GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sri Lanka Tourism Statistics

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is recovering strongly and generating significant economic growth.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Total licensed hotel rooms: 45,000 in 2023.

Statistic 2

Number of registered hotels: 1,024 in 2023.

Statistic 3

Average occupancy rate for 5-star hotels: 65% in 2023.

Statistic 4

3-star hotels had 48% occupancy in 2023.

Statistic 5

Total guest nights in 2023: 16.5 million.

Statistic 6

Boutique hotels numbered 285, with 85% occupancy peak.

Statistic 7

Average room rate for 5-star: LKR 45,000/night in 2023.

Statistic 8

Guesthouses: 2,500 registered, 40% occupancy.

Statistic 9

New hotel projects: 50 under construction for 10,000 rooms by 2025.

Statistic 10

Colombo has 25% of total hotel rooms (11,250).

Statistic 11

Southern province hotels: 30% of total (13,500 rooms).

Statistic 12

Airbnb listings: over 5,000 active in 2023.

Statistic 13

RevPAR for luxury segment: USD 150 in 2023.

Statistic 14

Homestays registered: 1,200, popular in cultural triangle.

Statistic 15

Peak season (Dec-Mar) occupancy: 75% average.

Statistic 16

Off-season occupancy: 30% in May-Sep 2023.

Statistic 17

Total beds in accommodation: 120,000 in 2023.

Statistic 18

4-star hotels: 220 properties, 55% occupancy.

Statistic 19

Unclassified accommodation: 800 units.

Statistic 20

ADR growth: 25% in 2023 over 2022.

Statistic 21

Galle hotels: 15% of total, high boutique focus.

Statistic 22

Kandy room inventory: 5,000 rooms.

Statistic 23

Resort hotels: 60% of 5-star category.

Statistic 24

Sigiriya attracted 850,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 25

Yala National Park saw 450,000 visitors, 70% foreigners.

Statistic 26

Ella's Nine Arch Bridge visited by 600,000 tourists annually.

Statistic 27

Bentota Beach received 1.2 million beachgoers in 2023.

Statistic 28

Adam's Peak pilgrimage drew 150,000 foreign hikers in season.

Statistic 29

Mirissa whale watching: 200,000 participants yearly.

Statistic 30

Anuradhapura ancient city: 750,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 31

Kandy Temple of Tooth: 2.5 million pilgrims/tourists.

Statistic 32

Udawalawe National Park: 350,000 safari visitors.

Statistic 33

Galle Fort UNESCO site: 900,000 entrants in 2023.

Statistic 34

Surfing in Arugam Bay: 100,000 surfers per season.

Statistic 35

Tea plantation tours in Nuwara Eliya: 500,000 visitors.

Statistic 36

Sinharaja rainforest: 120,000 ecotourists.

Statistic 37

Diving sites around Hikkaduwa: 80,000 divers.

Statistic 38

Train ride Colombo-Kandy: 300,000 tourists.

Statistic 39

Polonnaruwa: 650,000 historical site visitors.

Statistic 40

Ayurveda spas: 400,000 wellness treatments.

Statistic 41

Elephant orphanages like Pinnawala: 550,000 visitors.

Statistic 42

Turtle hatcheries: 250,000 conservation tourists.

Statistic 43

Hiking Little Adam's Peak: 400,000 trekkers.

Statistic 44

Water sports in Negombo: 150,000 participants.

Statistic 45

Cultural dance shows: attended by 1 million tourists.

Statistic 46

65% of tourists engaged in wildlife safaris in 2023.

Statistic 47

72% visited beaches as primary activity.

Statistic 48

45% participated in cultural tours.

Statistic 49

30% did adventure activities like surfing/hiking.

Statistic 50

Tourism revenue reached LKR 421 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 51

Tourism foreign exchange earnings grew 191.6% to USD 2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 52

Tourism contributed 4.3% to Sri Lanka's GDP in 2023.

Statistic 53

In 2023, tourism supported 450,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Statistic 54

Average spend per tourist in 2023 was USD 1,050.

