Sri Lanka tourist arrivals top 950,000 despite slowing May momentum

Thursday, 21 May 2026 06:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

YTD visitors decline by 1% YoY to 951,742
Arrivals during first 17 days of May drop 1% YoY to 75,465
India remains largest source market with over 20% share, followed by UK and Russia

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector surpassed the 950,000-visitor mark year-to-date (YTD) despite signs of moderating growth in May, as weaker global travel sentiment and slowing arrival momentum weighed on performance.

Latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed the country welcomed 951,742 tourists from January through 17 May, reflecting a marginal 1% year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to the same period last year.

The figures indicate a gradual softening in monthly arrival momentum after stronger gains recorded earlier in the year.

During the first 17 days of May, the country welcomed 75,465 tourists, marking a marginal 1% YoY decline compared with the corresponding period last year.

Tourist inflows showed a declining weekly pattern through May so far, with 33,515 arrivals recorded during the first week, followed by 29,342 in the second week and 12,608 visitors between 15 and 17 May.

Average daily arrivals also eased to 4,439 visitors from 4,483 a year earlier. The highest single-day arrivals figure for the month was recorded on 1 May, when 5,656 tourists entered the country.

India remained Sri Lanka’s largest source market during the first 17 days of May, contributing 32,035 visitors and accounting for 42% of total arrivals during the period. Arrivals from India were significantly ahead of other key markets including China (5,410), the UK (4,080), Australia (3,726), and Russia (2,753).

On a YTD basis, India has generated 221,953 visitors, representing around 23% of total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka so far this year. The UK ranked second with 92,925 arrivals or 10% of the market, followed by Russia with 75,569 arrivals accounting for approximately 8%.

The latest figures come amid growing industry attention over comments made recently by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Indian citizens to avoid non-essential overseas travel and destination weddings abroad over the coming year.

However, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has largely downplayed concerns over any significant fallout from the remarks, arguing that the island remains a competitive short-haul destination for Indian travellers due to proximity, affordability, and improved connectivity (https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Tourism-industry-downplays-impact-of-Indian-outbound-travel-limitations/26-791946).