Visitor numbers are soaring in 2026, but shrinking per capita spending is quietly draining millions from Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings, raising fresh concerns about economic recovery and foreign exchange stability.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has entered 2026 with a surprising contradiction. While international visitor arrivals are climbing steadily, tourism revenue is moving in the opposite direction. According to the latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka data, total tourism receipts in January 2026 fell by 5.6 percent year on year, dropping to US$ 378.3 million from US$ 400.7 million recorded in January 2025.
This decline comes despite a strong increase in foreign tourist arrivals. In January 2026, Sri Lanka welcomed 277,327 international visitors, reflecting a 9.7 percent rise compared to 252,761 arrivals in the same month last year. Although the island is attracting more global travelers, the economic contribution per tourist has clearly weakened.
Central Bank figures show that the average income generated per visitor in January 2026 was lower than in January 2025. Reduced per capita spending has cancelled out the gains from higher arrival numbers, leading to an overall contraction in tourism earnings for the month.
Industry analysts suggest several possible reasons for the trend, including shorter stays, growth in budget travel, competitive pricing pressures, and shifts in tourist profiles. These developments raise important questions about the sustainability of Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery and its role as a key source of foreign exchange.
As the country works to stabilise the economy and rebuild international confidence, policymakers and industry stakeholders will closely monitor whether earnings per visitor can rebound in the months ahead.
