‘Sancharaka Udawa 2026’ set to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism future
View(s):By Sanath Weerasuriya
The media launch of ‘Sancharaka Udawa 2026’, Sri Lanka’s own version of global travel marts such as WTM- London, ITB Berlin, ATB Dubai, MITT Moscow and IFTM Top Resa, was held recently, setting the stage for promoting Sri Lanka as a vibrant and responsible travel destination.
The 13th edition will open its doors on May 15 and 16, and promises to be the most ambitious yet, bringing together over 100 international buyers, 250+ exhibitors and more than 300 stalls under one roof at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre in Colombo.
Hospitality leaders, tourism stakeholders and media representatives gathered to celebrate the growing global reach of the exhibition, which is organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism.
Nalin Jayasundera, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), shared the vision behind this year’s edition, describing it as a platform designed to reshape the future of tourism while creating meaningful opportunities for the industry.
A major highlight of the upcoming exhibition is the participation of over 100 international hosted buyers, mainly from Asia, with the largest group arriving from India, Sri Lanka’s top tourism source market. This strong international presence will transform the exhibition into a powerful inbound tourism marketplace, creating direct business opportunities between foreign buyers and local tourism providers.
‘Sancharaka Udawa’ continues to hold a special place in the country’s tourism calendar as Sri Lanka’s only dedicated travel and tourism exhibition, promoting responsible tourism that benefits communities, protects the environment and enhances visitor experiences.
Delivering the keynote address, Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, emphasised tourism’s vital role in the national economy and the need to build a tourism framework that creates positive impacts for local communities while attracting global travellers.
The two-day exhibition will feature a high-level panel discussion on tourism marketing with international experts, business networking opportunities and an awards ceremony recognising the best stall designs and sponsors. The event will open with the SLAITO Special General Meeting, setting the tone for two days of networking, innovation and industry collaboration.
This year also marks a milestone, with Diamond Sponsors Araliya Group of Hotels and United Motors supporting the exhibition alongside Platinum Partner LankaPay, Gold Sponsors Aitken Spence Travels and Browns Hotels, Official Hospitality Partner Hilton Colombo and Catering Partner Mount Lavinia Hotel.
‘With strong international participation and growing corporate support, we believe Sancharaka Udawa 2026 is set to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s presence on the global tourism stage’ said Nishad Wijetuna, the Chairman- Organising Committee ‘Sancharaka Udawa 2026’.
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