British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) Media Convention was held in Sri Lanka from 13- 23rd May 2025, with the aim of enhancing destination exposure through top UK travel media and to generate high-level publicity for Sri Lanka in the UK market. The group consisted of 34 accredited professional journalists representing the BGTW Association, and they were discovering Sri Lanka’s unique tourism experiences in three different themes -; Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Nature and The Road Less Travelled.
Chris Coe, Chairman BGTW made a grand entrance depicting
the times of the Kandyan Kings
The Gala dinner arranged by Sri Lanka Tourism held in honour of the visiting members of the British Guild Travel Writers Association (BGTWA) turned out to be a wonderful evening of entertainment networking for the visiting Journalists, key Industry stake holders and the local media personnel.
To the delight of all present, Chris Coe, Chairman BGTW made a grand entrance depicting the times of the Kandyan Kings in then Ceylon, clad aptly in traditional Kandyan Nilame outfit, becoming the cynosure of all attendees at the colourful event held at Cinnamon Life. Coe walked majestically to the podium to speak and one light heartedly remarked ‘an official address to his subjects.’ He described Sri Lanka as “a Stunning Island offering exquisite travel experiences,” with much love and passion towards our country he related the experiences of the tour they were on and emphasized the potential Sri Lanka has in showcasing itself as a unique and immersive travel destination in the world.
He emphasized how this tour has transformed the Journalists perspective of the country from a sun, sand, and sea destination to a vibrant and diverse travelers’ paradise. He assured that the publicity they will give of the country “will reflect their first hand experiences in Sri Lanka which would definitely encourage more and more UK travelers to visit this enchanting destination in Asia.”
Hiran Cooray – Jetwing Symphony/ Light House Hotel PLC
British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) Media Convention was held in Sri Lanka from 13- 23rd May 2025, with the aim of enhancing destination exposure through top UK travel media and to generate high-level publicity for Sri Lanka in the UK market.
The group consisted of 34 accredited professional journalists representing the BGTW Association, and they were discovering Sri Lanka’s unique tourism experiences in three different themes -; Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Nature and The Road Less Travelled.
The main focus of the convention was to showcase Sri Lanka’s sustainable tourism products, authentic experiences, inclusive and immersive travel, off-the-beaten-path explorations, and unique tourism hospitality services offered by the destination, enabling them to envisage the country in an entirely different lens.
Buddhika Kariyawasam,
Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism
The media group travelled for 10 days around the country including North & East, Central Highlands, Cultural Triangle, Southern and western coast covering a range of diverse experiences such as cave meditation, religious philosophy, wildlife and nature, jungle treks, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, arts and crafts, adventure, people and ethnic harmony, high quality hospitality services and learning deep rooted cultural traditions engaging in a spectrum of curated activities in one single platter. The BGTW media group’s visit in Sri Lanka concluded on a high note, with the hosting of this Gala Dinner by Sri Lanka Tourism. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, M. Shanthikumar, Chairman of THASL, Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels, Dinesh Perera, Managing Director,
Blue Lanka Tours were seen enjoying the evening with the British media, who expressed their gratitude for Sri Lanka and spoke of how they were mesmerized with the Sri Lankan experience and hospitality throughout the entire tour.
Juliet Coombe,
Senior Travel Editor, member BGTW
A toast was raised on behalf of the BGTW, followed by a speech by Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, highlighting on Tourism Promotions and the way forward of Tourism Industry of Sri Lanka. He remarked “Your voices are what is being heard by the world, and I know for sure, you will bring about the best part of Sri Lanka to your avid readers”.
Juliet Coombe, Senior Travel Editor of the BGTW made the closing remarks praising Sri Lanka hospitality and being grateful to Sri Lanka Tourism for hosting the BGTW Convention 2025. She said the tour gave everlasting memories of Sri Lanka for the BGTW members, to spread the message to the wide audiences back home and relate the many untold stories and share the lasting impressions.
“The tour enabled us to generate more compelling narratives to showcase the destination and its unique appeal that would surely lead to high growth of potential travelers to visit Sri Lanka in the future.” she said.
A special video titled ‘’ Voices of a Memorable Journey ‘’ was screened, voicing the compelling narratives of the journalists who participated in the tours.
Pix by Shan Rambukwalla
