The themes that were highlighted at the imaginatively designed Sri Lanka Pavilion at this year’s WTM are sun, sea, sand and wildlife.

 United Kingdom has traditionally been one of Sri Lanka’s primary tourism markets. The UK ranks as the No. 1 European market for Sri Lanka tourism and one of the top three global markets for the country. The number of tourist arrivals from the UK which stood at 143,412 at the end of September this year, reflects a solid growth of 17% over the corresponding period last year.

“I am delighted to learn that a total of 62 Sri Lankan companies tookplace at the WTM this year. This is the highest ever number of Sri Lankan participants recorded at any international travel show. This shows the confidence our tourism industry has in the UK market,” noted Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religious Affairs and Lands, John Amaratunga, who will be leading the Sri Lankan delegation to this year’s WTM.

“With Sri Lanka’s rapidly changing political landscape based on good governance, respect for human rights, upholding of democratic values and inclusive development of the country, the new government of Sri Lanka is committed to further strengthening relations with its old friend the UK,” said Minister Amaratunga, who observed that tourism was one way of bringing the two countries closer.