Sri Lanka has earned global recognition, securing the ninth spot on BBC’s prestigious list of “The 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025.” The island nation continues to captivate travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife.
Praised for its misty tea plantations, free-roaming elephants, ancient temples, and world-class surf waves, Sri Lanka offers an enchanting mix of nature and history.
Despite facing economic challenges, including bankruptcy in April 2022, the country has shown remarkable resilience under new leadership. With a renewed focus on economic recovery, Sri Lanka is leveraging its tourism sector to attract visitors from around the world.
A Promising Start to 2025
Aiming to welcome three million tourists in 2025, Sri Lanka has kicked off the year on a high note, recording nearly 80,000 arrivals within the first 10 days of January.
Top visitor markets (January 1-9, 2025):
- India – 11,749 arrivals (16.6%)
- Russia – 11,629 arrivals (16.4%)
- United Kingdom – 5,520 arrivals (7.8%)
- Germany – 5,049 arrivals (7.1%)
- Australia – 3,055 arrivals (4.3%)
- France – 2,714 arrivals (3.8%)
January 2 and 3 saw particularly high visitor numbers, with 9,392 and 8,974 arrivals, respectively.
Meanwhile, Chinese tourist numbers—typically lower during Lunar New Year celebrations—are expected to rise in the coming months due to expanded flight routes from China.
With its resilient spirit, diverse attractions, and growing connectivity, Sri Lanka is set to be one of the most sought-after destinations in 2025.
