After a lapse of three years, Sri Lanka’s Largest Travel & Tourism Fair, the 10th Edition of the Sancharaka Udawa 2023 was launched by SLAITO (Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators) with an Opening Ceremony at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exposition Centre at the BMICH ,and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, on Friday, 19th May, 2023. SLAITO President, Nishad Wijetunga, ‘Sancharaka Udawa’ Committee Chairman Charith de Alwis and leading business personalities of the travel and tourism industry were all present at the launch.
Sancharaka Udawa, a two day event, gave numerous opportunities for participants from the hotel and service industries to form relationships and network with potential customers, stakeholders and travel industry professionals. The fair offers a platform for all SMEs in the tourism sector from different regions of Sri Lanka to reach out to a diverse audience. The expected benefit will be a substantial increase in bookings for the small time Tourism service providers. Several Universities such as Colombo, Uvawellassa, Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa and Rajarata were also provided stalls free-of-Charge in order to encourage students studying in tourism and hospitality to interact with trade professionals.
Sancharaka Udawa 2023 has given a much needed boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and has also created a platform for future opportumites and collaboration. The success of the two day travel exhibition signifies the resilience of the Sri Lankan tourism industry and its ability to adapt to challenges faced by the island. As Sancharaka Udawa continues to thrive and expand, it retains its solid position as Sri Lanka’s most talked about and prestigious tourism fair where fruitful partnerships can be forged and maintained for the benefit of all in the travel industry.
Article by Nelum Buddhadasa