In yet another move towards boosting tourism industry, Sri Lanka will hold its largest travel and tourism fair Sancharaka Udawa in May, that is expected to draw over 250 exhibitors.

The 10th edition of Sri Lanka’s largest travel & tourism fair, Sancharaka Udawa 2023, will be held on May 19-20 in Colombo.

This was announced at a press conference held in Sri Lankan capital Colombo. According to a press statement, Sancharaka Udawa is organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

According to a press statement, the main objective of this event is to provide an opportunity for those less exposed, entrepreneurs in the tourism industry to meet with all stakeholders in mainstream tourism.

SLAITO says that the event creates a platform for all small and medium tourism service providers from the regions to exhibit their products and services and to network and build vital links with the tour operator community and the general public, thereby entering the wider spectrum of the industry. The event will bring together a wide network of personnel across the industry. It is the only gathering of this nature in Sri Lanka, since its inception in 2011.

SLAITO says that the expected benefits of this endeavor will be a substantial increase in bookings and sales to the smaller service providers situated in the regions. The fair will also consist of entertainment activities and workshops which also attract a large cross section of the general public and an informal evening gathering for the exhibitors, sponsors & Members of SLAITO to network.

The announcement of Sancharaka Udawa 2023 was made by Nishad Wijetunga, President of SLAITO in the presence of Chulananda Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Lands, while Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was the guest of honour.

The organisers says that exhibition offers a unique platform for B2B and B2C sectors, while facilitating industry stakeholders to engage with related government authorities. They expect over 250 exhibitors and over 10,000 visitors.

This year’s edition will also feature outbound tourism industry stakeholders comprising of travel agents and airlines. The exhibition will culminate with a gala fellowship event for new comers entering the industry and meeting veterans in the field. An award ceremony will also be held for best stall creations.

The main objective of the exhibition is to create a platform for small and medium scale service providers in the industry to network and build vital links with tour operators and enter the wider spectrum of the tourism industry. The expected benefit will be a substantial increase in bookings to the small time tourism service providers in the region.

Furthermore, multiple benefits are expected to accrue for exhibitors in the form of brand visibility with Sri Lanka tourism in all digital and print marketing material, while reaffirming the commitment of Sri Lanka Tourism towards capacity building, upgrading infrastructure and resources of the industry.

Stalls for tourism related government departments such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Tourist Police and other such organizations will be provided free-of-charge to build good relationship between these organisations and the industry. Several Universities such as Colombo, Uvawellassa, Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa and Rajarata have also been provided stalls free-of-charge in order to encourage students studying in tourism and hospitality to interact with trade professionals.

The statement says that several interesting sessions have been organised concurrently, which will add value to trade visitors and the general public. In order to ensure the success of Sancharaka Udawa 2023, a well-planned marketing campaign will be executed to attract exhibitors and visitors. The SLAITO has awarded the event management of Sancharaka Udawa 2023 to Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions and CDC Events.