Sri Lanka is set to mark World Tourism Day 2025 with one of the most ambitious and wide-ranging series of events the industry has seen in recent years. Organized under the global UNWTO theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the programme highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to placing youth, SMEs, and academic excellence at the core of tourism’s future.
The initiative is led by Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath, alongside the Ministry of Tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics & Hospitality Management (AATEHM), and the Sustainable Tourism Unit (STU) of the University of Colombo.
Building on a Strong Legacy
Since its launch in 2021, the Sri Lanka Tourism Expo has become a recognized platform for showcasing talent, creativity, and industry potential.
2021 The inaugural Expo at One Galle Face Mall featured live culinary and cocktail competitions, drawing crowds while highlighting the artistry of hospitality professionals.
2022: The Expo expanded with the Colombo Travel Mart in partnership with SLAITO, strengthening B2B networking and investment opportunities, while also introducing policy dialogues with academics, policymakers, and private-sector leaders.
Together, these early editions established the Expo as a hub for competitions, business linkages, and policy discussions — laying the groundwork for the ambitious 2025 programme.
Grassroots Talent: All-Island School Competitions
The Expo officially commenced on 1 September 2025 with provincial rounds of the All-Island School Tourism Club Competitions.
Held across nine provinces at SLITHM centers and partner venues, the competitions brought together students to showcase skills in culinary arts, food and beverage service, housekeeping, and tourism knowledge. Organizers describe the initiative as both a “talent hunt”*and an “awareness drive,” designed to nurture future professionals and introduce tourism to rural communities.
Empowering SMEs for Inclusive Growth
Running parallel to student competitions, SME awareness programmes were conducted with the SLTDA. These sessions aimed to strengthen small and medium enterprises in tourism, helping them transition into formalized structures, raise quality standards, and align with national strategies.
With SMEs forming the backbone of Sri Lanka’s tourism, from homestays to transport providers, this empowerment is seen as vital for inclusive and sustainable growth. A major SME Awareness Programme is scheduled for 2 October 2025 at BMICH, coinciding with the International Tourism Leaders’ Summit.
Colombo Travel Mart and Job Fair
The Expo officially inaugurates on 27 September 2025 with the Colombo Travel Mart at One Galle Face, organized in partnership with SLAITO. Featuring around 75 stalls, the exhibition will showcase hotels, tour operators, eco-tourism ventures, and cultural tourism experiences.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinge, New Zealand High Commissioner David Pine, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachi, and UNWTO officials.
On 28 September 2025, the focus shifts to the Sri Lanka Tourism Job Fair and Career Expo, also at One Galle Face. Now in its third year, the fair will connect young professionals with top employers in hospitality and tourism, offering interviews, career guidance, and workshops.
Knowledge and Innovation: Research Conference and School Finals
On 1 October 2025, Colombo will host the 10th International Tourism Research Conference (ITRC) at BMICH. More than 30 international scholars are expected to present research on sustainable tourism, destination resilience, digital innovation, and inclusive growth.
On the same day, the All-Island School Tourism Club Competition Grand Finale will be held at Waters Edge, featuring 300 finalists. The event will be graced by SLITHM and SLCB Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, celebrating the creativity and skills of Sri Lanka’s youth.
International Tourism Leaders’ Summit 2025
The Expo concludes on 2 October 2025 with the International Tourism Leaders’ Summit (ITLS) at BMICH. This milestone 10th edition will feature a high-level panel on “Tourism Innovation and Connectivity for the Future of Sri Lanka Tourism.”
Global experts, including Peter Hill, Miguel Kunat, Buddhika Hewawasam, and Anita Mandarita, will share insights, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself as a hub for sustainable and innovative tourism.
Looking Ahead
The Sri Lanka Tourism Expo 2025 is more than a celebration—it is a movement. By engaging youth, empowering SMEs, and integrating global expertise, the Expo reflects a nation determined to rebuild tourism on principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
With the participation of ministers, ambassadors, industry stakeholders, and international experts, Sri Lanka is sending a clear message: it is ready to lead the way in shaping the future of global tourism.