Statistic 55

Hotel receipts totaled LKR 250 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

Tourism tax revenue contributed LKR 45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

Export earnings from tourism were 12% of total exports in 2023.

Statistic 58

In 2024 H1, tourism earnings hit USD 1.5 billion.

Statistic 59

Tourism multiplier effect generated LKR 1.2 trillion in economic activity in 2023.

Statistic 60

2023 saw 25% increase in high-spending tourists over 2022.

Statistic 61

Wellness tourism segment generated USD 300 million in 2023.

Statistic 62

Adventure tourism revenue up 40% to USD 150 million in 2023.

Statistic 63

Cultural heritage tourism earned USD 250 million in 2023.

Statistic 64

Beach tourism, 45% of revenue, totaled USD 945 million in 2023.

Statistic 65

Ecotourism contributed USD 100 million, growing 15% YoY.

Statistic 66

MICE tourism revenue reached USD 80 million in 2023.

Statistic 67

Domestic tourism expenditure was LKR 150 billion in 2023.

Statistic 68

Tourism FDI inflows were USD 500 million in 2023 for hotels.

Statistic 69

15% of national employment (2.5 million jobs) linked to tourism in 2023.

Statistic 70

Tourism share in service exports: 55% in 2023.

Statistic 71

Per capita tourism revenue: USD 100 in 2023.

Statistic 72

2023 tourism growth rate: 184% over 2022.

Statistic 73

Indirect taxes from tourism: LKR 60 billion in 2023.

Statistic 74

Luxury villa rentals generated USD 200 million.

Statistic 75

Cruise tourism earnings: USD 50 million with 20 calls in 2023.

Statistic 76

Sustainable tourism practices adopted by 40% of attractions.

Statistic 77

2024 projections: 3 million tourist arrivals targeted.

Statistic 78

Digital bookings rose to 60% of reservations in 2023.

Statistic 79

Eco-certifications for hotels: 200 properties in 2023.

Statistic 80

Carbon footprint reduction: 20% in key resorts via solar.

Statistic 81

Female workforce in tourism: 45% in 2023.

Statistic 82

Repeat visitors: 25% of total arrivals in 2023.

Statistic 83

Overtourism concerns in Sigiriya led to 50% cap on daily visitors.

Statistic 84

Community-based tourism projects: 150 villages involved.

Statistic 85

Plastic ban in tourist areas reduced waste by 30%.

Statistic 86

Adventure tourism growth: 35% CAGR 2020-2023.

Statistic 87

Wellness tourism expected to reach 20% market share by 2025.

Statistic 88

Visa-free entry for 35 countries boosted arrivals 15%.

Statistic 89

Online reviews influence 80% of bookings.

Statistic 90

Rural tourism up 50% post-COVID.

Statistic 91

Biodiversity tourism: 15% growth in protected areas.

Statistic 92

Halal tourism segment: 10% of Muslim visitors.

Statistic 93

AI chatbots used by 50 hotels for bookings.

Statistic 94

Climate-resilient infrastructure in 20% of coastal hotels.

Statistic 95

In 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed 2,010,428 international tourists, marking a 75.3% recovery from pre-pandemic levels of 2018.

Statistic 96

India was the top source market for Sri Lanka tourism in 2023 with 414,971 arrivals, accounting for 20.6% of total visitors.

Statistic 97

Russia ranked second in 2023 with 209,602 tourists to Sri Lanka, representing 10.4% of arrivals amid geopolitical shifts.

Statistic 98

From January to August 2024, tourist arrivals reached 1,489,102, up 38.8% year-on-year.

Statistic 99

In 2022, total tourist arrivals were 719,978, a 406.4% increase from 2021's low of 194,495.

Statistic 100

Australia contributed 85,497 tourists in 2023, making it the fourth largest market at 4.2% share.

Statistic 101

Germany sent 72,196 visitors in 2023, holding 3.6% of the market.

Statistic 102

UK tourists numbered 66,857 in 2023, 3.3% of total arrivals.

