Sri Lanka received a total of 2.3 million tourists in 2025, with travelers from India accounting for the largest share, according to figures released by the country’s tourism authority and reported by local media outlets.
The data point to a strong recovery in inbound travel, supported by year-on-year growth of more than 15 percent.
India remained the undisputed leading source market, contributing 531,511 arrivals during the year—more than double the next highest country—representing an increase of over 114,000 visitors from the previous year, the authority said. Indian arrivals were highest in December, at 56,715 visitors, while February saw the lowest level at around 35,000.
Overall arrivals peaked in December, when cumulative tourist numbers reached 258,928, the highest monthly figure of 2025. The tourism authority said the performance confirmed Sri Lanka’s established appeal as a vacation destination, particularly during the year-end holiday period.
Europe and the Asia Pacific region together accounted for 92.7 percent of all arrivals. Europe alone contributed 51.3 percent, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a winter sun destination for long-haul travelers. The United Kingdom ranked as the second-largest source market, with 21,277 arrivals.
The rebound in tourism comes amid broader investment momentum in Sri Lanka’s leisure and entertainment sector. In August 2025, the island nation’s largest private investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort officially launched with the opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka. At the launch, Lawrence Ho, Chairman of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said Sri Lanka could become “India’s Macau” as his company expands into the South Asian gaming market.
The $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka project in Colombo is a collaboration between Melco and John Keells Holdings, marking Melco’s first venture into South Asia following its operations in Macau, Manila, and Cyprus.
The development, more than a decade in the making, comprises two hotels offering a combined 800 rooms, adult gaming facilities operating under a 20-year license, 17 restaurants and bars, luxury retail outlets, and conference and meeting facilities. The project is positioned to attract high-spending visitors, particularly from India, the Middle East, Russia, and China.
