Sri Lanka Welcomes Over 1 Million Tourists by May 2025

One million arrivals, one unforgettable island

Sri Lanka has officially surpassed one million tourist arrivals in 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). From 1 January to 25 May, a total of 1,006,097 visitors have entered the country, signalling a strong recovery and renewed global interest.

In May alone, Sri Lanka welcomed over 109,000 tourists. India led the way with 39,070 travellers, followed by the UK (7,661), China (7,139), Germany (6,143), and Bangladesh (5,637). Australia, France, the USA, Russia, and Canada also contributed notable numbers.

For travellers arriving through Bandaranaike International Airport, hotels near the Sri Lanka airport offer an easy start to their journey. Places like Heritance Negombo provide a convenient location close to the coast—ideal for unwinding after a flight or before heading inland.

These promising numbers reflect Sri Lanka’s growing appeal and set the tone for a thriving year in tourism.