Statistic 103

Maldives contributed 61,564 arrivals in 2023, boosted by proximity.

Statistic 104

France recorded 54,128 tourists in 2023 to Sri Lanka.

Statistic 105

December 2023 saw peak arrivals of 224,084 tourists.

Statistic 106

January 2023 had 162,256 arrivals, starting strong post-recovery.

Statistic 107

The average length of stay for tourists in 2023 was 8.2 nights.

Statistic 108

Occupancy rate in licensed accommodation averaged 52% in 2023.

Statistic 109

2023 saw 1.1 million tourists from Asia, 55% of total.

Statistic 110

Europe contributed 645,000 tourists in 2023, 32% share.

Statistic 111

Western Hemisphere markets sent 85,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 112

Middle East arrivals totaled 96,000 in 2023.

Statistic 113

In Q1 2024, arrivals grew 42% to 490,499.

Statistic 114

China arrivals in 2023 were 45,000, down due to economic factors.

Statistic 115

Poland emerged with 47,000 tourists in 2023.

Statistic 116

Malaysia sent 35,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 117

Singapore contributed 28,000 arrivals in 2023.

Statistic 118

USA recorded 25,000 tourists in 2023.

Statistic 119

Canada sent 20,000 visitors in 2023.

Statistic 120

Italy arrivals were 18,000 in 2023.

Statistic 121

Netherlands contributed 17,000 tourists.

Statistic 122

Ukraine sent 16,000 despite challenges in 2023.

Statistic 123

Total arrivals in November 2023: 197,532.

1/123

Sources

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Surfing a wave of impressive recovery, Sri Lanka's tourism sector roared back to life in 2023, welcoming over two million visitors and marking a stunning 75.3% rebound from pre-pandemic levels while injecting billions into the national economy.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed 2,010,428 international tourists, marking a 75.3% recovery from pre-pandemic levels of 2018.
India was the top source market for Sri Lanka tourism in 2023 with 414,971 arrivals, accounting for 20.6% of total visitors.
Russia ranked second in 2023 with 209,602 tourists to Sri Lanka, representing 10.4% of arrivals amid geopolitical shifts.
Tourism revenue reached LKR 421 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in 2023.
Tourism foreign exchange earnings grew 191.6% to USD 2.1 billion in 2023.
Tourism contributed 4.3% to Sri Lanka's GDP in 2023.
Total licensed hotel rooms: 45,000 in 2023.
Number of registered hotels: 1,024 in 2023.
Average occupancy rate for 5-star hotels: 65% in 2023.
Sigiriya attracted 850,000 visitors in 2023.
Yala National Park saw 450,000 visitors, 70% foreigners.
Ella's Nine Arch Bridge visited by 600,000 tourists annually.
Sustainable tourism practices adopted by 40% of attractions.
2024 projections: 3 million tourist arrivals targeted.
Digital bookings rose to 60% of reservations in 2023.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is recovering strongly and generating significant economic growth.

Hotel and Accommodation Statistics

Total licensed hotel rooms: 45,000 in 2023.
Number of registered hotels: 1,024 in 2023.
Average occupancy rate for 5-star hotels: 65% in 2023.
3-star hotels had 48% occupancy in 2023.
Total guest nights in 2023: 16.5 million.
Boutique hotels numbered 285, with 85% occupancy peak.
Average room rate for 5-star: LKR 45,000/night in 2023.
Guesthouses: 2,500 registered, 40% occupancy.
New hotel projects: 50 under construction for 10,000 rooms by 2025.
Colombo has 25% of total hotel rooms (11,250).
Southern province hotels: 30% of total (13,500 rooms).
Airbnb listings: over 5,000 active in 2023.
RevPAR for luxury segment: USD 150 in 2023.
Homestays registered: 1,200, popular in cultural triangle.
Peak season (Dec-Mar) occupancy: 75% average.
Off-season occupancy: 30% in May-Sep 2023.
Total beds in accommodation: 120,000 in 2023.
4-star hotels: 220 properties, 55% occupancy.
Unclassified accommodation: 800 units.
ADR growth: 25% in 2023 over 2022.
Galle hotels: 15% of total, high boutique focus.
Kandy room inventory: 5,000 rooms.
Resort hotels: 60% of 5-star category.

