Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced at the Sri Lanka Travel Fair 2025 closing ceremony that the country is on track to achieve $5 billion in tourism revenue this year, driven by political stability and rapid growth in visitor arrivals.
According to the report, Sri Lanka generated $1.2 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2025, positioning it to reach $2.5 billion by mid-year. Minister Herath expressed confidence that the $5 billion annual target remains achievable based on current growth trajectories.
“Sri Lanka has achieved political stability and is now gradually improving its economy. That is the best message that can be conveyed to the international community,” Herath stated. “The number of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly now. With that, the country’s revenue will also increase.”
Sri Lanka Tourism is preparing to welcome its one millionth visitor this week, marking a significant milestone achieved nearly a month ahead of last year’s timeline when the same target was reached at the end of June 2024.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority reported that 91,785 visitors arrived in the first 21 days of May, bringing the year-to-date total to 988,669 arrivals, just 4,370 short of the one million target.
The tourism minister emphasized that industry development will strengthen the broader economy, benefiting both direct participants and other sectors. “As the tourism industry develops, all those who are involved in the sector will be able to strengthen their economies. Additionally, it will develop the country and the state of living of all people in the country,” Herath explained.
The tourism sector received additional momentum with Melco’s City of Dreams Sri Lanka scheduled to open its casino during the third quarter of this year, adding another attraction to the capital city’s offerings.
