-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -23.May.2025, 11.10 PM) Sri Lanka’s largest and most ambitious tourism exhibition to date, aptly titled “Tourism Renaissance 2025”, was ceremoniously inaugurated today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment in the island nation's drive to revive and reshape its tourism industry post-crisis, positioning Sri Lanka as a rejuvenated and competitive global destination.
Jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), the exhibition stands as a testament to the public-private sector synergy that is now being fostered in the country’s approach to economic development. The two-day showcase, running through May 24, brings together more than 250 exhibitors, ranging from established industry players to emerging entrepreneurs, all seeking to highlight their offerings to a domestic and international audience.
What distinguishes Tourism Renaissance 2025 from previous efforts is its inclusivity. It is designed not merely for large hospitality giants and seasoned tour operators, but also as a vital platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs to engage directly with stakeholders, buyers, and potential partners.
As President Dissanayake made his way through the exhibition halls, engaging in warm conversation with stallholders and representatives, it was clear that the event is intended to be far more than a ceremonial photo opportunity. The President’s interactions were marked by curiosity and candour, as he inquired into the challenges and innovations shaping each exhibitor’s contribution to the sector.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Mr. Vijitha Herath, declared 2025 “the year of the tourism renaissance.” He announced that the government has set its sights on a bold target: generating US $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of the year. This figure, he said, is not merely aspirational but grounded in strategic policy measures and sectoral reforms currently underway.
“Today’s event is more than an exhibition,” Minister Herath remarked. “It is a reflection of our collective will to restore Sri Lanka to its rightful place as a premier tourist destination, to empower our local communities, and to reframe tourism as a driver of inclusive economic growth.”
The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished audience including the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Ms. Aruni Ranaraja; Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam; President of SLAITO, Mr. Nalin Jayasundara; and the German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, among other diplomatic, governmental, and industry dignitaries.
While the numbers may signal ambition, officials say they are backed by data and a renewed international interest in Sri Lanka as a safe, culturally rich, and environmentally diverse destination. The exhibition itself spans a wide spectrum of tourism-related sectors: luxury hotels, boutique stays, adventure tourism, eco-travel, Ayurveda and wellness retreats, cultural heritage experiences, aviation services, travel tech solutions, and vocational education institutions.
Each booth offers more than just pamphlets and handshakes. They are mini-laboratories of innovation—featuring immersive displays, virtual reality tours, digital booking demonstrations, and presentations on sustainable practices. Notably, several exhibitors showcased AI-powered itinerary planners and blockchain-based travel insurance services, indicating a clear pivot towards tech-driven, experience-centred tourism.
The atmosphere at BMICH was charged with optimism. From the seasoned travel consultants explaining the nuances of heritage trail packages in the North to enthusiastic university students unveiling apps for eco-conscious tourists, the diversity of participants reflected a country rediscovering its voice.
Among the notable exhibitors were community-based tourism operators from the Eastern and Northern Provinces, who spoke passionately about bringing visitors into direct contact with local artisans, traditional cuisine, and rural life. Their presence signalled a move away from mass tourism towards more ethical and experiential models.
“This is not just about attracting tourists—it’s about telling our story better, and making sure the benefits of tourism reach every village,” said a representative from a cooperative promoting agro-tourism experiences in Monaragala.
Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s most vital economic lifelines, particularly in the wake of the devastating financial crisis of the early 2020s. As the nation claws its way back from default and dependency, tourism is being reimagined as a multifaceted catalyst: for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, rural development, and cultural diplomacy.
Government officials underscored that this exhibition aligns with a broader strategic vision, outlined in the National Tourism Policy 2025–2030. This framework emphasises sustainable tourism, decentralisation of the industry, public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and resilience against global shocks such as pandemics or geopolitical tensions.
“There’s a reason this event is called a ‘renaissance,’” noted Mr. Jayasundara of SLAITO. “We are not simply reopening our beaches and resorts. We are rebuilding an industry—with integrity, innovation, and a long-term vision.”
Tourism Renaissance 2025 also serves as a bridge between global markets and local potential. Delegates from several foreign missions, airline representatives, and investment scouts were seen actively engaging with Sri Lankan exhibitors. Bilateral discussions focused on air connectivity, destination marketing, and foreign direct investment in leisure infrastructure.
One of the critical outcomes expected from this event is the signing of multiple MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) between local operators and international partners, particularly from Europe, East Asia, and the Gulf states.
“It’s the right time to invest,” said an international hospitality consultant attending the event. “The fundamentals are in place—political stability, renewed regulatory focus, digital readiness, and a population that understands the value of tourism.”
While the logistics of the exhibition were deftly managed by the Tourism Bureau and SLAITO, the symbolic weight of the event was carried by President Dissanayake himself. As he addressed the audience briefly before the ribbon-cutting, he framed tourism not just as an economic imperative, but a tool for global re-engagement.
“Sri Lanka’s story is one of resilience,” he said. “We have weathered storms—economic, political, and social. But we have never stopped being a land of hospitality, beauty, and culture. Today, we extend our hand again to the world.”
His comments were met with enthusiastic applause, particularly among younger participants who view tourism not only as a livelihood but as a form of cultural ambassadorship.
As the first day drew to a close, there was a palpable sense that Tourism Renaissance 2025 had already achieved one of its core goals: uniting a fragmented industry around a common purpose.
In the coming days and months, it remains to be seen whether the rhetoric will translate into reality, whether the dollar targets can be met, and whether the grassroots operators will see the benefits trickle down. But for now, Colombo has sent a clear signal: Sri Lanka is open, ambitious, and ready to reclaim its place on the world tourism map.
And it all began today, with a President walking through an exhibition hall, listening—not just launching.
-By A Special Correspondent
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by (2025-05-23 21:20:19)
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