The Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, in collaboration with Secrets of Ceylon, hosted a travel and tourism presentation and networking session on 26 June 2025 at the High Commission, bringing together around 35 UK-based key tourism professionals, travel agents, tour operators and freelancers.
This event marked the first official tourism sector engagement in the UK for the High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera since assuming duties. In his address, the High Commissioner Senadheera outlined Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery, noting that over 2 million tourists visited the country in 2024, generating $3 billion in revenue—a 100% increase from the previous year. He projected 3 million arrivals and $5 billion income in 2025, citing global recognition of Sri Lanka as a “best, beautiful, safer, friendly and family-friendly” destination. He also highlighted tourism as a key economic priority under the new government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, initiated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
On UK arrivals, the High Commissioner Senadheera stated the UK ranked as the third-largest source market in 2024 with a total of 178,339 tourists— an increase of 40% compared to 2023. By mid-June 2025, 102,432 UK tourists had visited Sri Lanka, averaging over 15,000 per month and accounting for 9% of total arrivals, steadily nearing pre-COVID levels.
The keynote presentation was conducted by the Managing Director of Secrets of Ceylon, Jean-Marc Flambert, who unveiled a compelling visual and narrative journey through the island’s lesser-known destinations. He shared insights into boutique experiences in Sri Lanka, appealing community-led travel promoted by his hotels, and strategic marketing tools that could effectively position Sri Lanka among discerning UK travellers.
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session moderated by the Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa, where discussions ranged from the opportunities for promoting off-season travel to Sri Lanka, new tourism sites being built, promoting optional wildlife national parks, addressing travelers’ concerns regarding safety, infrastructure, environment, required awareness programmes etc. The participants expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration and were optimistic about the renewed energy around promoting Sri Lanka as a destination that is both diverse and resilient. The event also included a networking reception where the participants had the opportunity to express views and discuss Sri Lanka’s growing and unmatched tourism industry and its trends and suggested requirements.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
01 July 2025
