Sri Lanka tourism left an indelible mark at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, the leading global event of travel and tourism trade held at the ExCel Exhibition Hall, London, UK from 05-07 November 2024. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) with the support of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London participated in the event, along with over 100 industry partners.
Sri Lanka stand was declared open on 5 November 2024 by Duchess of Rutland Emma Manners. She was joined by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama, Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, Lord Naseby, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council Lord Marland, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Buddhika Hewawasam, other officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, and distinguished guests representing the UK travel trade.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Buddhika Hewawasam conducted a series of B2B meetings with leading UK travel companies, associations, and travel media during the three days of the WTM. A press conference for the UK mainstream and travel media was organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism on 06 November 2024 at the exhibition venue. The high-profile event was attended by over 84 leading UK travel and media outlets and travel influencers.
The Sri Lanka stand at the WTM won the award for the Best Stand for Doing Business for its corporate and welcoming atmosphere which offered plenty of space to do business in. Further enhancing Sri Lanka’s presence at the WTM, the country simultaneously received the Gold Award for the “Most Desirable Island” at the Wanderlust Travel Magazine Awards held on 06 November 2024 in London.
Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in October 2024 were recorded at 1.6 million with a revenue of USD 2.5 billion, marking a significant milestone in the country's tourism sector, despite numerous challenges it endured in the recent past. The United Kingdom is the second source of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka with 146,670 tourists up to 31 October 2024.
Sri Lanka’s participation at the WTM 2024 underscores the country’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier travel destination amidst a renewed tourism strategy and new way forward.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
11 November 2024
