Sri Lanka is coming to Australia in massive roadshow: 50+ tourism operators to promote island haven

Australian travellers looking for an extraordinary international holiday without an extraordinary price tag are being urged to put Sri Lanka firmly on their travel list as the country's tourism leaders prepare to descend on Australia for the Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Networking and Roadshow 2026.
 

The invitation-only tourism showcase will visit Sydney on 3 September, Adelaide on 7 September and Perth on 9 September, bringing senior Sri Lankan tourism officials, diplomatic representatives and more than 50 leading hotels, tour operators, destination management companies and tourism businesses face-to-face with Australia's travel industry.
 

Mr Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said the roadshow would showcase a destination that offers Australians an extraordinary amount within a single holiday.
 

"Sri Lanka provides something very special because travellers can experience magnificent beaches, wildlife, ancient cities, incredible food, wellness, adventure and some of the world's warmest hospitality within one relatively compact country," Mr Hewawasam said.
 

"It is also a destination where Australian travellers can enjoy exceptional experiences and tremendous value for money, which is increasingly important as families and individuals become more conscious of holiday costs."
 

One island, an extraordinary number of holidays. Sri Lanka's appeal lies in its diversity. Visitors can explore UNESCO-recognised cultural sites, ancient temples and historic cities, travel through spectacular tea country, experience wildlife safaris, relax on tropical beaches, discover world-renowned cuisine or embrace wellness and adventure experiences.
 

"You don't have to choose between a cultural holiday, beach holiday, wildlife experience or food journey because Sri Lanka allows you to combine them," Mr Hewawasam said.
 

"You can wake up surrounded by mountains, travel through tea country and finish your journey beside the Indian Ocean. That diversity is one of Sri Lanka's greatest strengths."
 

Great value is becoming a major attraction
 

With the cost of international travel under increasing scrutiny, Sri Lanka's affordability is expected to become an important focus of the Australian market.
 

Mr Hewawasam said visitors can experience high-quality accommodation, exceptional food, private touring and memorable activities across a wide range of budgets.
 

"Australians want extraordinary holidays, but increasingly they also want value," he said.

"Sri Lanka offers the ability to enjoy memorable hotels, dining, experiences and touring without necessarily facing the costs associated with many other international destinations."
 

Australia's travel industry comes together
 

The roadshow is expected to attract travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, destination specialists, travel advisors, outbound travel companies and media representatives across the three cities.
 

Each event will feature structured B2B meetings, destination presentations, networking and opportunities for Australian travel businesses to establish relationships directly with Sri Lankan tourism suppliers. More than 50 Sri Lankan tourism and destination companies are expected to participate.
 

"This is about turning awareness into bookings," Mr Hewawasam said.
 

"We want Australia's travel industry to meet our tourism businesses directly, understand the enormous variety Sri Lanka offers and develop new holidays, itineraries and experiences for Australian travellers."
 

Direct access to the people creating Sri Lanka holidays
 

The roadshow provides Australian travel businesses with an unusual opportunity to meet dozens of Sri Lankan suppliers without travelling overseas. Representatives from hotels, tour companies, destination management businesses and other tourism operators will showcase new products, accommodation and experiences while discussing opportunities to develop packages specifically for Australian travellers.
 

"Strong tourism relationships are built through personal connections," Mr Hewawasam said.
 

"Bringing our tourism industry to Australia enables those relationships to develop much more quickly and creates opportunities for both countries."
 

Culture takes centre stage
 

The roadshow itself will also provide guests with a taste of Sri Lankan tradition and hospitality. Following afternoon B2B networking, the evening program will include an official opening ceremony, Sri Lankan cultural elements, tourism presentations and a question-and-answer session. Traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp lighting, national anthems and cultural performances will form part of the program.
 

"We don't simply want people to hear about Sri Lanka," Mr Hewawasam said.
 

"We want them to experience some of the warmth, culture and hospitality that makes our country so memorable."
 

Three major Australian events
 

The Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Networking and Roadshow 2026 will take place at:

• Sydney, 3 September 2026 Shangri-La Sydney
• Adelaide, 7 September 2026 Pullman Adelaide
• Perth, and 9 September 2026 Crown Perth

Events will commence from 4.30pm, with B2B networking followed by the official evening program through to approximately 9.30pm.
 

Attendance is complimentary but strictly by invitation, with capacity limited to approximately 150 guests at each location.

A must-attend for Australia's travel industry Mr Hewawasam said the Australian market represented an important opportunity for Sri Lankan tourism.
 

"If you sell international travel, develop holiday packages, advise travellers or report on tourism, this is an opportunity to see why Sri Lanka deserves much greater attention," he said.
 

"We want Australians to rediscover Sri Lanka and understand that an unforgettable international holiday doesn't have to mean choosing between incredible experiences and affordability.
 

"Sri Lanka is ready to welcome Australia."
 

About Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Networking and Roadshow 2026
 

The Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Networking and Roadshow 2026 is the major Sri Lankan tourism promotional event taking place in Australia this year. The roadshow brings together Sri Lankan tourism officials, diplomatic representatives and more than 50 leading tourism businesses with Australian travel industry professionals and media.
 

The initiative is designed to strengthen Sri Lanka's presence in the Australian travel market, establish new commercial partnerships and showcase the country's diverse offering across culture, heritage, beaches, wildlife, gastronomy, wellness, nature and adventure tourism. The event is endorsed by the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the High Commissions of Sri Lanka in Australia and New Zealand.
 

For further information visit https://sltourismau.o2o.com/index