Disruptions affecting Gulf transit routes have contributed to a decline in European travel to Sri Lanka, according to representatives attending Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators president Nalin Jayasundera said arrivals had recorded a slight decline of approximately two to three per cent during the first eight months of 2026, with the main weakness coming from Western European markets.
Many European visitors reach Sri Lanka through hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, making travel demand sensitive to regional uncertainty. Jayasundera said interest in Sri Lanka remained strong and expected the European market to recover by the next winter season.
Growth from Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region has partly offset the decline. Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourist arrivals while seeking new markets and closer promotional partnerships with airlines.