Sri Lanka
USA
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Sri Lanka welcomed a record 165,193 tourists in October 2025, the highest-ever figure for the month, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. However, the country still faces an uphill battle to meet its full-year conservative target.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry achieved a major milestone in October 2025, recording 165,193 tourist arrivals, the highest number ever for the month. The figure surpassed the previous benchmark of 153,123 set in 2018, marking a 21.5% increase over October 2024 and a 7.8% rise from pre-pandemic levels.
The surge was primarily driven by India, which contributed 48,113 visitors — accounting for nearly 29.1% of total arrivals and reflecting a 32.1% year-on-year growth. The United Kingdom followed with 12,934 tourists (up 26.7%), while Russia contributed 11,496 arrivals (up 10.9%). Strong growth was also seen from Bangladesh (up 47.9% to 5,521 visitors) and China (up 30.8% to 10,864 visitors).
Despite the impressive October performance, the overall annual outlook remains mixed. The October arrivals exceeded the Lower Scenario target of 162,562 but fell short of the Conservative Scenario target of 176,381.
As of end-October, cumulative arrivals for 2025 stood at 1,890,687. To achieve the full-year Lower Scenario target of 2.415 million, Sri Lanka needs 524,313 visitors in November and December — a goal considered achievable. However, reaching the Conservative Scenario target of 2.677 million would require 785,909 visitors in the final two months, a figure seen as highly unlikely.
Year-to-date data confirms India’s dominance as the leading source market with 423,405 arrivals, a 31.1% increase compared to 2024. The UK ranks second with 174,827 arrivals (up 19.2%), while the Russian Federation, despite strong monthly performance, recorded a 2.9% decline year-to-date with 133,640 arrivals. Germany (116,741) and China (112,454) complete the top five markets, both showing steady growth.
Tourism authorities remain optimistic that the momentum seen in October will continue through the year’s final quarter, supported by seasonal travel and promotional campaigns targeting regional markets.
