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Sri Lanka Tourism Receipts

International tourism receipts  ST.INT.RCPT.CD

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts was $1.1B in 2020, ranked 57th globally. This represents a 76.9% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1995–2020.

$1.1B −$3.6B (-76.9%)
Year 2020 Rank #57 Global Peak $5.6B (2018) Source World Bank

Sri Lanka Tourism Receipts (1995–2020)

Overview

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts stood at $1.1B in 2020, a decline of +$3.6B from 2019. Sri Lanka ranked 57th globally.

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts have exhibited significant fluctuations over the 26-year period from 1995 to 2020, influenced by various global and regional factors. The country experienced an all-time high of $5,608 million in 2018, driven by increasing demand for its unique cultural and natural attractions. Conversely, the lowest point was reached in 1996 with receipts of $282 million, a period marked by civil unrest and economic instability. In 2020, Sri Lanka ranked #57 globally in terms of tourism receipts, with a value of $1,076 million. This figure is comparable to that of Aruba, which ranked #56, with $1,077 million in receipts. The country's tourism sector has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a sustained recovery will depend on the successful management of public health measures and the promotion of targeted tourism initiatives. A significant increase in investment in infrastructure and marketing efforts would be crucial to altering the trajectory of Sri Lanka's tourism receipts.

Data & projection

Year Tourism Receipts YoY change Rank
2020 $1.1B −$3.6B #57
2019 $4.7B −$945.0M #50
2018 $5.6B +$525.0M #51
2017 $5.1B +$492.0M #51
2016 $4.6B +$613.0M #50
2015 $4.0B +$700.0M #53
2014 $3.3B +$772.0M #53
2013 $2.5B +$750.0M #63
2012 $1.8B +$335.0M #70
2011 $1.4B +$377.0M #75
2010 $1.0B +$290.0M #78
2009 $754.0M −$49.0M #83
2008 $803.0M +$53.0M #87
2007 $750.0M +$17.0M #88
2006 $733.0M +$4.0M #81
Show all years (1995-2020)

Detected Pattern

Export Boom Cycle
Current account surplus with strong export growth (>15% YoY), reserve accumulation, and moderate GDP growth. Typical of commodity exporters during price surges.
Reserves YoY +38.3% GDP growth 5.0% C/A balance 1.2%
Occurred 768 times, 546 successful
Reserves YoY
+25.6%
GDP growth
4.0%
C/A balance
14.5%
Reserves YoY
+14.6%
GDP growth
3.7%
C/A balance
2.9%
Reserves YoY
+12.8%
GDP growth
43.8%
C/A balance
16.4%
Reserves YoY
+12.6%
GDP growth
6.0%
C/A balance
0.5%
Reserves YoY
+38.3%
GDP growth
5.0%
C/A balance
1.2%
Reserves YoY
+18.0%
GDP growth
2.9%
C/A balance
3.9%

Analysis

Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tourism receipts improve within 24 months. View full analysis →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sri Lanka's tourism receipts?▾

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts was $1.1B in 2020. Ranked 57th globally. This represents a 76.9% decrease from the previous year.

What was the highest tourism receipts in Sri Lanka?▾

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts peaked at $5.6B in 2018.

What was the lowest tourism receipts in Sri Lanka?▾

The lowest tourism receipts in Sri Lanka was $282.0M in 1996.

How does Sri Lanka rank in tourism receipts?▾

Sri Lanka ranks 57th globally in tourism receipts as of 2020.

What is the World Bank indicator code for tourism receipts?▾

The World Bank indicator code is ST.INT.RCPT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.

What is Sri Lanka's tourism receipts in billion?▾

Sri Lanka's tourism receipts was approximately 1.08 billion ($1.1B) in 2020.

What is the tourism receipts of Sri Lanka in 2020?▾

The tourism receipts of Sri Lanka in 2020 was $1.1B. This ranks 57th in the world.

Cite this page

APA
Sri Lanka Tourism Receipts. HistorySaid. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/tourism-receipts/
BibTeX
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_tourism-receipts, title = {Sri Lanka Tourism Receipts}, url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/tourism-receipts/}, publisher = {HistorySaid}, year = {2026} }
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