📈 Sri Lanka Tourism Crosses 1.3 Mn Arrivals as Indian Market Drives July Recovery

• Overall Performance: Sri Lanka welcomed 167,401 tourists during the first 26 days of July (provisional data), edging up by 0.11% YoY compared to 167,218 in 2025. Daily average arrivals reached 6,439, rebounding strongly from June's low of 124,551. Year-to-date (YTD) arrivals crossed 1.3 million, though remaining ~2% YoY lower. • Top Source Markets (July): India led with 38,785 visitors (23% of total), supported by expanded flight operations via SriLankan Airlines and IndiGo. Other top markets include the UK with 18,419 (11%), Netherlands with 10,540 (6%), China with 10,238 (6%), and Australia with 8,024 (5%). • Cumulative YTD Breakdown: India: 332,468 visitors (25% share) UK: 126,986 visitors (10% share) China: 86,409 visitors (7% share) • Key Industry Drivers: Growth in non-traditional source markets was aided by the Government’s free-visa scheme. While improved air connectivity supports recovery, long-haul travel faces regional uncertainties, making regional source markets vital for employment and economic stabilization. An interim market-specific promotional campaign is set to roll out next month to boost H2 2026 targets.