The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), held a Tourism Road Show at the Omnia Hotel St. Martin in Rome on 20 October 2026. Following a similar event in Milan on 19 October 2026, the event aimed to strengthen tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Italy.
The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp accompanied by drum performances, followed by a welcome dance. In his welcome address, Ambassador Satya Rodrigo recalled that Marco Polo, who visited Sri Lanka some seven hundred years ago, described it as “the finest island of its size in the world.” The Ambassador invited the audience to discover the island for themselves.
The Ambassador traced the historical ties between the two countries to the reign of Emperor Claudius, when four envoys from the king of ancient Ceylon, known to the Romans as Taprobane, travelled to Rome. He also welcomed the presence of Carlo Marino, an Italian author of a book on Sri Lanka’s archaeological sites.
Highlighting the importance of Italy as a source market for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the Ambassador noted that 50,430 Italian visitors travelled to Sri Lanka in 2025, marking the highest number recorded to date, despite the absence of direct flights between the two countries. He emphasised the island’s compact geography, where golden beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities are located within a few hours of one another. He also highlighted the advantage of Sri Lanka’s two monsoon seasons, which ensure that at least one coast remains suitable for tourism throughout the year. He encouraged Italian tour operators to engage with the Sri Lankan delegation and explore opportunities to develop new itineraries.
The Guest of Honour, Olga Fernando, a renowned Italian conference interpreter who had interpreted for celebrities, royalty and five Presidents of the Italian Republic, shared her personal connections with Sri Lanka. Her mother was from Tuscany, while her father, Nelson K. A. C. Fernando, was from Negombo. He opened the Air Ceylon office in Rome and served as its first Manager in Italy. Recalling her father’s memories and the childhood stories of Sri Lanka she grew up with, as well as her own visits to the island, she encouraged Italian tour operators to promote Sri Lanka and attract more Italian visitors.
Managing Director of the SLTPB, Sanjaya Niroshana, delivered a presentation showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife, beaches, adventure and wellness. He also highlighted the country’s potential as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and weddings. He noted that Sri Lanka aimed to become a favourite winter holiday destination for Italians, highlighting the enduring appeal of the island’s sunshine and the warmth of its people.
The event featured cultural performances, including peacock and Naga Raksha dances. Around 60 participants, including Italian tour operators and media representatives, attended the event, while 24 Sri Lankan tour operators, destination management companies and hotels participated in a business-to-business session. During a press briefing, the Ambassador and the SLTPB Managing Director responded to media questions on the best time for Italians to visit Sri Lanka, key attractions and the range of tourism experiences available. The evening concluded with dinner, music, dance and a raffle draw.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome thanked the SLTPB, participating Italian and Sri Lankan tour operators, and all guests for their contributions to the success of the event.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Rome
26 October 2026
