Published on
February 9, 2026
In 2026, Sri Lanka joins Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Maldives, and other Asian countries in starting the year with a turbocharge in Asian tourism, fueled by a strong surge in tourist arrivals last month. This remarkable growth reflects the resurgence of global travel, particularly in the Asian region, as tourists return to these destinations after years of pandemic-related disruptions. Several factors are driving this surge, including relaxed travel restrictions, enhanced safety protocols, and targeted marketing campaigns by tourism boards. Countries like Sri Lanka have capitalized on their unique cultural and natural attractions, while Vietnam and Thailand are benefiting from a strong rebound in key source markets like China and India. As the tourism industry picks up pace across Asia, these nations are seeing an influx of visitors eager to explore diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and modern amenities, setting a positive tone for the rest of 2026.
Sri Lanka: Solid Growth in January 2026 Tourism
Sri Lanka has shown impressive growth in its tourism sector during January 2026, with 277,327 visitors arriving on the island, marking a 9.7% growth compared to the previous year. This surge reflects the country’s continuing recovery from previous global challenges and the gradual return of international travelers to the region. Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings, including its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and lush landscapes, continue to attract tourists from all over the world.
The growth can be attributed to the concerted efforts made by Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to restore the country’s image as a safe and desirable destination. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has implemented strategic marketing campaigns to increase visibility in key markets and attract visitors who are looking for cultural, eco-friendly, and adventure-filled experiences. Additionally, the government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, including enhancing airport facilities and improving transportation networks, have helped make Sri Lanka more accessible and appealing to international travelers. This 9.7% growth in January sets a positive tone for the rest of the year, positioning Sri Lanka to continue its tourism recovery and attract more global visitors throughout 2026.
Hong Kong: Booming Recovery with Mainland China Influx
Hong Kong has seen a remarkable recovery in its tourism sector, largely driven by a surge of visitors from mainland China. During the New Year holiday peak from December 31 to January 4, Hong Kong welcomed an impressive 950,000 visitors in just five days, underscoring the city’s rapid recovery. Of these visitors, over 740,000 were from mainland China, reflecting a 48% year-on-year increase. This surge highlights the strong demand for travel to Hong Kong, particularly from Chinese tourists, who have been eager to return after pandemic-related travel restrictions.
The momentum from the New Year period is part of a larger trend, as Hong Kong’s full-year 2025 arrivals reached nearly 50 million, according to a report from the HKSAR Government on January 19, 2026. This impressive recovery can be attributed to Hong Kong’s strategic efforts to market itself as a premier destination for shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences, appealing particularly to mainland Chinese tourists. The city’s proximity, rich cultural offerings, and well-established infrastructure continue to make it a favorite for travelers from China. As Hong Kong moves further into 2026, the influx from mainland China is expected to remain a key driver of the city’s tourism industry, positioning it for continued growth.
Vietnam: Record-Breaking January 2026 Tourism Surge
Vietnam experienced a significant surge in tourism in January 2026, marking its highest-ever monthly arrivals with an impressive total of approximately 2,500,000 visitors. This surge represents a remarkable growth of 18.5% year-on-year and an even stronger 21.4% increase compared to December 2025, signaling a robust recovery in global travel to the country. This surge can be attributed to multiple factors, including the country’s ongoing tourism recovery efforts and the appeal of its diverse cultural and natural attractions.
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The top source markets for Vietnam’s tourism have shown promising growth, with South Korea leading the way with 490,000 arrivals, representing a 17% year-on-year increase. China followed closely with 460,000 visitors, while Japan saw a strong recovery, recording a 41% month-on-month growth. Additionally, India demonstrated an impressive growth of 80.5% year-on-year, with 88,000 arrivals. These numbers suggest that Vietnam is gaining traction as a preferred destination for travelers from key Asian markets. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the government is working on sustainable tourism strategies to maintain this upward trend throughout the year. This surge is a promising indicator for Vietnam’s tourism sector as it builds momentum in 2026.
