The World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations and Colombo Travel Mart 2025 were inaugurated at One Galle Face, Colombo on 27th September 2025 with participation of Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe. World Tourism Day celebrations begin in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (AATEHM). The Colombo Travel Mart 2025 was opened on 27th September at One Galle Face, bringing together the tourism industry and the young professionals to mark The World Tourism Day 2025.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka H.E. David Pine, Chairman of SLTDA Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLITHM & SLCB Mr. Dheera Hettiarachi, UN World Tourism Organization Director of International Development and Cooperation Mr. Jaime Mayaki, President of AATEHM Mr. Nihal Muhandiram, Vice President of SLAITO Mr. Nishad Wijethunga, President of THASL Mr. Shanthikumar, and industry stakeholders of tourism attended the opening ceremony.
The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Nihal Muhandiram, President of the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management. He said that the University of Colombo had been central in shaping leaders for the tourism industry and stressed that academic partnerships must continue if the sector is to grow.
Delivering the opening remarks, Chairman of SLTDA Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam said that the Travel Mart had matured into an important fixture in the tourism calendar. He called for closer collaboration between the state and private stakeholders and urged the industry to keep pace with innovation and sustainable practices. He added that Sri Lanka’s brand must be strengthened through service quality and unique visitor experiences.
Mr. Jaime Mayaki, Director of International Development and Cooperation at UN Tourism, followed with his remarks. He said that Sri Lanka had a clear opportunity to lead South Asia in sustainable tourism and reminded the audience that global partnerships can bring new markets and shared knowledge. He added that Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural assets already give it a strong base to compete internationally.
H.E. David Pine, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote speech. He said that tourism is a central part of New Zealand’s engagement with Sri Lanka, alongside education, sports, and culture. He noted that tourism is vital for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery as it generates foreign exchange while other sectors continue to develop. He added that New Zealand visitors arriving in the country would significantly increase in the coming months. He observed that this growth fits with Sri Lanka’s national tourism policy, which promotes sustainability, community involvement, and environmental protection. The High Commissioner also pointed to growing interest from New Zealand investors, ranging from boutique hotels to wellness retreats, as well as strong enthusiasm from the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand. He stressed the importance of building skilled people for the industry, highlighting partnerships with institutions such as the University of Colombo to support training, research, and capacity building. Recalling a recent visit, he said that he was encouraged by the creativity and dedication of young students gaining practical experience in hospitality. He added that New Zealand is committed to working with the Sri Lankan Government, the tourism sector, and educational institutions to help bring more international travelers to experience the country’s culture and natural beauty.
Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, Immediate Past President of SLAITO, said that inbound tourism had shown resilience despite global challenges. He urged operators to maintain service quality and adapt to new travel trends, pointing to opportunities in adventure, eco-tourism, and cultural experiences.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe addressed the gathering last. He said that the Government was committed to supporting the industry through policy reforms and investment. He noted that tourism had the potential to create thousands of jobs for the younger generation and stressed that the link between education and employment must be strengthened.
After the ceremony, dignitaries proceeded to officially open the Colombo Travel Mart, which continued throughout the day with business-to-business and business-to-consumer exchanges. The Travel Mart demonstrated how tourism could drive economic opportunity by linking international partnerships with local futures.
