NELUM BUDDHADASA
COLOMBO :The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Exhibition, is scheduled to take place on 15th and 16th May 2026 at the BMICH in Colombo with the participation of foreign hosted buyers.
The press conference held at The Blue, Hilton Colombo was attended by esteemed travel and tourism officials alongside industry stakeholders and media.Sancharaka Lidawa is Sri Lanka’s only dedicated travel and tourism exhibition and the 2025 edition of the exhibition was inaugurated by His Excellency the President, Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emphasing its national importance to the tourism sector.
Sancharaka udawa is organized by the Sri Lanka Association of inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) as the main event partner. The details of the upcoming was officially announced by Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, President of SLAITO and Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, Chairman Organizing Committee, Sancharaka Udawa 2026, in the presence of Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
This premier exhibition provides an exclusive platform for both B2B and B2C sectors, fostering engagement between industry stakeholders and pertinent government bodies. For further information and booth reservations, visit www.sancharakaudawa.com. Scheduled from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on May 15th & 16th, 2026, Sancharaka Udawa anticipates over 250 exhibitors and 300 Stalls. The event will accommodate businesses of all sizes within the tourism sector. Day 1 of the exhibition will see a Panel Discussion on Tourism Marketing with International Experts and conclude with a Business Gathering, offering networking opportunities for both newcomers and veterans in the industry, alongside an award ceremony honoring the Best Stall Creations and sponsors
The primary aim of the exhibition is to establish a networking platform for small and medium tourism service providers within the industry, facilitating connections with tour operators and their integration into the broader tourism landscape. The anticipated outcome includes a significant surge in bookings for regional small-scale tourism service providers
Exhibitors will benefit from the travel fair as it offers them a platform to increase their brand visibility across Sri Lanka’s tourism marketing platforms, reaffirming Sri Lanka Tourism’s commitment to industry capacity building and infrastructure enhancement. To foster stronger ties between industry players and governmental bodies, tourism-related government departments will be provided complimentary stalls. Additionally, several universities, including University College of Jaffna, University of Uva Wellassa, University of Rajarata, Universityof Sabaragamuwa, University of Colombo, Colombo University Alumni, University of the Visuals & Performing Arts and University of Kelaniya have joined as knowledge partners for the event, further strengthening the event’s focus on youth participation and academic engagement.
In a landmark development for the travel and tourism industry, Sancharaka Udawa has announced its most prestigious lineup of partners to date, headlined by two Diamond Sponsors: Araliya Group of Hotels and United Motors. This marks the first time in 13 years that the exhibition has secured two partners at its highest sponsorship tier, signaling the event’s growing influence and its vital role in the regional tourism landscape.
The momentum continues with LankaPay returning for its second consecutive year as the Platinum Sponsor, ensuring a robust foundation of digital and financial connectivity for the event. Further bolstering the exhibition’s prestige, industry giants Aitken Spence Travels and Browns Hotels have joined as Gold Sponsors, representing some of the most respected names in the business.
To ensure a premium experience for all attendees and exhibitors, the organizers have also confirmed a partnership with Hilton Colombo as the Official Hospitality Partner, while the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel will serve as the Official Catering Partner. This collective support from industry leaders underscores a renewed confidence in the sector and sets the stage for a highly impactful exhibition.
The event will kick off with the highly anticipated SLAITO SGM, setting the stage for a dynamic and engaging exhibition. This year’s exhibition will host over 100 international agents, offering unparalleled networking opportunities for local industry stakeholders. The program will also include specialized workshops for tourism authorities and students, insightful panel discussions with industry leaders, and dedicated B2B meetings aimed at fostering meaningful business collaborations within the travel and tourism sector.
A robust marketing campaign is underway to ensure the success of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, with event management entrusted by SLAITO to CDC Events & Travels Pvt. Ltd. together with Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions.With the burgeoning significance of the tourism and hospitality sector, this year’s event is poised to attract even more sponsors, building on the momentum of previous years.
