📈 Sri Lanka Tourism Crosses 1.2 Mn Arrivals in 2026

• Overall Figures: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry surpassed the 1.2 million visitor milestone for 2026 during the first half of July. Year-to-date (YTD) arrivals remain 2% below the corresponding period last year, based on provisional data from the SLTDA. • July Performance: During the 1-12 July period, arrivals reached 71,383, representing a 3% YoY decline from the 73,343 visitors recorded in 2025. The daily average for July stands at 5,949 arrivals, driven by school holidays and cultural events. • Top Source Markets (YTD): • India remains the dominant source market, contributing 310,293 visitors (25% of total arrivals). • United Kingdom ranks second with 115,863 arrivals (10%). • China has overtaken Russia to become the third-largest source market with 80,487 tourists (7%). • Russia slipped to fourth place with 78,043 visitors (6%). • July Sector Breakdown: For the first 12 days of July, India led with 16,610 visitors (23%), followed by the UK (10%), Australia (9%), China (6%), and the Netherlands (5%). • Outlook: While recovery continues from earlier disruptions, authorities anticipate an acceleration in arrivals during the second half of the year, supported by the peak summer travel season and an upcoming expanded international marketing drive.