Sri Lanka is targeting US$8 billion in annual tourism revenue and four million tourist arrivals by 2030, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.
The target comes as the Government looks to expand tourism while ensuring more of its economic benefits reach local communities and small businesses.
Tourism generated US$3.22 billion in foreign exchange in 2025, when the country recorded 2,362,521 tourist arrivals, according to the Prime Minister.
In 2024, more than 2.05 million tourists visited Sri Lanka and generated around US$3.17 billion in tourism revenue.
Tourism Revenue Target Set at US$8 Billion
The Government wants annual tourism revenue to rise from US$3.22 billion in 2025 to US$8 billion by 2030.
Tourist arrivals would also need to rise to four million a year under the target.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said the Government wants tourism growth to create wider economic benefits.
She highlighted the need to support small-scale entrepreneurs operating in villages and ensure tourism income reaches local communities.
Focus on Local Businesses and Heritage
The Government also wants to develop tourism without damaging the environment or cultural heritage.
Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka’s heritage includes centuries of human creativity, traditional knowledge and cultural diversity.
She said protecting this heritage while using it to support social and economic development remains an important responsibility.
The Prime Minister also called for closer links between universities, research institutions, government agencies and tourism businesses.
She said knowledge and research should lead to practical solutions for the tourism industry.
Tourism and Future Skills
The Government also plans to give greater attention to tourism through its education reforms.
Amarasuriya encouraged young people and schoolchildren to consider tourism as a future career.
She also highlighted the need for young people to develop digital skills, creativity and knowledge of the country’s cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at the National Conference on “Digital Innovation for Sustainable and Culturally Integrated Tourism”, held in Colombo to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
Prime Minister’s Office Tourism
Last modified: September 28, 2026
