Sri Lanka Tourism Figures Up 21.8% in October

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues its steady recovery, with visitor arrivals showing a remarkable 21.8% increase in October 2025 compared to the same month last year. The latest figures reflect growing international confidence in the island as a top travel destination for culture, nature, and relaxation. Let’s check the Sri Lanka tourism statistics October 2025.

A Strong Month for Visitor Arrivals

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), a total of 137,876 international tourists arrived in the country during the first 26 days of October. This brings the total number of arrivals for 2025 to 1,863,370, marking a 16.6% year-on-year growth.

Top Source Markets

Sri Lanka continues to attract visitors from across the globe, with India leading the way with 41,095 arrivals in October. The United Kingdom followed with 11,033, while China (9,599), Russia (8,507), and Germany (7,956) completed the top five source markets for the month.

For the year to date, the top five markets are:

• 🇮🇳 India: 416,387 visitors
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 172,926 visitors
• 🇷🇺 Russia: 130,651 visitors
• 🇩🇪 Germany: 114,944 visitors
• 🇨🇳 China: 111,189 visitors

Tourism Outlook for 2025

The SLTDA has projected three possible arrival scenarios for 2025:

• Lower scenario: 2.4 million arrivals
• Conservative scenario: 2.6 million arrivals
• Optimistic scenario: 3.0 million arrivals

While the current pace indicates steady progress, Sri Lanka will need a strong finish in November and December to reach its most ambitious targets.

Why Travellers Are Returning to Sri Lanka

The positive growth reflects Sri Lanka’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s most diverse and affordable travel destinations. From golden beaches and lush hill country tea estates to ancient cities and world-class wildlife safaris, the island offers something for every kind of traveller.

Some of the reasons behind this tourism rebound include:

• Improved flight connectivity from key cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Enhanced infrastructure and hospitality standards across major tourist regions.
• Visa-free entry for travellers from select countries, making short-haul holidays easier.
• Renewed marketing efforts positioning Sri Lanka as a safe, vibrant, and value-for-money destination.

Travel Opportunities Ahead

For travellers from Europe, the USA, and the Middle East, this growth signals a perfect time to plan a visit. The coming winter season offers ideal weather to explore:

• Cultural heritage cities such as Sigiriya, Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.
• Tea-covered highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
• Unspoiled beaches along the south and east coasts.
• Wildlife adventures in Yala and Minneriya National Parks.
• Wellness retreats and boutique resorts along the Indian Ocean.

With arrival numbers climbing, the energy across the island is unmistakable; hotels, tour operators, and local communities are ready to welcome visitors with renewed warmth and world-class service.

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