Latest news with #SriLankaTourismPromotionBureau
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sri Lanka unveils renewed tourism vision at Arabian Travel Market 2025 Press Conference
Dubai, UAE: The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a press conference on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, reaffirming its commitment to expanding tourism partnerships and boosting arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the broader Middle East, and international markets. The conference highlighted key developments across Sri Lanka's tourism sector, including infrastructure upgrades, market trends, and evolving traveler experiences. Addressing a packed media room, Sampath Nishshanka, Managing Director of SLTPB, outlined the country's strategic focus on community-based experiences, wellness and nature travel, and premium hospitality. 'Sri Lanka is not just a destination — it is an experience shaped by warmth, culture, and meaningful connections that today's discerning travelers seek,' he said. 'We take pride in our heritage and the genuine hospitality that defines us. As we present a renewed vision for tourism, we invite the world — here at Arabian Travel Market — to rediscover Sri Lanka with fresh eyes and open hearts.' The press conference emphasized SLTPB's collaboration with GCC-based travel agencies and airlines to enhance connectivity and curate personalized experiences for travelers in GCC and the wider region. It also spotlighted efforts to strengthen media and trade engagement through authentic storytelling and by reinforcing confidence in Sri Lanka as the ideal travel destination for GCC and Middle East traveller. The Sri Lanka Pavilion at ATM 2025 features a mix of co-exhibitors — including boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and destination management companies (DMCs) — keen to forge partnerships across the region and beyond. SLTPB also unveiled initiatives targeting families, spiritual travelers, and adventure seekers, aligning with summer travel trends. Visa-free entry for GCC nationals, direct air links, and attractive luxury packages further reinforce Sri Lanka's appeal as a premier holiday destination. Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a top choice for travelers from the GCC and wider Middle East, offering halal-friendly services, safety, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes. With its year-round appeal, upscale accommodations, and expanding infrastructure, the island caters to a broad range of travel preferences from the region. By participating in ATM 2025, Sri Lanka underscores its strategic focus on GCC and wider Middle East as key source markets. Through innovation, collaboration, and traveler-centric experiences, the country is charting a confident path toward a sustainable and thriving tourism future. About The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is the official government body tasked with overseeing all marketing and promotional efforts related to Sri Lanka's travel and tourism industry. The Bureau is led by the Chairman, Managing Director, and a Board of Directors that includes representatives from key industry associations such as the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, among others. SLTPB's core mission is to market and promote Sri Lanka — both directly and indirectly — as a high-quality tourist destination, in line with the national Tourism Development Plan. This is achieved in collaboration with key entities including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau, the Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management, and a wide range of travel and tourism stakeholders.
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Sri Lanka unveils renewed tourism vision at ATM
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) outlined the country's strategic tourism focus on community-based experiences, wellness and nature travel, and premium hospitality at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. At a press conference on the sidelines of ATM, SLTPB reaffirmed its commitment to expanding tourism partnerships and boosting arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the broader Middle East, and international markets. The conference highlighted key developments across Sri Lanka's tourism sector, including infrastructure upgrades, market trends, and evolving traveller experiences. Sampath Nishshanka, Managing Director of SLTPB, said: 'Sri Lanka is not just a destination — it is an experience shaped by warmth, culture, and meaningful connections that today's discerning travellers seek,' he said. 'We take pride in our heritage and the genuine hospitality that defines us. As we present a renewed vision for tourism, we invite the world — here at Arabian Travel Market — to rediscover Sri Lanka with fresh eyes and open hearts.' The press conference emphasised SLTPB's collaboration with GCC-based travel agencies and airlines to enhance connectivity and curate personalized experiences for travelers in GCC and the wider region. It also spotlighted efforts to strengthen media and trade engagement through authentic storytelling and by reinforcing confidence in Sri Lanka as the ideal travel destination for GCC and Middle East traveller. The Sri Lanka Pavilion at ATM 2025 features a mix of co-exhibitors — including boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and destination management companies (DMCs) — keen to forge partnerships across the region and beyond. SLTPB also unveiled initiatives targeting families, spiritual travelers, and adventure seekers, aligning with summer travel trends. Visa-free entry for GCC nationals, direct air links, and attractive luxury packages further reinforce Sri Lanka's appeal as a premier holiday destination. Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a top choice for travellers from the GCC and wider Middle East, offering halal-friendly services, safety, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes. With its year-round appeal, upscale accommodations, and expanding infrastructure, the island caters to a broad range of travel preferences from the region.
