📈 Tourist Arrivals Surpass 500,000 in Early 2026

Sri Lanka's tourism sector has crossed a significant milestone, recording over half a million arrivals within the first 53 days of the year, driven by peak season demand and major international events. • Overall Performance Total arrivals from January 1 to February 22 reached 505,751. The period from February 1 to 22 alone saw 228,424 visitors, maintaining a robust daily average and showing strong momentum compared to the 277,327 arrivals recorded in the full month of January. • Weekly Momentum The first three weeks of February consistently outperformed expectations, with each week exceeding 70,000 arrivals: Week 1: 70,355 Week 2: 77,870 Week 3: 71,101 • Top Source Markets (Feb 1–22) India: 16% (37,216 visitors) United Kingdom: 11% (25,867 visitors) • Key Growth Driver The hosting of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka has been a primary catalyst for the February surge. This "sports tourism" boost has significantly increased inflows from cricket-playing nations, aiding the country's broader economic recovery and employment in the hospitality and transportation sectors.