ITB - The world’s leading travel and trade show opened in Berlin, Germany on 7^th March 2023 on a positive note.  With more than 10,000 exhibitors, from 60+ countries and around 160 000 trade visitors, ITB is considered as one of the most important events in the travel and tourism industry.  

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) collaborated with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin and the tourism industry stakeholders in Sri Lanka to showcase the destination at ITB 2023 after a lapse of three years.  ITB was not held in previous year due to the global pandemic. 

At a time, the country is returning to normalcy with increased airline connectivity and tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, ITB has been identified a great platform to showcase the destination Sri Lanka with a positive message to the world. Sri Lanka is promoted as safe & secure destination with diverse tourism products that the travelers could visit any part of the country to have a memorable tourism experience of the Island.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando Opening the Sri Lanka Pavilion along with    H. E Varuni Muthukumarana, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, and Mr.Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman ,Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau .

The Sri Lanka pavilion at ITB was declared opened by H.E Varuni Muthukumarana, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for the Germany, Hon Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism & Lands, Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, SLTPB, Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director Marketing, at the presence of the industry partners.   This year at ITB,  64 local hoteliers/Destination Management Companies and Sri Lankan Airlines presents their attractive tourism packages and travel experiences to the visitors at the event.  A plethora of exciting holiday opportunities, tourism products and travel concepts are exhibited at the pavilion to attract visitors of varying demographics and travel interests. 

The Sri Lanka pavilion was admired by the witnesses as it was vividly branded taking into consideration the travel interest of European tourists.  The Ceylon was actively promoted and expected to be served throughout the fair.  The Press Conference of SLTPB at ITB 2023 is expected to be held on the second day of the event, with the participation of international media.

The long awaited event is not only to promote tourism business but also to showcase the world that Sri Lanka is at the fore front of the lime light in the Asian region as a preferred destination for the European travelers.