Sri Lanka's tourism industry experienced strong growth in August, with a 20% surge in inbound tourists compared to the same period last year, reaching a new high of over 1.4 million cumulative visitors. Data shows that from August 1 to 5, a total of 40,047 visitors were received, averaging over 8,000 per day, with an estimated total of about 248,000 visitors for the month, far exceeding last August's 164,000 and the record of 200,000 in 2018.
In addition to traditional cultural events like the Kandy Esala Perahera attracting international attention, newly opened casinos have become a significant factor in boosting the influx of visitors. Chinese tourists were particularly notable, with 3,090 arrivals in just the first five days, ranking among the top five source countries; India continues to lead, contributing 6,963 visitors, accounting for 17.4%, followed by the UK, France, and Italy.
For the first eight months before 2025, India (286,000), the UK (136,000), Russia (116,000), Germany (87,000), and China (82,000) make up the largest source markets. Leveraging visa-free policies and the new allure of the gambling industry, Sri Lanka aims to surpass 3 million tourists for the year.
However, to achieve this target, an average of about 320,000 visitors per month is needed over the next five months, significantly higher than the record high of 253,000 in January this year. Industry insiders point out that optimizing services, enhancing experiences, and continuous promotion are key. The integration of the gambling industry with cultural events is injecting new momentum into Sri Lanka's tourism, especially with the strong return trend of Chinese tourists.