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Sri Lanka looks to attract Saudi travelers to diversify tourist influx
COLOMBO: Saudi Arabia is one of Sri Lanka's priority markets for tourism, authorities have told Arab News, as the island nation seeks to attract more visitors from the Kingdom to diversify its tourist base. Tourism has been on the mend in Sri Lanka as the island nation recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its worst economic crisis in decades. In 2024, the sector that is traditionally one of key sources of foreign reserves welcomed more than 2 million tourists and earned about $3 billion. To further boost its hospitality sector, Sri Lankan officials are planning to lessen its reliance on conventional tourist markets and target new visitors, especially those from Saudi Arabia. 'Recognizing the immense potential of the Saudi market, Sri Lanka has positioned Saudi Arabia as a key priority in its tourism promotion efforts,' Madusha Perera, assistant director for marketing at the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, told Arab News recently. 'The country aims to tap into the growing outbound travel market in Saudi Arabia, which has shown an increasing interest in international destinations. By focusing on this market, Sri Lanka seeks to diversify its tourist base and reduce its dependency on traditional source markets.' In October, the Sri Lankan government began issuing free tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia. Last week, the SLTPB and Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh hosted a special roadshow in the Saudi capital and Dammam to showcase its tourism offerings and forge new partnerships with key players in the Kingdom's travel industry. To attract more Saudi tourists, Sri Lankan officials have prepared special packages that cater to the market. 'Sri Lanka offers a culturally rich experience that resonates with Saudi tourists,' Perera said. 'The country is enhancing its offerings by including halal-friendly services and Arabic-language resources. 'These initiatives are designed to provide a comfortable and familiar environment for visitors from Saudi Arabia.' These recent efforts built upon Sri Lanka's historical ties with Saudi Arabia, which has been rooted in people-to-people relations, said Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad. The roadshows last week were held after a years-long hiatus, he added. 'The events were immensely productive and helped to forge business collaborations in the tourism industry,' he told Arab News. With its famous palm-fringed white beaches, seaside resorts offering water sports, and UNESCO cultural sites, Sri Lanka is a destination that fits well with the preferences of Saudi tourists. 'Sri Lanka offers a wide array of facilities from luxury family getaways and wellness retreats to wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, natural beauty, family-friendly activities and halal-friendly travel which are mostly preferred by Saudi tourists,' Ajwad said. 'We shall continue to organize roadshows in all major cities of Saudi Arabia to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia's outbound travel partners and other tourism promotional activities,' said Ajwad. The aim is to position the island nation as a 'premier, year-round destination for (the) Saudi family, luxury, and experiential tourism.'
