Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continued its strong rebound in 2024, generating impressive foreign ticket revenues across its most popular destinations. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) 2025 Year in Review, the country’s cultural icons and wildlife parks remained the top revenue earners, reflecting the island’s rich mix of heritage, adventure, and nature-based tourism.
🏆 Top Revenue-Generating Attractions – 2024
1. Sigiriya – Rs. 3,928 Million
The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya continues to reign supreme as Sri Lanka’s top-grossing attraction among foreign tourists. This UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” attracted the highest number of paying foreign visitors in 2024, contributing nearly Rs. 4 billion in ticket sales. Its unique blend of archaeology, history, and panoramic beauty has made it a global must-see.
2. Yala National Park – Rs. 2,719 Million
Yala, famous for having one of the world’s highest leopard densities, ranked second. The park’s revenue performance underscores the growing global appeal of Sri Lanka’s wildlife tourism. With improved safari experiences and better conservation management, Yala remains a key magnet for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
3. Polonnaruwa – Rs. 1,340 Million
The ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO-listed heritage city, secured the third spot. Visitors continue to be captivated by its temples, palaces, and archaeological marvels, marking it as the cultural heartbeat of the island’s “Cultural Triangle.”
4. Udawalawe National Park – Rs. 906 Million
Known for its large herds of elephants, Udawalawe remains one of Sri Lanka’s most accessible and family-friendly wildlife parks. The park’s consistent performance highlights the increasing demand for eco-tourism experiences.
5. Jethawanaya Stupa – Rs. 443 Million
Standing as one of the tallest ancient brick structures in the world, Jethawanaya in Anuradhapura continues to draw both pilgrims and international visitors interested in Buddhist heritage tourism.
🌿 Other Notable Performers
- Horton Plains (Rs. 394M) and Wilpattu (Rs. 393M) continued to attract hikers and wildlife photographers.
- Minneriya (Rs. 386M), home to the iconic “Gathering” of elephants, remains a seasonal favorite.
- Hurulu National Park (Rs. 279M), Mirissa (Rs. 160M), and Kaudulla (Rs. 158M) also made notable contributions, driven by eco and marine tourism trends.
Smaller but culturally significant attractions like Buduruwagala (Rs. 36M) and Galle Museum (Rs. 23M) continue to appeal to niche travelers, while Sinharaja Forest (Rs. 21M) and Ella Rock (Rs. 16M) highlight Sri Lanka’s eco-adventure diversity.
💡 Key Insights
- Total foreign ticket revenue across these major sites exceeded Rs. 11 billion in 2024.
- Heritage sites accounted for nearly 55% of total earnings, underscoring Sri Lanka’s strong positioning in cultural tourism.
- Wildlife and nature-based parks contributed around 40%, reflecting global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly travel.
- Beach and adventure destinations like Mirissa saw renewed growth due to increased international connectivity and digital promotions.
🌴 Sri Lanka’s Tourism Outlook for 2025
With over 2.5 million tourist arrivals projected for 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, expanded visa-free entry to 40 countries, and global marketing campaigns have positioned the island as a premium experiential destination in South Asia.
As the data shows, Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions — from the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa to the wild beauty of Yala and Udawalawe — continue to drive its tourism success story.
Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), 2025 Year in Review
