With the burgeoning significance of the Tourist and hospitality sector, Sancharaka Udawa, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair held on May 23 and 24, had recorded and unprecedented number of visitors, much more than the previous years.
President Anura Dissanayaka graced the occasion at the opening of the two day Fair which was organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour operators (SLATO) in collaboration with the main event partner, Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau (SLTPB).
Sancharaka Udawa provided an exclusive platform for both B2B and B2C sectors fostering engagement between industry stake holders and pertinent government bodies. The event had over 250 exhibitors on the two dates from 10 am to 8 pm.
This year’s edition extended to outbound tourism stake holders such as travel Agents. The exhibition concluded with a celebratory gathering, offering networking opportunities for both new comers and veterans in the Industry, alongside an award ceremony honouring the Best Stall Creation.
The primary aim of the exhibition is to establish a networking platform for small and medium-sized service providers within the industry, facilitating connections with tour operators and facilitating their integration into the boarder tourism landscape. The anticipated outcome includes a significant surge in bookings for regional small scale tourism service providers.
Moreover, exhibitors stand to gain numerous benefits, including enhanced brand visibility across Sri Lanka’s Tourism marketing platforms, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to industry capacity building and infrastructure enhancement.
To foster stronger ties between industry players and government bodies, tourism- related government departments were provided with complimentary stalls. Additionally, several universities, including Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLTHM) University of Uva Wellassa, University of Rajarata, University of Sabaragamuwa, University of Colombo, NSB Green University, University College of Jaffna and University of the Visuals & Performing Arts joined as knowledge partners for the event, further strengthening the forum’s focus on Youth participation and academic engagement.
The spectacle featured engaging sessions aimed at both trade visitors and the public, ensuring maximum value.
Credit is due to the robust marketing campaign by CDC Events & Travel Pvt. Ltd. together with Aitken Spence Convention & Exhibitions for successfully concluding the Sancharaka Udawe 2025.
Platinum sponsor was Aitken Spence Travels, Gold Sponsor was LankaPay Pvt. Ltd., while Micro Cars limited was the Silver Sponsor and Digital Media Partner was Web Lankan.com (Pvt) Ltd.
– C.I.M.
