UK now second-biggest tourism market for Sri Lanka

The UK has become Sri Lanka’s second-biggest tourism market, second only to neighbouring India, according to chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

In 2023, Russia was the second-largest source country for tourists in Sri Lanka, with almost 200,000 visitors compared to the UK’s 130,000 arrivals (between January and December). However, 2024 (January to October) has seen visitor numbers from the UK rise to almost 147,000 – overtaking around 135,600 arrivals from Russia thus far.

Speaking to Travel Weekly, Buddhika Herwawasam said: “We are focusing on diversifying our UK market segments – including young travellers, backpackers, luxury and business travellers.”

The tourism bureau is also hoping to encourage UK visitors to travel to lesser-known parts of Sri Lanka with new initiatives, such as the 186-mile Pekoe Trail, which opened at the end of 2023 and takes trekkers through the Sri Lankan highlands and tea trails.

Herwawasam added: “We think the UK will be interested in experience-based products, such as birdwatching and shipwreck diving. Cycling has also been of massive interest among UK tourists”.

By the end of first quarter of 2025, Herwawasam said Sri Lanka is also set to receive its first Blue Flag certifications for five beaches in the southern part of the island.

“It’s not an easy process, but we have been working closely with marine agencies and communities – we are at the final stage,” he said.