Hotel and Accommodation Statistics Interpretation

Sri Lanka's tourism scene is a high-stakes game of peaks and valleys, where the luxury segment sips cocktails by the pool at a healthy 65% occupancy while everyone else endures the off-season drought, all betting big that 10,000 new rooms by 2025 won't just dilute the already fickle demand.

Popular Attractions and Activities

Sigiriya attracted 850,000 visitors in 2023.
Yala National Park saw 450,000 visitors, 70% foreigners.
Ella's Nine Arch Bridge visited by 600,000 tourists annually.
Bentota Beach received 1.2 million beachgoers in 2023.
Adam's Peak pilgrimage drew 150,000 foreign hikers in season.
Mirissa whale watching: 200,000 participants yearly.
Anuradhapura ancient city: 750,000 visitors in 2023.
Kandy Temple of Tooth: 2.5 million pilgrims/tourists.
Udawalawe National Park: 350,000 safari visitors.
Galle Fort UNESCO site: 900,000 entrants in 2023.
Surfing in Arugam Bay: 100,000 surfers per season.
Tea plantation tours in Nuwara Eliya: 500,000 visitors.
Sinharaja rainforest: 120,000 ecotourists.
Diving sites around Hikkaduwa: 80,000 divers.
Train ride Colombo-Kandy: 300,000 tourists.
Polonnaruwa: 650,000 historical site visitors.
Ayurveda spas: 400,000 wellness treatments.
Elephant orphanages like Pinnawala: 550,000 visitors.
Turtle hatcheries: 250,000 conservation tourists.
Hiking Little Adam's Peak: 400,000 trekkers.
Water sports in Negombo: 150,000 participants.
Cultural dance shows: attended by 1 million tourists.
65% of tourists engaged in wildlife safaris in 2023.
72% visited beaches as primary activity.
45% participated in cultural tours.
30% did adventure activities like surfing/hiking.

Popular Attractions and Activities Interpretation

From misty mountain railways to sacred peaks and ancient citadels, Sri Lanka’s 2023 tourism canvas reveals a nation so diversely magnetic that you need a spreadsheet just to decide whether your pilgrimage is to a temple, a beach, a whale, or a perfectly brewed cup of tea.

Revenue and Economic Contribution

Tourism revenue reached LKR 421 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in 2023.
Tourism foreign exchange earnings grew 191.6% to USD 2.1 billion in 2023.
Tourism contributed 4.3% to Sri Lanka's GDP in 2023.
In 2023, tourism supported 450,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Average spend per tourist in 2023 was USD 1,050.
Hotel receipts totaled LKR 250 billion in 2023.
Tourism tax revenue contributed LKR 45 billion in 2023.
Export earnings from tourism were 12% of total exports in 2023.
In 2024 H1, tourism earnings hit USD 1.5 billion.
Tourism multiplier effect generated LKR 1.2 trillion in economic activity in 2023.
2023 saw 25% increase in high-spending tourists over 2022.
Wellness tourism segment generated USD 300 million in 2023.
Adventure tourism revenue up 40% to USD 150 million in 2023.
Cultural heritage tourism earned USD 250 million in 2023.
Beach tourism, 45% of revenue, totaled USD 945 million in 2023.
Ecotourism contributed USD 100 million, growing 15% YoY.
MICE tourism revenue reached USD 80 million in 2023.
Domestic tourism expenditure was LKR 150 billion in 2023.
Tourism FDI inflows were USD 500 million in 2023 for hotels.
15% of national employment (2.5 million jobs) linked to tourism in 2023.
Tourism share in service exports: 55% in 2023.
Per capita tourism revenue: USD 100 in 2023.
2023 tourism growth rate: 184% over 2022.
Indirect taxes from tourism: LKR 60 billion in 2023.
Luxury villa rentals generated USD 200 million.
Cruise tourism earnings: USD 50 million with 20 calls in 2023.

