Sri Lanka’s only dedicated travel and tourism exhibition gears up for its biggest edition yet
The countdown has begun for one of Sri Lanka’s most anticipated events in the tourism calendar. The 13th edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026 is set to open its doors on 15th and 16th May, and this year promises to be the most ambitious yet with over 100 international buyers, 250+ exhibitors, and more than 300 stalls coming together under one roof.
The media briefing for Sancharaka Udawa 2026 was held at The Blue, Hilton Colombo, hosted by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), signalling the strong institutional backing that has made this exhibition a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Going Global: 100 International Buyers Take Centre Stage
In a landmark development for this year’s edition, Sancharaka Udawa 2026 will host over 100 international hosted buyers, predominantly from Asia, with the largest contingent arriving from India — Sri Lanka’s number one tourism generating market. This global participation transforms the exhibition into a powerful inbound tourism marketplace, creating direct business opportunities between foreign buyers and local tourism service providers.
Sancharaka Udawa holds a unique and distinguished place in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape as the country’s only dedicated travel and tourism exhibition. Its national significance was underscored at the 2025 edition, which was inaugurated by His Excellency the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake — a powerful endorsement of the event’s role in driving Sri Lanka’s tourism agenda forward.
At the heart of Sancharaka Udawa is a clear and compelling mission — to connect Sri Lanka’s small and medium tourism enterprises with international tour operators and integrate them into the global tourism ecosystem. The anticipated outcome is a significant surge in bookings for regional and small-scale tourism service providers, many of whom count this exhibition as their most important annual business event.
The exhibition promises a dynamic two-day experience. Day One will feature a high-level Panel Discussion on Tourism Marketing with International Experts, followed by a Business Networking Gathering — an invaluable opportunity for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. The evening will culminate in an Awards Ceremony recognising the Best Stall designs and event sponsors.
The event will be officially launched with the SLAITO Special General Meeting (SGM), setting the tone for two days of business, networking, and innovation.
This year’s edition marks a historic first — for the first time in 13 years, Sancharaka Udawa will be supported by two Diamond Sponsors: the prestigious Araliya Group of Hotels and United Motors. This milestone signals the growing stature and commercial impact of the exhibition within Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry.
Joining them is an impressive roster of partners:
- Platinum Partner: Lanaka Pay (returning for the 2nd consecutive year)
- Gold Sponsors: Aitken Spence Travels & Browns Hotels
- Official Hospitality Partner: Hilton Colombo
- Catering Partner: Mount Lavinia Hotel
Mark Your Calendars
Sancharaka Udawa 2026 | 15th & 16th May 2026 Organised by SLAITO & Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau
Whether you are a tour operator, hotelier, travel agent, or tourism service provider this is the one event in Sri Lanka you cannot afford to miss.
