In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London marked a strong and impactful presence at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, held from 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCeL London. A delegation of 92 leading travel and tourism partners represented Sri Lanka, showcasing the island’s vibrant and rapidly expanding tourism sector to a global audience. The Sri Lanka Pavilion served as a dynamic hub for B2B meetings, networking, and collaboration among international travel and hospitality professionals.
Delivering welcome remarks at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera expressed his appreciation to all participating stakeholders, noting that their collective efforts created a powerful platform to position Sri Lanka as a premier global travel destination. He highlighted that Sri Lanka had welcomed over 1.8 million visitors in 2025 to date, with the United Kingdom remaining the country’s second-largest source market, contributing more than 170,000 arrivals by October.
The opening ceremony was also attended by The Lord Hannett of Everton OBE, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, who commended the strong partnership between the two nations and underscored the importance of continued collaboration in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Addressing the gathering, SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam emphasised Sri Lanka’s renewed focus on sustainable tourism, wellness, and wildlife, highlighting the country’s commitment to responsible growth and meaningful, high-quality travel experiences.
In parallel with activities at the Sri Lanka Pavilion, a press conference was held on 5 November during WTM 2025, attracting a large contingent of UK travel and tourism media, journalists, and public relations professionals, further amplifying Sri Lanka’s destination messaging across key international markets.
Siddhalepa Chairman Asoka Hettigoda Elected President of THASL at Annual General Meeting
Hettigoda Group of Companies Chairman, Asoka Hettigoda, was elected President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) at the Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, held at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams.
His election places a seasoned industry leader at the helm of the country’s premier hotel association, which represents the largest private-sector investor in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. THASL members have collectively invested over USD 15 billion and manage more than 20,000 hotel keys across the island.
The AGM was attended by a distinguished gathering of government and industry leaders, including Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, alongside various ambassadors and high commissioners.
In his inaugural address, Hettigoda outlined THASL’s ambitious strategy to further boost the tourism sector’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. While acknowledging the government’s target of USD 8 billion in tourism earnings by 2030, the new President proposed an even more ambitious vision for the industry’s growth.
Sri Lanka Shines at WTM 2025, Showcasing the Island’s Tourism Excellence to the World
