Tourism surge poised to hit highest with January arrivals

Friday, 31 January 2025 04:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Month-end arrivals likely to hit over 253,000
First 26 days welcome 212,838 tourists, up 21% YoY
Daily average arrivals pick up to 8,186 from 6,791 during same period last year
Top five source markets remain unchanged from last year — India, Russia, UK, Germany and China

The tourism industry is on track to post its highest January arrivals post-2018, with current trends suggesting that visitor numbers for the month could exceed 253,000.

The boost in arrivals was largely due to the surge in daily average arrivals, indicating the strong recovery in the industry, boosting hopes for sustained growth throughout this year.

As per the latest data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country has welcomed a total of 212,838 visitors, posting a 21% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to the same period last year.

During the first 26 days of January—the daily average arrivals rose to 8,186 from 6,791 last year. The first 26 days of January 2025 daily average arrivals was 6.2% higher than 7,707 registered in 2018.

It is estimated that if the same momentum continues, total arrivals for January will surpass 253,000 comfortably surpassing the 238,924 recorded in January 2018.

Interestingly, the composition of the top five source markets remains unchanged from last year. India is leading the pack during the month with 37,838 tourists, followed by Russia with 29,266, UK with 18,036, Germany with 12,663, and China with 12,496.

The sustained influx of travellers from these key markets suggests that Sri Lanka’s reputation as a global tourism destination is strengthening, aided by improved air connectivity, targeted marketing campaigns and renewed confidence in the country’s stability.