UK is Now Sri Lanka’s Second-biggest Tourism Market

The UK has become Sri Lanka’s second-biggest tourism market, while the first place goes to its neighbouring country, India, according to chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Last year, Russia was the second-biggest tourism market for Sri Lanka with almost 200,000 visitors, while the UK only recorded 130,000 arrivals. However, from January to October of 2024, the UK has seen visitor numbers rise to almost 147,000, overtaking around 135,600 arrivals from Russia.

Buddhika Herwawasam, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said, “We are focusing on diversifying our UK market segments, including young travellers, backpackers, luxury and business travellers.”

Meanwhile, the tourism bureau is taking 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, hoping to encourage UK visitors to travel to lesser-known parts of Sri Lanka.

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.”

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

“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.

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