Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is showing signs of a full rebound, with visitor arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the first time in four years. The government reported over 800,000 international tourists in the first five months of 2025, with India, Russia, and the UK leading the influx.
Festivals like Vesak and local eco-tourism packages are drawing renewed interest. The tourism board has launched campaigns targeting South Asian and Southeast Asian travelers, banking on cultural proximity and value-for-money experiences.
Bangladesh and Nepal’s tourism industries may take cues from Sri Lanka’s success, particularly in rural and nature-based tourism strategies.
