Sri Lanka is gearing up to host the International Tourism Conference 2025 in Colombo this December, a landmark event aimed at revitalizing the nation’s tourism sector and strengthening its global presence as a leading travel destination. The conference will focus on sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, and infrastructure development to attract international visitors and investors.

Tourism has long been one of Sri Lanka’s key economic pillars, contributing significantly to national GDP and employment. However, the industry faced severe challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and global travel restrictions. The upcoming international conference is expected to mark a turning point, positioning Sri Lanka as a resilient and responsible tourism hub in South Asia.

The International Tourism Conference 2025, organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, will bring together global tourism experts, government representatives, investors, and industry leaders from over 30 countries.

Key discussions will focus on:

Sustainable tourism practices to protect natural and cultural heritage.

Eco-friendly tourism development and community-based travel initiatives.

Investment in infrastructure such as hotels, transport, and digital tourism platforms.

According to Tourism Minister Dilan Perera, the conference will “showcase Sri Lanka’s potential as a vibrant, safe, and sustainable tourist destination.” He added that the event would provide valuable networking opportunities for businesses and stakeholders in the travel and hospitality sector.

The government also plans to announce new incentive packages for foreign investors interested in developing luxury resorts, eco-tourism projects, and adventure tourism experiences across the island.

Industry analysts expect the conference to draw more than 500 international delegates, including representatives from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In addition to panel discussions, the event will feature cultural showcases, travel exhibitions, and B2B networking sessions promoting Sri Lankan destinations such as Sigiriya, Ella, Galle, and Kandy.

Local entrepreneurs and small tourism operators are also set to benefit, as the conference aims to boost regional tourism and promote inclusive growth across the country’s diverse attractions.

With the hosting of the International Tourism Conference 2025, Sri Lanka is taking a significant step toward reestablishing itself as a global tourism powerhouse. The event is expected to not only attract international attention but also drive investments, create jobs, and foster sustainable growth in the tourism industry — reaffirming the nation’s position as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”