Sri Lanka records highest-ever tourist arrivals in January
The Morning: Sri Lanka welcomed a record number of foreign visitors in January, marking the highest tourist arrivals ever recorded in a single calendar month, according to data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
The authority reported that 277,327 tourists entered the country during the month, setting a new benchmark for the tourism sector. The figure represents an increase of nearly 10% compared to arrivals recorded in January last year (2025).
Daily arrivals also reached a historic peak during the month. The highest number of visitors in a single day was recorded on 15 January, when 10,483 tourists arrived in the country.
India emerged as the leading source market during the period, contributing 52,061 visitors. The United Kingdom followed with 29,540 arrivals, while Russia accounted for 27,134 tourists. Germany ranked fourth among source markets, with 17,776 visitors recorded in January.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the country while also becoming a key revenue generator. The steadily growing industry and the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors to explore the expanding business/investment opportunities indicate the increasing business potential in the industry. With Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities continuing to promote the country in key tourist source markets while introducing more tourism concepts to attract more foreign travelers to the country and Sri Lanka being identified as a must visit tourist destination in the country, there are many business/investment opportunities not only in the tourism industry but also in related sectors. The increasing interest among international leisure and hospitality brands to enter Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and the expansion programmes undertaken by many tourism establishments indicate the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and related sectors. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and related sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260210/Z_2 |