Sri Lanka recorded a 15.1% increase in tourist arrivals in 2025, reaching 2.36 million visitors, but average spending per tourist declined, Central Bank data show.

Total tourism earnings grew marginally by 1.6% to $3.22 billion, resulting in per-capita spending falling to about $1,363 from $1,544 in 2024 a drop of nearly 12%.

Analysts say the trend may reflect shorter stays and a shift toward more price-sensitive markets, highlighting the need to boost high-value tourism alongside arrival growth.