Sri Lanka Shines at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025: Showcasing the Island’s Tourism Excellence to the World
In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London proudly marked a remarkable level of participation by the nation’s tourism industry at WTM 2025, held from 4–6 November 2025 at the ExCel London. A delegation of 92 leading travel and tourism partners represented the island, highlighting its vibrant and rapidly growing tourism sector to an international audience. The Sri Lanka Pavilion provided a dynamic platform for B2B meetings, networking, and collaboration between global travel and hospitality professionals.
During his welcome remarks at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera expressed his appreciation to all partners and participants, noting that their collective effort created a powerful platform to showcase the island as a premier global destination. He highlighted that over 1.8 million visitors had already been welcomed by Sri Lanka in 2025, with the United Kingdom remaining the second-largest source market, contributing more than 170,000 arrivals by October. The Pavilion was also graced by the Rt Hon Lord Hannett of Everton, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, who praised the strong partnership between the two nations and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in trade, tourism, and culture. Addressing the opening ceremony, SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam noted that Sri Lanka’s renewed focus on sustainable tourism, wellness, and wildlife reflected its commitment to responsible, high-quality growth and meaningful travel experiences.
Parallel to the Sri Lanka Pavilion, a press conference was held on 5 November at WTM, bringing together a significant gathering of UK travel and tourism media, journalists, and PR representatives. The event provided a high-profile platform to share the latest developments in the sector, including government priorities, enhanced air connectivity through Sri Lankan Airlines, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Speakers included High Commissioner Senadheera, SLTPB Chairman, SLTPB Director of Marketing Dushan Wickramasuriya, Regional Manager Europe and Americas at Sri Lankan Airlines Chinthaka Weerasinghe, and Chris Coe, Chair of BGTW. Also present at the head table were Nalin Jayasundera, President of SLAITO, and M. Shanthikumar, President of THASL, representing the country’s travel and hospitality sectors.
Visitors to the Sri Lanka Pavilion were treated to a vibrant celebration of the island’s culture and heritage, featuring traditional dance performances and the serving of renowned Ceylon Tea, offering guests an authentic taste of the island’s warmth and hospitality. The Pavilion at WTM 2025 once again reaffirmed the country’s position as a resilient, innovative, and welcoming destination, ready to inspire travellers and strengthen global tourism partnerships.
18th November 2025
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
