- Government to establish a National Tourism Commission for faster decision making and improving efficiency.
- Tourism Act in the offing to modernize regulations and enhance governance in the industry.
Sri Lanka’s Tourism industry recorded best-ever January arrivals this year, kick starting the upward trend from the dawn of the New Year that has continued its momentum onto the 2nd month of the year, February.
The sun is shining bright for Sri Lanka’s Tourism. In February Sri Lanka has welcomed 240,217 visitors, surpassing 238,924 tourist arrivals performance for the month in the industry’s best year of 2018. The increasing number in arrivals indicates good tidings for the sector, with expectations now for continued momentum to last throughout the year.
India, Russia and UK continue to emerge as top source markets, followed by Germany, France, China, Australia, Poland, US and Netherlands.
Sri Lanka welcomed 252,761 visitors in January surpassing the tourist arrivals that recorded 238,924 in 2018. A 21.4% Year on Year record increase compared to 2024, 6% compared to January 2018.
It has been observed that there is a renewed confidence in the country’s stability that has boosted the image of the country. A load of global accolades received last year and this year appear to have contributed much. More air connectivity has been noted as another plus.
Sri Lanka Tourism has set a target of 3 million arrivals for 2025, aiming to generate $5 billion in revenue. In 2024 the arrivals figure was 2.05 million that generated $3.2 billion that resulted in a 52.38% year on year increase in revenue.
With 2025 January’s revenue at $400.7 million, reflecting a 17.2% growth in comparison to the same period in 2024 and the trend continuing in February, the industry is upbeat about achieving its 2025 goals with March arrival numbers expected to surge further with the winter season continuing till the end of this month.
