From a first-ever stop in Christchurch to a grand finale in Perth, Sri Lanka’s biggest trade push yet into Australia and New Zealand put 50 Sri Lankan suppliers face-to-face with the agents who sell the destination.
Forget the brochure drop. When the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) headed to Australia and New Zealand this spring, it brought the island with it: hoteliers, DMCs, oil lamps, Magul Bera drums and all.
Between 31 August and 9 September 2026, the SLTPB’s B2B Networking Series swept through Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, connecting a 50-strong Sri Lankan delegation with more than 250 travel agents and tour operators. It ranks among the largest and most sustained trade engagements Sri Lanka Tourism has staged in these two key source markets, and for agents, it meant rare, one-stop access to the island’s accommodation and destination-management sector.
Christchurch: a first for the South Island
The roadshow opened somewhere Sri Lanka Tourism had never held a B2B session before, a clear signal that New Zealand’s regional markets are now firmly on the radar. H.E. Mr. Prasanna Gamage, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to New Zealand, underlined the value of Kiwi travellers to the island, while Dr. Hamish Campbell, MP for Ilam, called for closer ties between the two industries. SLTPB Chairman Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam introduced the new experiences waiting for visitors, before cultural performances, a lively Q&A and raffle draws closed the evening.
Auckland: star power and storytelling
A day later, more than 50 Auckland agents and operators joined the delegation, with former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand as Chief Guest. Travel personalities Karena and Kasey Bird shared first-hand stories from their Sri Lankan travels, and TVNZ’s Scotty Stevenson brought a media perspective to the room.
Sydney: a new campaign takes off
Crossing the Tasman on 3 September, the series landed in Sydney with media interviews and a press conference featuring H.E. Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, the SLTPB Chairman and Mr. Ravindran V. of SriLankan Airlines. Ms. Luana Soares Ostling shared her own Sri Lanka experiences, and Mr. Hewawasam used the stage to unveil a new PR and Digital Campaign for the Australian market.
Adelaide: another milestone
On 7 September, Adelaide hosted its first-ever Sri Lanka Tourism B2B programme, opening with both national anthems, the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and a rousing Magul Bera performance. Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Ruwan Ranasinghe led a high-profile line-up that included H.E. Ms. Gunasekara, Mr. Hewawasam, Mr. Dennis Bunnik (Joint CEO of Bunnik Tours and former Chair of CATO), Mr. C.L. Gasnawage (Assistant Director Marketing, Australia and New Zealand) and Mr. Ravindran V. The common thread: better air connectivity and deeper cooperation between the two tourism sectors.
Perth: the grand finale
The series wrapped up on 9 September in Perth, where agents had one last chance to talk business with their Sri Lankan counterparts. Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Ruwan Ranasinghe was joined by Mr. Janitha Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, alongside H.E. Ms. Gunasekara, Mr. Hewawasam, Mr. Ravindran V. and the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Western Australia, all pressing home the case for stronger tourism ties and improved air links.
More than a sales pitch
What set this roadshow apart was the depth of contact. The delegation of DMCs, hotels and resort groups arrived armed with updated portfolios and seasonal packages built specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers, and spent nine days talking itineraries, pricing and destination highlights directly with the people who sell them.
Culture was woven through every stop. Traditional dance, drumming and oil-lamp ceremonies sat alongside destination films, letting Sri Lanka show who it is, not just what it sells. Diplomats, ministers, airline executives, media personalities and travellers who had experienced the island first-hand all added credibility and spark.
The SLTPB sees the series as the start of lasting partnerships rather than a one-off promotion. With more than 250 agents now personally acquainted with Sri Lanka’s suppliers, the foundations are in place for a busier pipeline from Australia and New Zealand.
