Trivandrum Family Marks Island Nation’s All-Time Tourism Record
Sri Lanka celebrated a defining moment in its tourism history today, December 29, 2025, as the island nation officially surpassed its all-time tourist arrival record, welcoming its 2,333,797th visitor in 2025 and eclipsing the previous milestone of 2,333,796 arrivals set in 2018.
The historic achievement was marked with special recognition at Bandaranaike International Airport when SriLankan Airlines flight UL 162 from Thiruvananthapuram touched down, carrying the symbolic record-breaking visitors – Mr. Felix Beslin Pereira, Mrs. Reena Fernandez, and Ms. Ann Cristina Pereira, a family from Kerala’s capital city.
A Triumph of Resilience
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism hailed the milestone as “a defining moment in the nation’s tourism journey, demonstrating resilience and renewed confidence in Sri Lanka as a premier global destination.”
The achievement is particularly remarkable given the challenges faced by the industry, including the recent Ditwa Cyclone disaster. The 2025 figures represent not merely recovery but significant growth compared to 2024, when arrivals stood at 2,053,465 tourists.
Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, emphasized the significance of the accomplishment: “This milestone is not just a number – it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s resilience. Surpassing the 2018 record proves that our tourism industry is stronger than ever, thanks to the dedication of stakeholders and the trust of millions of visitors worldwide.”
Collaborative Success
Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the success: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy and culture. Today’s achievement reflects the unity of hoteliers, guides, associations, and partners who stood firm during adversity. Together, we are building a sustainable and welcoming future for Sri Lanka.”
Mr. Buddika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), acknowledged the broad coalition of efforts: “This success belongs to everyone – all stakeholders in tourism and both state and private organizations working together to build the image of Sri Lanka and achieve this milestone. We also extend heartfelt thanks to local and international media who amplified Sri Lanka’s story and helped us reach this milestone.”
The Trivandrum Connection
The symbolism of the milestone family arriving from Thiruvananthapuram carries special significance for SriLankan Airlines. Mr. Sandun Senevirathne, Manager-Trivandrum of SriLankan Airlines, expressed his excitement about the historic moment.
“This is a big milestone for Sri Lanka Tourism and our Trivandrum station. Trivandrum was our first international destination more than 45 years ago when we began operations in April 1980. Now, once again, Trivandrum makes history in this milestone event,” said Mr. Senevirathne.
He added that SriLankan Airlines has recently launched several marketing initiatives in Kerala to attract more tourists to the island nation, capitalizing on the proximity and strong cultural ties between the neighboring regions. The direct flights between Trivandrum and Colombo continue to serve as a vital connection, linking Kerala with international destinations via Colombo.
Economic Impact and Forward Vision
Tourism continues to be a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, employment generation, and cultural exchange. The industry’s recovery and growth demonstrate the strength and vitality of the sector and its stakeholders.
Sri Lanka Tourism extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including industry associations, hoteliers, tour operators, guides, airlines, and digital platforms, whose collective efforts ensured that the industry not only recovered but moved forward with renewed strength. The support of local and foreign social media influencers has also been instrumental in showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty and hospitality to the world.
Diverse Appeal Drives Growth
The milestone reflects growing international interest in Sri Lanka’s diverse and compelling experiences-from pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage to wildlife safaris, wellness retreats, and warm hospitality. The island nation offers year-round attractions, making it an ideal destination across all seasons.
While the UK, USA, Germany, France, and Malaysia remain among the top source markets, neighboring countries, particularly India, continue to demonstrate strong interest in Sri Lanka as a convenient and attractive destination for leisure, wellness, and cultural tourism.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Sri Lanka Tourism remains committed to sustaining this momentum, focusing on rebuilding the nation and positioning Sri Lanka as a safe, sustainable, and welcoming destination. The milestone of 2025 is not only a celebration of achievement but also a call to continue strengthening the industry, ensuring that tourism remains a driving force in the country’s economic and cultural development.
The Pereira family’s arrival symbolizes not just a personal celebration but a collective triumph for the nation – a testament to Sri Lanka’s enduring appeal and the industry’s remarkable comeback from recent challenges.
As the year draws to a close, Sri Lanka stands proud as a resilient tourism destination, ready to welcome even more visitors in the years ahead while maintaining its commitment to sustainable growth and authentic hospitality that has made the island nation a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.
