Sri Lanka’s Tourism Boom: Why India, Russia, and the UK Are Flocking to New Destinations—Is Colombo Losing Its Top Spot?

Published on December 13, 2025

Sri Lanka’s tourism boom is showing no signs of slowing down, as India, Russia, and the UK are flocking to new destinations across the island, shifting their travel habits in exciting ways. While Colombo has long been the central hub for tourism in Sri Lanka, a growing number of international visitors are discovering the charm of the island’s emerging hotspots. Areas like Ella, Weligama, Mirissa, and Ahangama are now seeing a surge in travelers eager to explore beyond the well-trodden streets of the capital. This shift is transforming not only the tourism landscape but also the island’s airline and hospitality industries, as they adapt to cater to these new waves of travelers. With more direct flights connecting Sri Lanka’s key international markets and an expansion of unique, boutique accommodations across these up-and-coming destinations, Sri Lanka is offering a fresh and vibrant experience for every type of traveler. The changing trends reflect a deeper desire for experiential travel and cultural immersion, making it the perfect time for visitors to venture off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems of this tropical paradise.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Boom: Why India, Russia, and the UK Are Flocking to New Destinations—Is Colombo Losing Its Top Spot?

Sri Lanka is witnessing an exciting transformation in its tourism sector, marked by a significant shift in where travelers are spending their time and money. While the capital city of Colombo has traditionally been the hub of tourism activity, a growing number of international visitors are now venturing beyond its familiar streets to discover the charm of the island’s coastal towns and inland retreats. The influx of travelers from countries like India, Russia, and the UK has brought a fresh wave of visitors eager to explore lesser-known destinations. As a result, the local hospitality and airline industries are seeing a rapid expansion in these emerging hotspots. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, this article will guide you through the exciting changes, help you find the best places to visit, and provide essential travel tips to make the most of your journey.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Boom: A Growing Shift Towards New Destinations

Sri Lanka’s tourism has been on the rise since the country began recovering from the pandemic’s devastating effects. According to official reports, Sri Lanka has welcomed nearly 2.1 million tourists in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years. This boom is largely driven by travelers from India, Russia, and the UK. However, what’s even more noteworthy is the shift in visitor spending. While Colombo continues to lead in total tourist transactions, its share has decreased significantly. Tourists are now flocking to regions like Ella, Weligama, Mirissa, and Ahangama, where they can enjoy quieter, less commercialized environments, as well as stunning landscapes, charming beaches, and cultural experiences. The trend indicates a growing interest in experiential travel and a desire to explore more authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

For airlines and the hospitality industry, this shift has been a welcome challenge, requiring adjustments to cater to tourists who are eager to explore outside the typical urban centers. Sri Lankan Airlines, in particular, has been adapting its services to meet this growing demand by adding more domestic flights and improving connections to emerging destinations. International carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, have also been increasing their flights to Sri Lanka, offering more direct routes to the island from major cities in India, Russia, and the UK.

Why India, Russia, and the UK Are Flocking to New Destinations in Sri Lanka

In 2025, India remains the largest source market for Sri Lanka’s tourism, with over 500,000 Indian visitors arriving on the island. Indian travelers are increasingly seeking a more relaxed, scenic, and affordable getaway, and Sri Lanka’s coastal destinations are the perfect fit. In addition to traditional beach towns like Negombo and Bentota, more travelers are heading to the quieter beaches of Weligama, Mirissa, and Dickwella, where they can enjoy surfing, whale watching, and laid-back beach experiences.

For Russian tourists, Sri Lanka has always been an attractive destination due to its tropical climate, warm hospitality, and affordable costs. Russian visitors make up a significant portion of the European market, and with direct flights available from Moscow to Colombo, reaching Sri Lanka has never been easier. In recent years, the Russian preference for coastal destinations has seen a rise, particularly in the Southern Belt, with increasing numbers choosing Ahangama, Weligama, and Galle as their ideal spots for long stays and cultural immersion.

The UK market has also been contributing to this shift. The United Kingdom has long been one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable tourist sources, and with increasing connectivity between London and Colombo, it’s now easier than ever for British travelers to explore the island. However, many UK visitors are no longer staying only in Colombo. Instead, they’re looking for quieter retreats in places like Ella, Matara, and Mirissa, where they can escape the busy city and immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s lush hills, tea plantations, and rich cultural heritage.

This rise in popularity of destinations outside Colombo has been a game-changer for Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. Hotel chains like Taj, Hilton, and Marriott are rapidly expanding their presence in these emerging areas to meet the demand. In addition to large international chains, boutique hotels and eco-lodges are popping up along the coast, offering travelers a more intimate and unique experience.

