Driven by strong bilateral ties, tourism promotion in Oslo, and interest in coastal and hill-country areas, approximately 15,000 Norwegian citizens visit Sri Lanka annually, and Norwegians’ interest in the island is growing.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the total number of visitors in January 2026 was 277,327, up 16.1 per cent from 2018. Visitors from India and Great Britain are the largest groups.
More Norwegians are now seeking alternatives when planning their holidays and have discovered a new holiday gem – Sri Lanka. The classic destinations are still popular, but many are looking for places that offer more for their money.
There are several places that offer this, but Sri Lanka in particular has had a significant increase in popularity recently. Price, travel time, and experiences weigh heavily when booking flights.
The travelers are attracted to the island’s culture, wildlife, and beaches, with safety, affordable luxury, and direct, familiar, and friendly hospitality being key drivers. One tourism official told me, “Sri Lanka is a little like India, only smaller, less expensive, and friendlier.”
Now, there is growing interest among Scandinavian tourists in exploring sights such as Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton Seat, and Diyaluma Waterfall, as well as in shopping in Colombo, the capital.
Promotion at the TravelExpo Fair in Oslo has probably played a major role in increased interest from Norwegians, alongside improved safety conditions and positive travel experiences shared on social media.
As a tourist, you can visit the country for many activities, like sightseeing, holidaying, and honeymoons. Medical treatments, including Ayurvedic and yoga, are also on the rise, as are participation in sporting events, competitions, and cultural performance activities.
***************************************************
Related: Escaping Winter – Why Sri Lanka Became My Refuge
***************************************************
“Sri Lanka currently offers a rare combination of lower prices and shorter flight times than Thailand, while the country offers an enormous diversity of experiences,” says Roshan Dayananda, general manager of the agency Explore Sri Lanka, the only travel agency in Norway solely offering travel to the island. He continues:
“Here you can combine beach, nature, culture, and activities with a focus on body and well-being. Since the country is relatively small, you also have time to experience a lot in one trip.”
Sri Lanka is only about 1.5 times the size of Denmark, making it a clear, easily accessible country to travel around.
About Explore Sri Lanka
Established in 2020, Explore Sri Lanka is a Norwegian travel agency offering carefully crafted, unique adventure tours in Sri Lanka. Backed by the Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund, the agency offers a wide range of pre-packaged trips as well as the opportunity to tailor your dream trip in collaboration with one of its experts. With a well-established network and access to Sri Lanka’s best hotels and excursions, Explore Sri Lanka creates authentic experiences that give you deeper insight into the country’s culture, nature, and history.
Norwegians’ Interest in Visiting Sri Lanka is Growing, written by Tor Kjolberg.