Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector today (December 26), welcoming its two millionth tourist of the year at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. A couple from Thailand, arriving aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight, had the honor of marking this significant achievement, underscoring the island’s growing appeal as a tropical paradise.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a special ceremony at the airport to celebrate the occasion, with Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, officiating the event.
Record-Breaking Numbers
As of December 22, Sri Lanka had recorded 1,966,256 international arrivals since January, with December alone bringing in 161,383 visitors. The top contributors in December were India (35,131 tourists), Russia (22,637), the United Kingdom (12,822), Germany (9,998), and Australia (8,646).
For the year 2024, India led the source markets with 399,224 tourists, followed by Russia (189,289), the United Kingdom (172,404), Germany (131,379), China (120,268), and France (86,440).
A Positive Outlook
Professor Ranasinghe expressed optimism about the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, highlighting the country’s readiness to surpass 2.1 million arrivals by the end of the year. This record-breaking achievement reflects Sri Lanka’s resilience and ability to attract visitors from around the world despite global challenges.
With its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Sri Lanka continues to cement its reputation as a must-visit destination.
