📈 Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals Top 950,000 Despite Slowing May Momentum

Based on provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the tourism sector surpassed a key milestone, though arrival momentum has softened due to weaker global travel sentiment. • Overall Performance: Year-to-date (YTD) tourist arrivals reached 951,742 from January through May 17, reflecting a marginal 1% YoY decline compared to the same period last year. • May Inflow Trends: Arrivals during the first 17 days of May dropped 1% YoY to 75,465. Inflows showed a declining weekly pattern: 33,515 in the first week, 29,342 in the second week, and 12,608 from May 15–17. Average daily arrivals eased slightly to 4,439 from 4,483 last year. • Top Source Markets: India remains the primary driver for Sri Lankan tourism, contributing 42% of May arrivals (32,035) and 23% YTD (221,953). The UK ranked second YTD with 92,925 arrivals (10%), followed by Russia with 75,569 arrivals (8%). Other key contributors for May include China (5,410) and Australia (3,726). • Industry Outlook: Despite recent comments from the Indian Prime Minister urging citizens to limit non-essential overseas travel, local industry stakeholders downplayed major impacts, citing Sri Lanka's competitive edge as a highly accessible short-haul destination.