The Evolving Role of Airlines in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Shift

The changing patterns of tourism in Sri Lanka have placed new demands on the airline industry. SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, is now focusing on expanding its domestic and regional flight services to cater to tourists heading to newly popular destinations. Previously, Colombo was the main arrival point, but with travelers now flying to destinations like Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and Koggala Airport, SriLankan Airlines is offering more direct flights to these regions, helping to reduce travel time for those venturing beyond the capital.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, all of which are key players in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, have noticed an uptick in bookings from countries like India, Russia, and the UK. These airlines are responding by adding more frequent flights to Colombo, but they are also focusing on regional airports, particularly those that serve coastal destinations and cultural hubs. Direct flights from Moscow to Colombo have become more common, enabling Russian travelers to seamlessly access the island’s southern and coastal regions.

The shift in tourist preferences is also reflected in the types of services airlines are offering. For instance, SriLankan Airlines has introduced enhanced holiday packages to encourage tourists to visit both Colombo and the island’s new hotspots. These packages often include domestic flights, airport transfers, and guided tours, making it easier for visitors to navigate the island and experience the best that Sri Lanka has to offer.

What Does This Mean for the Hospitality Industry?

Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry is adjusting to the changing tourism trends by diversifying its offerings. Traditional hotels in Colombo, like the Cinnamon Grand and Galle Face Hotel, remain key players in the market. However, with the rise of new destinations, smaller boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and luxury properties are emerging in places like Ahangama, Weligama, and Ella.

The growing trend of experiential travel is particularly evident in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector. Many tourists are no longer satisfied with simple beach resorts. Instead, they seek unique experiences that allow them to connect with nature and local culture. In response, hotels are offering a variety of activities that focus on eco-tourism, local cuisine, and cultural immersion. For example, in Ella, visitors can hike to the famous Ella Rock or visit tea plantations, while in Weligama, tourists can take surfing lessons or explore the nearby Koggala Lake.

The expansion of luxury accommodation in these emerging hotspots is also evident. High-end resorts like Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives are offering exclusive deals to cater to affluent travelers looking for a more private, immersive experience. These resorts are increasingly popular among European travelers, particularly those from the UK and Germany, who are seeking something beyond the typical tourist experience.

Flight Details and Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, there are several things to consider when booking your flights. Major international airlines like SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways all offer direct flights to Colombo from a variety of international hubs, including London, Moscow, Dubai, and New Delhi.

For those looking to explore beyond Colombo, flights to regional airports such as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (located near the Southern Coast) and Koggala Airport (in close proximity to Weligama and Mirissa) are also available. These airports have been growing in importance as tourists flock to Sri Lanka’s emerging coastal destinations. SriLankan Airlines operates several daily flights between Colombo and Mattala, making it easy for travelers to explore the southern regions.

Travelers from India will find a wide selection of flights to Sri Lanka, with carriers like Air India and IndiGo offering direct routes to Colombo from cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Russian tourists can easily fly to Sri Lanka with direct flights from Moscow to Colombo, operated by Aeroflot and SriLankan Airlines. These connections have made it more convenient than ever for travelers to explore the island’s diverse destinations.

Once in Sri Lanka, domestic flights operated by SriLankan Airlines and Cinnamon Air allow tourists to explore regional airports with ease. Whether you’re heading to the coastal towns of Mirissa and Weligama, or the cultural hotspots like Kandy and Anuradhapura, these airlines offer a convenient and efficient way to get around the island.

Travel Tips for Tourists Heading to Sri Lanka

1. Currency: Sri Lanka’s local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). While most establishments in Colombo accept credit cards, travelers to more remote areas should carry cash.
2. Visa Requirements: Citizens from most countries, including India, Russia, and the UK, can obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for short stays in Sri Lanka. Be sure to apply online before your trip.
3. Weather: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with the best time to visit the west and south coasts being between December and April, and the east coast from May to October.
4. Local Etiquette: While Sri Lanka is a welcoming country, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like temples. It’s also customary to remove shoes before entering temples or homes.

Sri Lanka’s tourism boom is shifting gears as India, Russia, and the UK flock to hidden gems—could Colombo be losing its top spot? Discover the new must-visit destinations taking the island by storm and why travelers are saying goodbye to the capital!

Wrapping Up

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is evolving, with increasing numbers of visitors choosing to explore its new destinations beyond Colombo. This shift is reshaping the island’s airline and hospitality industries, with carriers and hotel chains adapting to meet the growing demand. If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka, now is the perfect time to experience the charm of Ella, Mirissa, and Weligama, and see for yourself how these emerging hotspots are changing the face of tourism on the island. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings will leave you captivated and eager to return for more.