Sri Lanka reached a powerful tourism milestone today as the country welcomed its 2.3 millionth international visitor at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) a moment that reaffirms renewed global confidence in the island as a must-visit destination.

Crossing the 2.3 million mark for only the second time in Sri Lanka’s tourism history, the achievement places 2025 firmly on track to surpass the 2018 record of 2,333,796 arrivals, which remains the country’s highest-ever annual figure. By comparison, Sri Lanka closed 2024 with 2,053,465 tourist arrivals, making this year’s performance a clear signal of strong and sustained recovery.

Despite recent challenges, including weather-related disruptions, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience. Momentum has remained steady across key source markets, reinforcing optimism that 2025 will emerge as the strongest tourism year the country has seen in many years.

Adding to this positive outlook, Sri Lanka continues to gain international recognition, having been ranked No. 5 among the Best Places to Visit in Asia for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report a testament to the island’s enduring appeal, diversity of experiences, and growing relevance among global travellers.

From pristine beaches and wildlife-rich landscapes to cultural heritage and wellness-led travel, Sri Lanka is reaffirming its position on the global tourism map. As the industry looks ahead to 2026, the message is clear: Sri Lanka remains open, resilient, and ready to welcome the world—with confidence, positivity, and a renewed sense of purpose.