Deputy Minister of Tourism opens the official Sri Lanka stand, as one of the show’s largest delegations of travel companies sets out three full days of business with UK buyers. 

Sri Lanka made a confident start at WTM London 2026, as the official Sri Lanka stand was opened on Day 1 by Hon. Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof Ruwan Ranasinghe. He was joined by industry partners Bobby Jordan Hansen, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and Asoka Hettigoda, President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). 

The opening came on a day when some of the travel industry’s biggest debates took centre stage at ExCeL London. WTM’s Global Travel Report, produced in association with Tourism Economics, found that 60% of travellers surveyed want “luxury” holidays where experiences are key. It also found that 58% of international travellers have taken a trip abroad specifically to attend an event in the past two years. 

Those findings play to Sri Lanka’s strengths. The island offers cultural heritage, wildlife, wellness, beaches and tea country within short distances of each other, giving travellers the immersive, experience-led holidays the research highlights. 

Addressing guests at the stand, the Deputy Minister underlined the importance of the UK to Sri Lanka Tourism. He noted that the UK is Sri Lanka’s second-highest revenue-generating source market. He also spoke of the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK, built on shared history, people-to-people ties and decades of travel between the two countries. 

Sri Lanka has one of the highest numbers of travel companies represented at this year’s show. Exhibitors from across the inbound tour operator and hotel sectors have three full days of appointments scheduled with UK and international buyers. 

With a full appointment schedule and strong engagement from the trade, Sri Lanka remains positive about its tourism trajectory for the coming winter season and into 2027. The delegation is using WTM London to strengthen partnerships with UK tour operators, travel agents and media, and to showcase the variety of experiences the island offers. 

Visitors to WTM London can meet the Sri Lanka delegation at stand  until 5 November.