Sri Lanka Strengthens Ties with South Korea’s Buddhist Community, Boosting Their Religious Tourism with VVIP Delegations and Setting the Stage for Long-Term Growth

Published on December 12, 2025

This is improved by religious tourism, mainly from South Korea, where two major VVIP Buddhist delegations will grace the shores in December 2025. The first group, comprising 120 members of the Jogye Order, arrived on December 1, while a group of 150 members, led by Ven. Hyeil of Haeinsa Temple, will arrive on December 10. These delegations, upon arrival, are accorded traditional cultural performances that showcase the island’s rich Buddhist heritage underlining Sri Lanka’s role as a leading pilgrimage destination in Asia.

This increased engagement with the South Korean Buddhist community plays a significant role in positioning Sri Lanka as a key destination for spiritual travelers. The visits are also a pointer not only to the island’s cultural and religious ties with South Korea but also to a well-strategized step for the expansion of the tourism sector and the establishment of the country as a leader in Buddhist tourism.

Expanding Sri Lanka’s Role in Global Religious Tourism

The growing demand for religious and spiritual tourism is driving increased interest in destinations with deep Buddhist heritage. Sri Lanka, with its sacred sites like Sri Maha Bodhi, Kandy Temple of the Tooth, and Dambulla Cave Temple, has long been an important site for Buddhist pilgrims. However, the growing influx of international visitors, especially from South Korea, signals a shift toward more global engagement in Sri Lanka’s spiritual tourism offerings.

By hosting prominent delegations and showcasing its religious heritage, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a go-to destination for pilgrims and spiritual travelers seeking deeper connections with Buddhist history and culture. This strategy not only increases tourism arrivals from East Asia but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s place in the broader global tourism market as a top Buddhist pilgrimage hub.

Long-Term Impact: Sustainable Growth for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector

Looking to the future, the influence of Buddhist tourism is expected to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s long-term tourism growth. As tourists increasingly seek meaningful travel experiences, Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious tourism offerings provide the perfect opportunity to attract affluent travelers who value authenticity, history, and spiritual enrichment.

The successful South Korean visits are just the beginning. Sri Lanka will likely continue to engage with Buddhist communities from around the world, expanding its tourism efforts to include specialized pilgrimage routes, cultural experiences, and spiritual retreats. This expansion will create more tourism-related jobs, support local businesses, and drive investment in infrastructure to accommodate growing numbers of visitors. Moreover, the focus on sustainable tourism—preserving sacred sites, promoting responsible travel practices, and ensuring eco-friendly accommodations—will help Sri Lanka maintain its Buddhist heritage while accommodating the growing number of pilgrims and tourists.

Regional Development and Economic Prosperity through Religious Tourism

The growth in religious tourism is expected to have a positive long-term impact on regional economies in Sri Lanka. As more international visitors travel to the island for spiritual and cultural experiences, the economic benefits will be felt in local tourism sectors, particularly in rural areas around key Buddhist sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy.

Increased tourist spending on accommodation, transportation, local food, and souvenirs will provide a substantial economic boost. Additionally, the rise in Buddhist pilgrimages will encourage further investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, local transport systems, and visitor services, enhancing the overall travel experience. By promoting regional tourism development, Sri Lanka is paving the way for a balanced tourism economy that benefits both urban centers and rural regions, ensuring a diverse and sustainable tourism sector.

The Future of Sri Lanka’s Tourism Strategy: A Model for Sustainable and Spiritual Travel

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s tourism strategy will increasingly focus on expanding religious and spiritual tourism, especially as the global interest in eco-tourism and authentic experiences grows. The country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving its cultural and religious sites will be critical in attracting future generations of travelers who value conscious travel and meaningful engagement with local cultures.

The successful integration of Buddhist tourism into Sri Lanka’s broader tourism offering will set the stage for long-term growth, with the potential to create new tourism products, support local economies, and position Sri Lanka as a model for spiritual tourism in Asia and beyond.

A Promising Future for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector

With growing interest from South Korean pilgrims along with increased international engagement, Sri Lanka’s religious tourism industry may be expected to continue growing. Visits from Buddhist VVIP delegations from South Korea raise expectations of a bright future for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, enabling it to reach out globally and solidify its position among the top destinations for Buddhist pilgrims and cultural tourists. Given its strategic investment in spiritual tourism, regional development, and sustainable practices, Sri Lanka is on track to long-term economic growth fueled by a burgeoning tourism market.