Off season starter May exceeds monthly tourist arrivals target 

• SL welcomes 83,309 tourists in May, pushing YTD figure to 524,486
• India top source market in May, followed by Russia, Germany, UK, Australia
• Analysts say rebound in tourism likely to continue well into 2023

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in May exceeded its target despite it being a traditionally low month.

At the end of last month, Sri Lanka received a total of 83,309 tourists surpassing its target of 75,989. Although May recorded a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 176%, it is still 31% below May of benchmark year 2018.

Last month’s figures also pushed the year-to-date (YTD) arrivals to 524,486 which is a significant rebound from 2022.

India topped the tourist inflow reflecting 28% or 23,016 of the total traffic generated in the month, followed by Russia with 9% or 7,760, Germany with 8% or 6,854, the UK with 7% or 5,987, and Australia with 5% or 4,201. In addition, travellers from China, Canada, the US, Maldives and France were welcomed in Sri Lanka.

As per the prediction of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the industry should reach a target of 461,571 by the end of the first five months, and at present it leads with 62,915 arrivals.

Russia remains strong as the top tourist source market for Sri Lanka YTD with 20% or over 100,000 visitors followed by India, the UK, Germany and France. 

Industry analysts said regardless of global constraints and uncertainties, the strong tourism rebound is likely to continue well into 2023.