Sri Lanka has achieved a unique milestone in its tourism industry by proudly welcoming two million tourist arrivals on December 26, 2024. The lucky tourist of two million was Mr. Prasan Ingkanunt from Thailand who came to Sri Lanka on UL 403 flight. His wife and sister. This marks the first time such a number has been reached since 2018—when the country had an all-time high of 2.3 million arrivals—and the achievement reflects the tourism industry’s resilience despite the challenges of the past five years.
Daily tourist arrivals have been reported to exceed 10,000 in the past week – a figure expected to rise further by the end of the month – a milestone that underscores the success of the joint efforts of private sector stakeholders and Sri Lanka Tourism to ensure a robust holiday season. the season Promotional campaigns and collaboration strategies have helped pave the way for this achievement, which indicates a positive outlook for the future of the industry.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has faced significant ups and downs since 2019, with the economic downturn that started with the Easter attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the country welcomed 1.4 million tourists in 2023, and steady growth through 2024 indicates its potential to recover and regain its status as a desired destination.
Strategic government intervention played a key role in this progress, and the newly elected government is taking initial steps to address online visa issues to ensure smooth travel for international visitors in September 2024.
A special event for the two millionth tourist was held at Bandaranaike International Airport’s Silk Road Lounge. Organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Airport Aviation Company Limited, the event also featured traditional dance performances and special souvenirs.
Sri Lanka’s rich diversity attracts tourists from around the world, offering everything from sun-kissed beaches to lush mountains and exotic wildlife. With 21 International Tourism Awards in 2024 alone, the country’s efforts have been recognized globally. These include Forbes naming Sri Lanka the fourth most popular solo travel destination, National Geographic naming the Peco Trail as one of the best hiking experiences in the world, and the Wanderlust Gold Award for Favorite Island.
Looking ahead, the government’s strategic direction focuses on creating a sustainable and inclusive tourism economy. The plan is to provide free visas to tourists from 39 countries next year to further encourage visitors to Sri Lanka. Combined with strong PR and digital campaigns targeting key source markets, the industry is well positioned to meet its ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond.
