3M tourism target 2025: SL falls behind

• By KirshCNL
• July 16, 2025
• News, Political, Travel and Tourism
• 2025 target tourists
• 0 Comments

Sri Lanka’s target of attracting 3 million tourists in 2025 is facing significant challenges, with the latest figures pointing to a considerable shortfall. According to official data, a total of 1,247,815 tourists had visited the country by July 13, representing just 41.6% of the annual target.

Between July 1 and 13, Sri Lanka welcomed 79,771 foreign visitors, a mere 0.9% increase compared to the 79,094 arrivals during the same period last year.

To meet the 3 million goal, Sri Lanka must attract a further 1.75 million visitors in the remaining five and a half months of the year. This would require an average of approximately 319,000 arrivals per month, reflecting a 60% increase over the monthly average recorded in 2024.

Industry experts warn that achieving this target will require intensified promotional efforts, improved service standards, and a favourable geopolitical climate.

According to experts, with rising regional competition and ongoing global economic uncertainty, Sri Lanka will need to act swiftly and strategically to close the gap and revitalise its tourism sector.