The Australian travel industry in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne had a chance to experience Sri Lanka as an exciting travel destination and network with dynamic Sri Lankan travel agents, when Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized three roadshows in Australia as part of its worldwide promotion tour.

The three events, organized in coordination with the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, drew over sixty to seventy selective travel agents and tour operators in each of the three cities.

Travel industry players from both countries had the chance to connect with each other and explore potential partnerships in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination for travelers from Australia, which is already Sri Lanka’s fifth largest market for tourists.   With Australian travel projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and Australians looking to make up time lost during the pandemic by exploring new destinations, the roadshows came at a timely juncture to bring Sri Lanka to the forefront of everyone’s minds.

The roadshows also showcased Sri Lanka’s travel highlights, options and unique attractions, with plenary sessions highlighted by speeches from distinguished speakers, Sri Lanka Tourism videos and Q&A sessions giving participants the chance to explore the opportunities available to them.

In Brisbane, thirty-two Sri Lankan companies and sixty Australian travel and tour operators and Australian media personnel participated at the roadshow.  During the plenary session, Her Excellency Ms. Chitranganie Wagiswara, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia, Mr. Sandith Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka's Consul General in Melbourne took to the stage to share their insights about the Australian market for Sri Lankan tourism, and to encourage the Australian industry to connect with Sri Lanka, as it surges forward in tourism.  They were followed by Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), who spoke extensively on Sri Lanka’s opportunities, its increasing recognition by international media as one of the hottest places to travel, and innovations in tourism experiences.

Brisbane was followed by the second roadshow in Sydney, where over 75 Australian travel trade companies and 25 media representatives and influencers attended the event, which saw fruitful business discussions between Australian and Sri Lankan participants.

The opening remarks at the second roadshow were delivered by Her Excellency Ms. Chithranganie Wageeswara, the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia. Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu provided the keynote speech on the new global positioning of Sri Lanka. Mr. Sandith Samarasinghe, the Sri Lankan Consul General in Melbourne, also addressed the attendees. Mr. Sakura Wijethunga, the Sri Lankan Airline Manager for Sydney, represented the National carrier in Sri Lanka.

The conclusion of the series of Roadshows in Australia was held in Melbourne, with over 50 Australian agents and 35 media representatives participating.

Following B2B networking sessions, the official session was opened with a warm welcome speech from Mr. Sandith Samarasingha, the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne. Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka's tourism landscape, setting the stage for further discussions.  the highlight of the event was the address by Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya, whose presence captivated the audience. The keynote speech by Hon. Minister of Tourism, Land, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Mr. Harin Fernanado, emphasized the vast opportunities for leisure and investment in Sri Lanka.

Other highlights of all events included colourful dance performances by Sri Lankan dance troupes in Australia, interactive Q&A sessions with the Hon. Minister, Chairman, SLTPB, High Commissioner and Consul General, and raffle draws with air tickets from Sri Lankan Airlines, and tour packages from Sri Lankan travel trade participants.

The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a fruitful exchange of ideas and opportunities. These road shows serve as vital platforms for development partnerships and enhancing collaborations between Sri Lankan businesses and their Australian counterparts. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in revitalizing the tourism sector in Sri Lanka by stimulating interest and engagement from Australian markets. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau's adept organization of these events underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and facilitating meaningful connections within the industry.

Overall, these Roadshows provided an exclusive platform to develop further travel and trade contacts with the Australian community and promote Sri Lanka as one of their go to destinations for an enjoyable holiday experience worth their expenditure and holiday needs. The overwhelming support given by the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, added further to these roadshows conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism.  Up to now, Sri Lanka has received several International endorsements as one of the best and safest Travel destinations in the world, and this success further highlights the fact that having Sri Lanka in your bucket list is certainly worth a try.