KARACHI: The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) organized a mega Tourism Roadshow at the Karachi Marriott Hotel, bringing together leading stakeholders from Pakistan’s travel and tourism industry. The day-long event featured a press conference, B2B meetings, keynote speeches, destination presentations, tourism videos, captivating cultural performances, and an evening networking session.
Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as one of South Asia’s leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destinations. With its close proximity to Pakistan, excellent air connectivity, world-class convention facilities, luxurious hotels, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional value for money, the island nation offers an ideal combination of business and leisure for corporate travellers and international events.
This was the third consecutive year that the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has organized a Tourism Roadshow in Karachi. The event commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, followed by a ceremonial lamp-lighting by His Excellency Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi; Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr. Ruwan Wijekoon, Manager Pakistan, SriLankan Airlines, Karachi; Syed Feyaz Shah, Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC); and other distinguished guests.
The roadshow was attended by tour operators, senior travel trade professionals, media representatives, trade associations, and prominent tourism stakeholders from Karachi. Their participation reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s growing image as a vibrant year-round destination offering diverse attractions, unique travel experiences, and excellent opportunities for leisure, business, and MICE tourism.
Welcoming the guests, His Excellency Sanjeewa Pattiwila said that Pakistan has always been an important source market for Sri Lanka, not only because of the close geographical proximity but also due to the deep cultural, religious, and historical ties shared by the two countries. He said that through the roadshows in Karachi and Lahore, Sri Lanka aims to further strengthen these longstanding relationships while promoting the island as a preferred destination for leisure, business, and MICE travel.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, said that Sri Lanka offers an ideal environment for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions with modern infrastructure, outstanding hospitality, and competitive value. He added that the Bureau aims to further strengthen tourism and business relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan through these promotional initiatives.
He informed participants that Sri Lanka is targeting more than 30,000 Pakistani visitors this year and has already welcomed over 10,000 visitors, describing the response as highly encouraging. He expressed confidence that the growing interest among Pakistani travellers in leisure, cultural, and MICE tourism would further boost arrivals in the coming months.
Mr. Ruwan Wijekoon, Manager Pakistan, SriLankan Airlines, said the national carrier continues to play a vital role in enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka by offering attractive airfares and convenient flight options, making it easier for travellers to experience Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, pristine beaches, scenic beauty, and vibrant cities.
Syed Feyaz Shah, Managing Director of STDC, assured the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau of his full support and proposed greater collaboration in tourism promotion, particularly in promoting Buddhist tourism between the two friendly countries.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Tourism Roadshow concluded on a highly successful note, effectively showcasing Sri Lanka’s immense tourism potential. Through impressive destination presentations, vibrant cultural performances, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, the event encouraged Pakistani travellers to choose Sri Lanka as their next destination for leisure, business, and MICE tourism.