Arab News
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Sri Lanka holds tourism roadshow in Saudi Arabia
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh has been holding a tourism roadshow in the Kingdom to attract travelers from Saudi Arabia. The embassy organized the roadshow with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, with the first event held on Tuesday in Riyadh, and the second on Thursday in Alkhobar. Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad inaugurated the roadshow which included several destination-management companies from both nations. Ajwad told Arab News on Thursday that the initiative marked a significant new chapter in Sri Lanka's tourism promotion efforts in Saudi Arabia as it comes after a six-year hiatus. He urged tourism firms of both nations to collaborate on marketing Sri Lanka. He said Saudi Arabia tourists are expected to spend $25.49 billion by 2027 on overseas travel. Ajwad said the two nations have strong ties and recently marked 50 years of diplomatic relations. 'As Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia are promoting the tourism industry in an active manner, both countries have huge potential to collaborate and complement each other in this sector. 'For this purpose, regular interaction between the inbound and outbound tour operators of both countries facilitated by both government authorities, will be helpful,' he added. Ajwad also launched on Tuesday a dedicated Snapchat account named 'Jannat Dunya' in Arabic for the promotion of Sri Lanka tourism in Saudi Arabia. Addressing the gathering, Sampath Nissanka, managing director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, provided an overview of his country's growing industry. He said Sri Lanka's was targeting 5 million arrivals by 2030 with high-end travelers accounting for 50 percent of that figure. Thusitha Wickramasinghe, country manager for Sri Lankan Airlines, and tourism representatives, highlighted the attractions of the country for travelers. The attractions include halal eateries, luxury wellness retreats, wildlife safaris and cultural experiences. A networking session between the visiting top 20 Sri Lankan tourism firms and their Saudi Arabia counterparts took place during the Riyadh event.
Zawya
19-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau showcases island charm and offerings in Saudi Arabia
Dubai, UAE – The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is set to host two exclusive roadshows in Saudi Arabia, ahead of its participation in Arabian Travel Market 2025. The events will take place on April 22 in Riyadh at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal, and on April 24 in Al Khobar at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences. These roadshows play a key role in Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia's outbound travel partners, positioning the island nation as a premier, year-round destination for family, luxury, and experiential tourism. SLTPB, along with leading Sri Lankan tourism partners, will showcase a wide array of travel offerings — from luxury family getaways and wellness retreats to wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and halal-friendly travel. Attendees will include Saudi-based travel agents, tour operators, travel consultants, airlines, and DMCs. The events will feature one-on-one meetings, networking opportunities, and business development sessions aimed at forging new partnerships in Saud Arabia, which remains Sri Lanka's largest outbound tourism market in the Middle East. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said: 'We are returning to Saudi Arabia with a clear message: Sri Lanka is open to the world, and we are eager to welcome Saudi visitors in greater numbers than ever before. We're proud to be back in the Kingdom showcasing the best of Sri Lanka: our world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and unwavering commitment to safety. These roadshows play a vital role in strengthening our ties with valued partners in Saudi Arabia, while also highlighting our latest travel offerings — from unforgettable summer holidays to exclusive Eid Al-Adha family packages, specially designed with Saudi travelers in mind.' With growing interest from Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, Sri Lanka is rapidly emerging as a top choice for families, groups, and solo travelers alike. From the stunning beaches of the East Coast and misty tea estates to vibrant wildlife parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the island offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of visitor. The upcoming roadshows in Saudi Arabia underscore Sri Lanka's strong commitment to empowering the travel trade, uplifting local communities, and creating long-term, mutual value across the tourism ecosystem. For more information about Sri Lanka as a travel destination, visit: Hashtags #SriLankaTourism #VisitSriLanka #TourismRoadshow #SLRoadshow2025 #TravelTrade SriLankaXSaudi #SriLankaXRiyadh #SriLankaXKhobar #SriLankaAwaits #ExploreSriLanka #IslandEscape #SaudiTravel #FamilyTravel #HalalTravel #LuxuryTravel #WildlifeAdventures #CulturalTravel #WellnessRetreats #EidTravel #DiscoverSriLanka # #Travel #SaudiArabia #Bahrain #UAE #Dubai #Kuwait #Oman #Qatar #MiddleEast #AVIAREPS About The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is the official government body tasked with overseeing all marketing and promotional efforts related to Sri Lanka's travel and tourism industry. The Bureau is led by the Chairman, Managing Director, and a Board of Directors that includes representatives from key industry associations such as the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, among others. SLTPB's core mission is to market and promote Sri Lanka — both directly and indirectly — as a high-quality tourist destination, in line with the national Tourism Development Plan. This is achieved in collaboration with key entities including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau, the Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management, and a wide range of travel and tourism stakeholders. For more information, please contact: Mazen Al-Ibrahim Director of Public Relations AVIAREPS Middle East Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE e: malibrahim@