Thailand: A Surge Fueled by Chinese Market Recovery
Thailand experienced a massive boost in tourism during January 2026, driven primarily by the recovery of the Chinese market. The total number of arrivals for the month, as of January 25, reached an impressive 2,625,921 visitors, marking a significant surge in both the number of visitors and estimated revenue. The estimated tourism revenue reached ฿129.9 billion (USD ~$3.6 billion), reflecting the growing interest in Thailand as a prime destination for international tourists.
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Among Thailand’s top source markets, China saw a major rebound, with 301,484 arrivals during the month, leading the charge. Malaysia and Russia were also strong contributors, with 235,780 and 223,482 visitors, respectively. India followed closely with 189,786 arrivals, further emphasizing the country’s appeal in Asia. Notably, Chinese arrivals exceeded 100,000 per week for the first time in 15 weeks during January, signaling the recovery of this key market. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thailand, the surge in Chinese visitors is a critical factor in Thailand’s tourism recovery, as the Chinese market has traditionally been one of the largest sources of international tourists. Thailand’s tourism officials remain focused on enhancing experiences and facilities to ensure continued growth in 2026.
Maldives: Historic High in January 2026 Arrivals
The Maldives reached a historic milestone in January 2026, recording its highest-ever monthly arrivals, with a total of 224,788 visitors. This marks a significant achievement for the island nation, especially given the global tourism challenges faced in recent years. The Maldives’ 4.6% year-on-year growth showcases its strong recovery, highlighting its appeal as a premier luxury destination for international travelers. The country’s pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and unique marine life continue to captivate tourists worldwide, making it a top choice for vacations.
The Maldives’ top source markets in January were Russia, which contributed 29,370 visitors, followed by Italy with 23,171 visitors, and China, which saw 22,676 arrivals. These countries have been key to the Maldives’ tourism resurgence, with Russian and Italian tourists especially favoring the country’s exclusive resorts. To build on this growth, the Maldives Ministry of Tourism has officially raised its 2026 target to 2.5 million annual visitors, aiming to further capitalize on the increasing global demand. With its commitment to maintaining high standards of luxury and exclusivity, the Maldives continues to attract a growing number of international travelers, making it one of the top destinations in the Indian Ocean.
Nepal: Strong Start to 2026 with 15.7% Growth
Nepal has experienced a promising start to 2026, with 92,573 visitors arriving in January, marking a 15.7% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This growth highlights the country’s rising appeal as a travel destination, particularly among its regional neighbors. Nepal’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance continue to attract tourists, with both leisure travelers and adventure enthusiasts drawn to the country’s scenic beauty and historical sites.
The top source markets for Nepal’s tourism in January include India, with 26,624 visitors, China with 9,101, and the USA with 8,406 arrivals. Notably, South Asian (SAARC) countries accounted for nearly 40% of the total arrivals, underscoring the importance of regional tourism. Nepal’s proximity to India and China, coupled with the growing interest in wellness, nature, and adventure tourism, positions the country well for attracting more regional visitors. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and increase connectivity with neighboring countries are expected to support continued growth throughout the year. With its combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance, Nepal is poised to continue drawing tourists from across South Asia and beyond in 2026.
In 2026, Sri Lanka joins Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Maldives, and others in starting the year with a turbocharge in Asian tourism, driven by a strong surge in tourist arrivals last month, signaling a robust recovery.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka unites with Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Maldives, and other countries in starting 2026 with a turbocharge in Asian tourism, fueled by a significant surge in tourist arrivals last month. This surge highlights a strong recovery in the region, driven by factors such as improved travel conditions, targeted marketing strategies, and growing confidence among international travelers. As these countries continue to capitalize on their unique attractions and enhance their tourism infrastructure, the momentum gained in early 2026 is expected to sustain growth throughout the year, further strengthening Asia’s position as a global tourism hub.
