Sri Lanka celebrated the arrival of its two millionth tourist of 2024 today, a significant milestone after a five-year gap. The Ministry of Tourism announced that this is the fourth time annual tourist arrivals have exceeded two million, with previous records set in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
This year also marks the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single year since 2018. A total of 195,127 tourists have arrived in the first 26 days of December, and the number is expected to surpass 250,000 by December 31. The last time monthly tourist arrivals exceeded 250,000 was in February 2019.
The two millionth tourist of 2024 landed at Bandaranaike International Airport today (December 26) on flight UL 403 from Bangkok. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam were present at the airport to welcome the milestone visitor.
A special ceremony was organized at the Silk Route Lounge of the airport to mark the occasion, hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
