Sri Lanka Tourism Spending Moved Beyond Colombo as Travellers Chose New Destinations

Visitor trends pointed to a broader, more balanced tourism landscape across the island

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector witnessed a notable shift in 2025 as visitor spending increasingly moved beyond Colombo to inland towns and southern coastal areas, according to findings from the Mastercard Economics Institute. While the capital continued to play a key role, its share of tourism-related transactions gradually declined as travellers sought experience-led holidays elsewhere.

Destinations such as Ella and southern beach towns, including Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Dickwella, and Matara recorded rising interest, reflecting a growing preference for scenic, relaxed, and immersive travel experiences. Colombo still accounted for a significant portion of tourism activity, supported by established accommodation options ranging from boutique stays to recognised names like Cinnamon Red Colombo, a well-known and preferred Colombo city hotel.

The trend was driven largely by visitors from India, Russia, and the United Kingdom, many of whom opted for longer stays outside urban centres. Industry observers noted that the shift helped distribute tourism revenue more evenly, supporting regional economies while strengthening Sri Lanka’s overall tourism resilience.