom recorded 12,128 tourists, followed by Russia with 10,450, China with 10,408, Germany with 8,950, and Australia with 7,226 visitors. These key tourism markets continue to shape the country’s post-pandemic recovery, helped by affordable air links, visa-free entry for selected nations, and renewed destination marketing.
From January 1 to October 29, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,878,557 tourists. Of this total, 420,033 travellers arrived from India, 174,021 from the United Kingdom, and 132,594 from Russia. Tourism authorities say these numbers place the country on track to exceed its revised annual target, driven by a stronger final-quarter travel season.
The winter travel period has already begun to show positive results, with two charter flights from Poland landing at Katunayake Airport on October 31. One aircraft arrived from Katowice at 9.50 a.m., and another from Warsaw at 11.00 p.m. Together, the flights carried 378 passengers and 16 crew members, signalling renewed interest from Central and Eastern European travellers who favour Sri Lanka as a long-haul tropical destination during winter.
Industry analysts say the combination of repeat visitors, improved airline connectivity, and global travel sentiment is helping tourism regain its position as one of Sri Lanka’s top foreign-exchange earners. The sector is expected to generate further momentum in November and December as more winter-season charter flights, cruise ships, and long-stay travellers arrive in the country.
As the industry continues to expand, key challenges remain: offering competitive hotel pricing, maintaining service quality, and ensuring a stable policy environment to attract high-spending travellers. However, the latest figures reflect renewed confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism brand and its ability to compete with destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
If current arrival rates are sustained, Sri Lanka is poised to close the year with its highest post-crisis tourism performance, giving a crucial boost to foreign earnings and employment across the hospitality sector.
