ANKARA : The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), together with sixteen (16) leading Sri Lankan travel trade companies, successfully showcased the island’s rich and diverse tourism offerings at the Istanbul Tourism Fair 2025, held on 25–26 September 2025 at the Eurasia Show and Art Centre in Istanbul. The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara facilitated the arrangements pertaining to the participation of Sri Lanka in this key international tourism fair.
Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, attended the Fair and inaugurated the Sri Lanka stand on 25 September. The Ambassador-designate’s participation and the diplomatic support to the promotional activities of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the industry representatives reflected the Government’s firm commitment to advancing tourism diplomacy and strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation with Türkiye.
This prestigious international platform, with the participation of about 15,000 tourism professionals from Türkiye and around the world, created valuable opportunities for Sri Lankan tourism and hospitality stakeholders to network with Turkish and global travel trade professionals, highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique attractions and reputation as a world-class travel destination. The promotional activities at the Fair aimed at boosting tourist arrivals, building new partnerships, and positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for Turkish travelers.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Sri Lanka stand, Ambassador-designate Kadurugamuwa underscored Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome Turkish tourists warmly, noting the country’s wide range of experiences, from cultural heritage and wellness tourism to adventure, wildlife, and pristine beaches. He further assured of the commitment of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara to contribute to the overall target of tourist arrivals set by the Government, by increasing tourist arrivals from Türkiye. The Ambassador-designate also interacted with Turkish tour operators, industry representatives and travel journalists at the Fair.
The Sri Lanka stand, coordinated by the SLTPB, drew significant interest from visitors, tour operators, and media representatives throughout the Fair. Sri Lanka’s participation in the Istanbul Tourism Fair 2025 is expected to enhance destination awareness in the Turkish market while opening new avenues for bilateral tourism, trade, and investment.
