The surge in tourist arrivals is accompanied by an improved daily average of 7,297 visitors this month, compared to 6,718 in January, mainly boosted by Russian travellers.

During the first six days of February, Sri Lanka saw 43,782 tourists arriving, setting a strong foundation for the month and the ongoing winter season, which extends till the end of March 2024.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has set an ambitious monthly target of 238,614.

Russia emerged as the leading source market, accounting for 14% of total arrivals with 6,289 visitors, followed closely by India with 6,007 arrivals and the United Kingdom with 4,011 tourists