Sri Lanka, Feb. 3 -- Global tourism reached an extraordinary milestone in 2025, with international arrivals climbing to 1.52 billion visitors. The surge in global travel also delivered substantial financial gains for destinations worldwide.

According to the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), preliminary estimates show that tourism receipts, representing spending by international visitors, reached approximately USD 1.9 trillion in 2025, reflecting a 5% increase over the previous year. When combined with transport services, total tourism earnings exceeded USD 2.2 trillion, underlining the sector's immense economic contribution.

For many countries, tourism remains a cornerstone of economic activity, pro...