Emirates boost for Sri Lanka Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market

Emirates Airlines Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (centre) at the Sri Lanka Pavilion during the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market 2025 after lighting the oil lamp. Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera is also present

World's largest Emirates   Airlines Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum yesterday gave a big boost for Sri Lanka’s latest push at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which began yesterday in Dubai.

Sheikh bin Saeed Al Maktoum engaged in the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the ATM 2025.

Sri Lanka is set to make a dynamic presence at the ATM in Dubai, UAE, showcasing its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and diverse tourism offerings. The participation is organised by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), aiming to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the UAE and wider Middle East travel markets.

Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, SLTPB Managing Director Sampath Nissanka, SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager – Middle East Jayantha Abeysinghe, senior officials, and other dignitaries also graced the occasion. Over 70 Sri Lankan travel agents, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and leading hotels have joined the delegation to showcase the country’s unique tourism experiences to an international audience.



Recognising the UAE’s role as a major aviation and travel hub, Sri Lanka is intensifying efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for Emirati nationals and residents. Under the new Government’s tourism strategy targeting 3 million visitors and $ 5 billion in revenue by 2025, Sri Lanka is focusing on high-quality, diversified experiences, including wellness tourism. 

The UAE has been identified as a key priority market in this renewed vision for sustainable tourism growth.

As part of strategic efforts to enhance connectivity and travel convenience, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the SLTPB and Emirates Airlines today (29). This agreement is expected to enhance opportunities for cooperative marketing and strengthen direct air links between the two countries.

Additionally, a press conference will be held today at the ATM 2025 to announce key initiatives and share insights into Sri Lanka’s new tourism campaigns targeting the UAE and Gulf markets.

Consul General Gunasekera said: “To achieve our target of attracting 3 million tourists, Sri Lanka must expand its reach beyond traditional source markets and tap into new and emerging destinations. The ATM offers an ideal platform to connect with a diverse and dynamic audience, opening new avenues for collaboration, partnerships, and growth. By strengthening our presence in regions like the Middle East, we can unlock new opportunities to diversify our tourism base and drive sustainable growth for the sector.”

Nissanka said: “The ATM 2025 provides an invaluable and dynamic platform for Sri Lanka to directly engage with a vast and influential audience from the Middle East and across the globe. Our strong presence here in Dubai, with over 70 esteemed travel and tourism partners from Sri Lanka, underscores the profound importance we place on our relationship with the Arab world. Our participation allows us to effectively showcase the unique experiences and attractions that make Sri Lanka a premier travel destination.”

Sri Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee Chairman Dileep Mudadeniya, addressing the gathering, stated that the Middle Eastern market will play a critical role in generating traffic, especially during the off-season, as Sri Lanka works towards achieving its target of 3 million tourists. He further noted that, considering the number of flying hours and airline connectivity, the Middle East will be one of the key markets from which Sri Lanka can generate a large volume of tourists.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion at the ATM 2025 invites all attendees to experience the spirit of Sri Lanka — a land of timeless heritage, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality — and explore new opportunities for tourism partnerships.

The ATM, one of the premier global events for the travel and tourism sector, will take place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year’s event, themed ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism through Enhanced Connectivity,’ is expected to welcome over 41,000 visitors and more than 2,300 exhibitors from around the world.