Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions and a new casino set to open in Colombo in mid-2025 are expected to draw more Indian travelers, according to Indian tourism officials.
Rajiv Mehra, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), highlighted Sri Lanka’s appeal due to its close proximity, cultural ties, and varied attractions.
He noted that India has a growing market for gaming tourism, but options are largely limited to Goa and Sikkim. Sri Lanka, with its luxury offerings and convenient location, presents a strong alternative.
India remains Sri Lanka’s largest source market, contributing 416,974 visitors out of the two million total arrivals in 2024—more than double the 201,920 visitors from Russia, the second-largest market.
Amitabh Kant, the strategist behind India’s Incredible India and God’s Own Country campaigns, recently stated that Sri Lanka remains an undiscovered gem for many Indian travelers.
During his visit to Colombo last week, Kant encouraged Indians to explore Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, culture, and architecture.
He also pointed out that India has an outbound travel market of 20 million, presenting a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
