Biggest ever Sri Lanka Tourism Pavilion opens at WTM, London

 

Sri Lanka’s biggest ever country pavilion was declared open at the World Travel Mart (WTM) on 5 November 2024 at ExCel London, United Kingdom by Her Grace Emma Manners, Duchess of Rutland under the theme of “You will come back for more”. She was joined by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia,  The Rt Hon Lord Naseby, The Lord Marland Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, other officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and distinguished guests representing the UK travel trade. 105 tour and travel companies and hoteliers are representing Sri Lanka this year at the WTM, the largest contingent to date.

Speaking at the opening, High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama highlighted the recovery of Sri Lanka tourism industry since 2022 and appreciated the quality and experience offered by the industry. Mr Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman SLTPB outlined that this year’s country pavilion is a momentous occasion for the new government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and demonstrates the enthusiasm of the industry which is ready to offer new products and experience to the visitors. Long standing friend of Sri Lanka, The Rt Hon Lord Naseby, member of the House of Lords spoke of his affiliations with the country dating back to over six decades and invited everyone to enjoy the unique and special experience offered by Sri Lanka. Her Grace Duchess of Rutland in her remarks highlighted the resilience of the Sri Lankans which has enabled the country to bounce back on the face of adversity.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr Hewawasam is scheduled to conduct a series of B2B meetings with leading UK travel companies, associations, and travel media during the three days. A press conference for the UK mainstream and travel media will be held on 6th November 2024 at the exhibition venue.

Tourism arrivals in Sri Lanka in October 2024 was recorded at 1.6 million with a revenue of USD 2.5 billion, marking a significant milestone after enduring multiple challenges in the recent past. The United Kingdom has been the second contributor of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka with 146,670 tourists up to 31 October 2024.

WTM offers Sri Lanka travel industry an opportunity to meet, interact and network with travel and tourism industry partners from the UK. WTM is the leading global event of Travel and Tourism Trade which attracts more than 50,000 visitors, 5,000 trade partners (exhibitors) and over 3000 journalists around the world each year. The event will be held for three days from 05-07 November 2024.

 

Sri Lanka High Commission

London

05 November 2024