Sri Lanka is set to host the prestigious Sancharaka Udawa tourism industry exhibition, providing a platform for businesses ranging from hotels to travel agencies and airlines to forge connections with the broader industry, officials announced.
With over 250 exhibitors expected to participate, the annual event, now in its 11th edition, anticipates drawing approximately 10,000 visitors, organizers disclosed.
"SMEs play a significant role, spanning from homestays to under three-star categories," remarked Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, addressing reporters. "It is imperative that we foster the development of these markets as well."
The Sancharaka Udawa fair coincides with Sri Lanka's ongoing tourism revival. The island nation has witnessed a notable surge in tourist arrivals, welcoming 191,000 visitors up to February 25, a stark contrast to the 107,639 recorded in February 2023.
"We have been achieving back-to-back double centuries," noted Gajabahu. "January alone saw over 200,000 arrivals."
Scheduled for May 17-18, the exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), aiming to establish a networking platform specifically tailored for small and medium-sized service providers within the industry, including the burgeoning homestay sector.
"Homestays have gained significant popularity in areas such as Ella, Down South, Knuckles, and Kandy," stated Nishad Wijethunga, President of SLAITO.
In the northern Jaffna peninsula, both domestic and international tourism have been pivotal in boosting hotel occupancy rates. A representative of the Northern Province Tourism Sector revealed that all 170 hotels in the region enjoy occupancy rates ranging from 60-70 percent.
In addition, domestic airlines operating from Colombo to Palali and the inter-city train service have emerged as favored modes of transportation for both local and international visitors, particularly among Indian tourists.
