Sri Lanka shines at Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2025

Sri Lanka officially opened its vibrant national pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking a significant step in the island nation’s strategy to expand its presence in the Middle Eastern tourism market.

The Sri Lankan Pavilion, organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. In a symbolic ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed lit the traditional oil lamp, officially opening the pavilion and underscoring the deepening ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Also present at the inauguration were Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, SLTPB Managing Director Sampath Nissanka, SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager (Middle East) Jayantha Abeysinghe, and senior tourism officials. The Sri Lankan delegation includes over 70 travel agents, destination management companies (DMCs), and premier hotels, collectively promoting the country's diverse and high-quality tourism experiences.

Under the new national tourism strategy, Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate US$ 5 billion in revenue by 2025. A key focus of this vision is expanding into non-traditional markets such as the Middle East, with the UAE identified as a high-priority region.

As part of this strategy, the SLTPB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emirates Airlines to bolster cooperative marketing efforts and improve air connectivity between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Commenting on the participation, Consul General Alexi Gunasekera said, “To achieve our target of attracting 3 million tourists, Sri Lanka must expand its reach beyond traditional source markets and tap into new and emerging destinations. The Arabian Travel Market offers an ideal platform to connect with a diverse and dynamic audience, opening new avenues for collaboration, partnerships, and growth.”

ATM 2025, held from April 28 to May 1 under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism through Enhanced Connectivity,” is one of the world’s largest travel and tourism exhibitions, expected to attract over 41,000 visitors and 2,300 exhibitors from across the globe.

Sri Lanka’s pavilion invites all attendees to experience the island’s timeless heritage, rich culture, pristine nature, and signature hospitality, positioning the country as a must-visit destination for the modern traveler.