Tourism News

Sri Lanka welcomes the Two millionth tourist with the best of hospitality

( Posted on November 18, 2025 )

Sri Lanka created another important milestone in its tourism calendar, by welcoming the much awaited the two millionth tourist arrival on the 17^th of November 2025. According to Sri Lanka Tourisms main target of achieving 2.5 mn tourist arrivals, this gives a new and a positive outlook of the number of tourist arrivals at least up to 2.3 million in 2025.Thus 2,000,000 tourist arrivals have arrived in the destination, also proving its unique ability to draw tourists across the world due to its multi-faceted travel opportunities. This was not only due to the increasing number of tourist arrivals but also because of the tireless promotional efforts of the SLTPB, and also the various commitments which were carried out by it ‘s officials by participating in main stream travel fairs such as WTM , ATB and IFTM Paris.

The lucky visitors to get the exclusive opportunity of being the two millionth tourist were Mr Rafael and Ms. Clair , a French Couple who had arrived on holiday to Sri Lanka. They received a warm welcome by Sri Lanka Tourism upon their arrival, and it came out as a surprise when they were informed that they had become the two millionth tourist arrival to the destination. They were very much impressed with the warm and colorful welcome they received, with traditional dance performances, and a cultural dance troupe escorting them to the Silk route. The celebratory cake was cut by the Mr Rafael and Ms . Clair, which will indeed be a cherished memory for them to take back to share with their fellow citizens, as being the two millionth visitors to Sri Lanka in 2025.

Considering with the past few years Sri Lanka seems to have regained its identity as a world renowned tourism hotspot which has everything to offer, and magical variety of holiday choices which one would look forward to. The two millionth arrivals is clearly indicated as a positive sign for the year 2026 as well. From 2021 – 2025 the growth of tourist arrivals has been very effective. Especially 2025 has been a great year for Sri Lanka Tourism, as it has also received a large number of International accolades throughout the year. Sri Lanka Tourism is on its way to rejuvenate the Tourism sector with more initiatives and projects to lure tourists to visit the destination, including a comprehensive PR and Digital campaign which is supposed to kick off very soon. Sri Lanka Tourism will also rejuvenate the Tourism sector with more initiatives and projects to lure tourists to visit the destination, including free visa process to lure more tourists to come and explore.

Considering with the past few years Sri Lanka seems to have regained its identity as a world renowned travel destination which has everything to offer, from the golden, sun kissed beaches to the heavenly green and misty mountains of the hill country, where as one could witness the exotic wildlife of the paradise island.

Sri Lanka Tourism had its fair share of challenges such as the Easter attacks, Covid 19 , and the Economic crisis , but this crucial milestone has shown that Tourism has bounced back to its former glory . 2018 was the best year for tourism where it reached 2.2 million tourist arrivals, and similarly, this has been the best year for its rapid growth, and also,the previous year (2024 ) also has been successful for Sri Lanka Tourism , thus ,these facts have committed to the present success of Sri Lanka Tourism and also to the increasing number of tourist arrivals .By receiving the two millionth tourist arrival this year, Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to ensure that Sri Lanka’s hospitality is still at its best, and is worthy of getting an experience.