Sri Lanka Tourism Crosses 2.33 Million Visitor Arrivals in 2025, Exceeding 2018 Record
Sri Lanka Tourism recorded its 2,333,797th tourist arrivals this year, exceeding the previous annual high of 2,333,796 in 2018. The milestone reflects continued recovery and renewed confidence in Sri Lanka as an international travel destination.
Tourism remains an important contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy, supporting foreign exchange earnings, employment, and cultural exchange. Achieving this figure despite challenges such as the Ditwa Cyclone highlights the coordinated efforts of the tourism sector and its stakeholders.
The milestone was marked at a press conference held at Bandaranaike International Airport, where Sri Lanka Tourism acknowledged Mr. Felix Beslin Pereira, Mrs. Reena Fernandez, and Ms. Ann Cristina Pereira from Thiruvananthapuram, India, who arrived on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 162 as the symbolic 2,333,797th visitors of the year.
Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, said the achievement reflects the sector’s ability to recover through collective effort and sustained visitor trust.
Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, noted that the milestone underscores the contribution of hoteliers, guides, associations, and industry partners who continued to support the sector during challenging periods.
Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), said the outcome was the result of collaboration between public and private stakeholders, with additional support from local and international media.
For context, Sri Lanka recorded 2,053,465 tourist arrivals in 2024, compared with the previous high of 2,333,796 visitors in 2018. Exceeding these figures in 2025 indicates continued growth and recovery within the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka Tourism acknowledged the role played by industry associations, accommodation providers, tour operators, guides, airlines, digital platforms, and content creators in supporting destination visibility and visitor confidence.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka Tourism said it will continue to focus on sustaining arrivals, strengthening industry resilience, and positioning the country as a safe and sustainable destination, with tourism remaining a key pillar of economic and cultural development.
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