Sri Lanka’s flagship travel and tourism exhibition, Sancharaka Udawa 2026, will take place on May 15 and 16, bringing together a strong line-up of international buyers and local industry stakeholders in a move expected to boost the country’s tourism recovery and global positioning.
The 13th edition of the exhibition, organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, was officially announced at a press briefing held in Colombo recently. Tourism officials and industry leaders highlighted the event’s growing importance as a platform to connect Sri Lanka with international travel markets.
Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days, the exhibition is expected to feature over 250 exhibitors and more than 300 stalls, representing a wide cross-section of the tourism sector. Notably, this year’s edition will host over 100 international travel agents, marking a significant step in enhancing inbound tourism opportunities.
Sancharaka Udawa, recognised as Sri Lanka’s only dedicated travel and tourism exhibition, serves both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) segments. The event is designed to facilitate direct engagement between small and medium-scale tourism service providers, tour operators, and government institutions, thereby strengthening industry linkages and promoting inclusive growth.
A key highlight of the exhibition will be a panel discussion on tourism marketing featuring international experts, alongside workshops, B2B meetings and networking sessions. These initiatives are expected to generate tangible business opportunities, particularly for regional and emerging tourism enterprises seeking greater market access.
The value of hosting an event of this scale lies in its ability to stimulate demand across the tourism value chain. By connecting local operators with foreign buyers, the exhibition is anticipated to drive increased bookings, encourage investment, and enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility as a competitive travel destination. It also provides a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building and innovation within the sector.
Further strengthening its industry impact, several universities including the University of Colombo and the University of Kelaniya will serve as knowledge partners, promoting youth engagement and skills development in tourism-related fields.
Corporate backing for the event remains strong, with leading hospitality and travel brands supporting the exhibition. The presence of international buyers, combined with a comprehensive marketing campaign, is expected to reinforce confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
As the country continues to rebuild and expand its tourism industry, Sancharaka Udawa 2026 is poised to play a pivotal role in driving growth, fostering partnerships and positioning Sri Lanka as a key destination in the global travel landscape.
Source : Daily News
