Tourism earnings rise 10% YoY to $ 1.7 b in 1H

June tourism revenue grows 12% YoY to $ 169.5 m, but still second lowest this year

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■ 1H tourism earnings 22% below 2018 levels, 10% below 2019

■ Needs over $ 3.28 b in 2H of 2025 to reach $ 5 b target

■ Average monthly income so far is $ 285.4 m; 2H needs $ 547.9 m per month—almost double the current pace

■ Average daily spending per tourist is about $ 163, assuming nine-night stay

■ Industry stakeholders question greater progress without stronger promotions; opines missed targets in 1H highlight need for radical correction

SRI Lanka's tourism industry has posted a moderate rebound in the first half of 2025, with earnings rising 10% year-on-year (YoY) to over $ 1.71 billion, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank.

Given the ambitious targets by year-end, the sector faces an uphill battle to meet $ 5 billion in earnings and 3 million arrivals after a mixed performance in the first half of 2025.