October tourism earnings continue to lag far behind expectations

EARNINGS from tourism remained well below expectations despite welcoming a record number of visitors in October 2025, underscoring the sector’s struggle to convert rising arrivals into meaningful economic gains.

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According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), earnings in October inched up by just 0.3% year-on-year (YoY) to $ 186.1 million, revealing a widening disconnect between visitor growth and actual spending.

Despite the record surge in arrivals, October’s revenue still trails far behind pre-crisis performance levels. In October 2018, Sri Lanka earned $ 287.4 million from tourism, $ 101.3 million more than the latest figure.

Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever tourist arrivals for the month of October this year, welcoming 165,193 visitors, a 22% YoY growth and surpassing the previous record of 153,123 in October 2018.