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Over 35,000 tourists flock to Sri Lanka in a record-breaking start to 2025
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has kicked off 2025 with an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers. According to recent figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, January saw a record 2,52,761 tourist arrivals, while the first 13 days of February contributed an additional 1,15,043 visitors. This brings the total to 3,67,804 arrivals for the period spanning 1 January 2025 to 13 February 2025, marking a robust start to the year.
Comparative analysis with previous years
A look back at past performance highlights the remarkable turnaround. In January 2018, the nation recorded 2,38,924 arrivals, and January 2024 saw 2,08,253 tourists. In contrast, January 2025 has not only surpassed these numbers but also set a new benchmark. February’s early figures, 1,15,043 arrivals, are also promising compared to previous years, indicating a steady upward trend in visitor numbers.
Diverse source markets
A wide array of international markets is fueling the surge in tourist arrivals. For January 2025, the top five source markets were India, Russia, Britain, China, and Germany.
The February report further reinforces this global appeal, with detailed data indicating that India leads the pack in the early days of the month, followed closely by the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom.
An aggregated review of the period from 1 January 2025 to 13 February 2025 reveals that India contributed 59,391 visitors, with the Russian Federation (48,411) and the United Kingdom (34,655) trailing behind.
Quiet shifts in the gambling sector
In tandem with the tourism boom, subtle changes are underway in Sri Lanka’s gambling industry. Recent regulatory adjustments have been introduced to bolster oversight and investor confidence—a move believed to enhance the overall economic climate. Industry experts note that these incremental reforms are part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue streams. While tourism remains the show’s star, these quiet shifts in the gambling sector may contribute to a more stable and attractive business environment, indirectly supporting the continued growth in visitor numbers.
Interconnected growth dynamics
The simultaneous progress in tourism and the gambling sector hints at an emerging synergy within the island nation’s economy. As tourism bounces back with record-breaking numbers, the steady pace of reforms in the gambling industry contributes to a more robust economic landscape. This dual momentum is helping to build investor and consumer confidence, potentially setting the stage for even greater economic resilience in the months ahead.
Region to get major boost
SiGMA, the world’s iGaming authority, is all set to tap into South Asia, home to a quarter of the world’s population, with its inaugural gaming summit in Sri Lanka.
The SiGMA South Asia 2025 event will be held between 30 November 2025 and 2 December 2025 in Colombo, where an estimated 5,000 delegates are expected to turn up.
The event will also feature an expert speaker lineup with over 150 industry authorities, including government officials, regulators, and representatives from South Asia’s leading gaming and land-based companies.
In related news, the island nation is also set to witness its first integrated resort in 2025. Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced a partnership with John Keells Holdings to build “City of Dreams Sri Lanka”, the first of its kind in the South Asian nation.
Excited about Sri Lanka’s bet in the iGaming world? SiGMA South Asia could be your destination. Click here for all details of the mega event in Colombo from 30 November 2025-2 December 2025.
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