Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) revealed the island’s latest tourism developments at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from 3-5 November at ExCeL London. Led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Sri Lanka delegation hosted a lunch and press conference on 4 November, sharing updates on new air connectivity from the UK, the country’s national tourism strategy and its priorities for 2027.
Sri Lanka’s programme at WTM began on Tuesday 3 November, with the Deputy Minister officially opening Stand N11-220 as Chief Guest. He was joined by Mr. Chamila Jayarathne, Deputy Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Ms. Bobby Jordan Hansen, President, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and other distinguished guests. The ceremony featured a ribbon cutting, the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and Sri Lankan cultural performances, followed by speeches from the delegation’s main representatives. The opening ceremony drew a large crowd, who gathered excitedly to experience the spectacle.
The press conference took place on day two of the show in the new ICC Maritime Suite, attended by over 120 journalists, travel trade guests and content creators. The head table included Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism; Mr Premathilake Jayakody, Minister Commercial, High Commission of Sri Lanka in London; Mr. Chamila Jayarathne, Deputy Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau; Ms. Bobby Jordan Hansen, President, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO); Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, President, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL); Mr. Jim Odoire, Managing Director, Black Diamond; Mr. Ajai Veer Singh, Convener, Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival – London Edition; and Mr. Chinthaka Weerasinghe, Head of Europe, SriLankan Airlines.
A key focus was improved connectivity from the UK. British Airways launched its new seasonal direct service between London Gatwick and Colombo on 23 October 2026, operating three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) through the winter season. The new service gives UK travellers additional direct capacity to the island alongside SriLankan Airlines’ services.
Speakers also outlined the National Tourism Strategic Planning Consultancy (2026-2031) and Global Promotional Campaign Road Map Consultancy, launched on 31 August 2026. These will shape Sri Lanka’s tourism strategy and international promotion over the next five years, with a focus on competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, investment and insight-led marketing. Sri Lanka is targeting 4-5 million international visitor arrivals by 2030, with seniors, families and young professionals among its priority UK audiences.
Trade updates included Adventure Plus, a specialist insurance product from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Insurance General. It covers visitors taking part in activities such as surfing, hiking, diving, cycling and wildlife experiences, and 30-day cover costs USD 8 (£6) through authorised tour agents and activity centres. According to Sri Lanka Tourism, accommodation establishments have grown by approximately 12% since 2025 and room capacity by 11.6%. New luxury villas, boutique hotels, eco-lodges and experiential stays are opening in Galle, the Southern Coast, the hill country, Ella and Yala, and in emerging areas such as Kalpitiya.
Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, said: “If someone wants to experience such diversity in one compact place, Sri Lanka is the destination. Our new digital campaign, running over the coming year, will position Sri Lanka as a high-value destination in the UK market, and through partnership and active engagement we can bring its timeless beauty and unforgettable experiences to UK travellers.”
The press conference closed with a raffle for attendees, with prizes provided by Sri Lankan hotel groups and tour operators including Jetwing Hotels, Citrus Leisure and Apple Vacations. Prizes ranged from coastal hotel stays to a 10-day holiday for two around the island.
Following the press conference, Sri Lanka Tourism hosted the Ceylon Literary & Arts Festival – London Edition, convened by Ajai Veer Singh. The festival presents a contemporary side of Sri Lanka through its literature, arts, culture, food and stories, building on a festival that has previously welcomed names including Julia Quinn, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi.
For more information, please visit www.srilanka.travel