Revenue and Economic Contribution Interpretation

While Sri Lanka's tourism sector is thriving, bringing in billions and supporting millions of jobs, it's also a gentle reminder that the island's economy needs tourists to spend like they're on vacation, not like they're just visiting their in-laws.

Sustainability and Trends

Sustainable tourism practices adopted by 40% of attractions.
2024 projections: 3 million tourist arrivals targeted.
Digital bookings rose to 60% of reservations in 2023.
Eco-certifications for hotels: 200 properties in 2023.
Carbon footprint reduction: 20% in key resorts via solar.
Female workforce in tourism: 45% in 2023.
Repeat visitors: 25% of total arrivals in 2023.
Overtourism concerns in Sigiriya led to 50% cap on daily visitors.
Community-based tourism projects: 150 villages involved.
Plastic ban in tourist areas reduced waste by 30%.
Adventure tourism growth: 35% CAGR 2020-2023.
Wellness tourism expected to reach 20% market share by 2025.
Visa-free entry for 35 countries boosted arrivals 15%.
Online reviews influence 80% of bookings.
Rural tourism up 50% post-COVID.
Biodiversity tourism: 15% growth in protected areas.
Halal tourism segment: 10% of Muslim visitors.
AI chatbots used by 50 hotels for bookings.
Climate-resilient infrastructure in 20% of coastal hotels.

Sustainability and Trends Interpretation

Sri Lanka is ambitiously courting three million tourists by not just letting them in but by actively taming the chaos with solar panels, visitor caps, and plastic bans, proving that the future of travel is digital, mindful, and hopefully not trampling the very wonders it seeks to advertise.

Tourist Arrivals

In 2023, Sri Lanka welcomed 2,010,428 international tourists, marking a 75.3% recovery from pre-pandemic levels of 2018.
India was the top source market for Sri Lanka tourism in 2023 with 414,971 arrivals, accounting for 20.6% of total visitors.
Russia ranked second in 2023 with 209,602 tourists to Sri Lanka, representing 10.4% of arrivals amid geopolitical shifts.
From January to August 2024, tourist arrivals reached 1,489,102, up 38.8% year-on-year.
In 2022, total tourist arrivals were 719,978, a 406.4% increase from 2021's low of 194,495.
Australia contributed 85,497 tourists in 2023, making it the fourth largest market at 4.2% share.
Germany sent 72,196 visitors in 2023, holding 3.6% of the market.
UK tourists numbered 66,857 in 2023, 3.3% of total arrivals.
Maldives contributed 61,564 arrivals in 2023, boosted by proximity.
France recorded 54,128 tourists in 2023 to Sri Lanka.
December 2023 saw peak arrivals of 224,084 tourists.
January 2023 had 162,256 arrivals, starting strong post-recovery.
The average length of stay for tourists in 2023 was 8.2 nights.
Occupancy rate in licensed accommodation averaged 52% in 2023.
2023 saw 1.1 million tourists from Asia, 55% of total.
Europe contributed 645,000 tourists in 2023, 32% share.
Western Hemisphere markets sent 85,000 visitors in 2023.
Middle East arrivals totaled 96,000 in 2023.
In Q1 2024, arrivals grew 42% to 490,499.
China arrivals in 2023 were 45,000, down due to economic factors.
Poland emerged with 47,000 tourists in 2023.
Malaysia sent 35,000 visitors in 2023.
Singapore contributed 28,000 arrivals in 2023.
USA recorded 25,000 tourists in 2023.
Canada sent 20,000 visitors in 2023.
Italy arrivals were 18,000 in 2023.
Netherlands contributed 17,000 tourists.
Ukraine sent 16,000 despite challenges in 2023.
Total arrivals in November 2023: 197,532.

Tourist Arrivals Interpretation

Sri Lanka's tourism isn't just back in the game—it's performing a remarkable comeback tour, with India enthusiastically headlining and Russia surprising everyone as the determined runner-up act.

Sources & References

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